MG34 production dates.

[orione6a]

Im sure this is addressed in the MG34 book, but, since i do not currently have one, I have a question. When did production of the MG34 end? I realize they went to the MG42 for ease of manufacture, and economy. And, other than parts, why would they continue to make the '34?
I have a DOT 1944 parts kit, which causes me to ask this question.
I guess it just seems strange that they could have had that many spare parts laying around, enough to continue production well into '44. Seems as if they would have exhausted the supply much earlier. Does the MG book list production numbers for years, like the mauser book? Just curious.

[Ed S]

They made the 34 until the war ended because
1) they were tooled up to do it,
2) the mg34 was needed for armored vehicles and fortress mounts not suitable for the mg42.
Many armored vehicles had mounted mgs that had to be right hand feed and the 42 was left hand only. The 34 could be left or right. Also, the manner of barrel change for the 42 did not allow for its use in certain mounts. At some point, late 43 or 44, the Bruno factory became the only manufacturer of the 34 ( code DOT).

[Bil]

There are also 34s marked dot45,and since Brno wasn't destroyed during the war,there is also talk of 34s being built by the Czechs,possibly some exportep to Israel.This is from several sources,mostly the Myrvang book.Will try to get production figures

[Kleist]

I think I have a DOT 45 and also a post war unmarked for Israel. Unless they are the same gun, can't remember but one has the star on it.