MG34 barrel shroud relacement

[anjongni]

OK, I didn't realise that they could be removed. Does anyone have an idea how the Germans allowed for the match-up of the barrel shroud and the rear housing to come together perfectly? Was the foreward part drilled/etc. after installation? Were the treads "timed" like a Thompson ejector? Is it "pinned" once it's correctly timed? Once a shroud is removed, can it be installed on another rear housing and be expected to align? They had certainly had amazing capabilities...Phil

[jonathanseverin]

Sorry I can't help much there, but it does explain the dot 41 I saw with the two ventilation holes where the bipod is attached, ie a later dot manufactured barrel jacket so I guess they were changed on occasion. Jonathan.

[Matt]

i think the two screws on the bottom that hold the spring for the bipod also keep the shroud from unscrewing. i'm sure they are timed so they screw togeither right - matt