September 30th, 2008, 02:31 PM
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Skellefteċ
Age: 38
Posts: 3,988
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Re: Maschinengewehr 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nachtjager
Quote:
Originally Posted by TSPhillips
I've often wondered why the German weapons had such a high rate of fire, and after a bit of research, got a reason. The Germans reasoned that there would always be cover on a battlefield, but troops had to move from cover to cover, and the time they were exposed, put as much lead into that area in as short a time as possible. Hence, the high rates of fire. At least that was one reason. I've also read that on the Eastern front that 42's were modified to fire up to 2000 (!) rounds a minute for the Russian human wave assaults. All in all, a truly terrifying weapon and interesting doctrine.
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WOW, that sure would slow down russian advances. Quite a good gun. I like how it continued service for some time after the war. Does anyone know when it discontinues service? |
It's still in service in quite a lot of different countrys in either MG42/59 or MG3 configuration. Both versions is chambered for 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308).
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