Comparison of WWII Weapons (2 Viewers)

[Col. Hesler]

What about the MG42?

 

[binder001]

What about the MG42?

The MG42 was the logical follow on to the MG34 and a major step to the machineguns in use today. The major factor IMHO wasn't just the gun but the new way the Germans looked at the weapon. Instead of the machinegun being a support weapon for the infantry the lightweight multi-purpose machinegun became the centerpiece of the infantry squad's firepower. One gun was meant to serve as squad and company level automatic weapon and the same gun was used on tripod for general support. The MG34 and MG42 both served admirably in their roles. A tribute to the design is that a modernized version, the MG3, served with West Germany for many years (I'm not sure if it is still used or not).

The only complaints I have heard about the MG42 is that the high rate of fire eats up ammo quite fast, the early cocking handle was hard to operate, and there were some concerns about accuracy - although the last may be unnecessary in a machinegun.

Supposedly the US Army looked at copying the MG42 but according to the common tale a draftsman made an error in going from metric to English dimensions and the test weapon wouldn't work with US .30-06 ammo. Obviously the MG3 functions with the 7.62mm NATO cartridge.

Gary

 

[L Flowers]

I trained with West German soldiers in the 80s and they had MG3s. It and the M-60 can trace their lineage to the MG34 and MG42. The M-60 was a joy to fire having put many rounds down range with it.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

Frank, I'd agree with pretty much all your choices. Now here's another trickier one: who had the best grenade?

We could also make up a list about worst weapons in WW2. The booby prize for worst pistol would definitely go to the Japanese Nambu - but on the other hand Japanese officers had the best swords so I guess it all evened out in a close-in fight.

 

[fmethorst]

Of course, grenades. The list goes on and on. Didn't mention mines either.

I like the concept of worst weapon list. My vote goes to the proposed sharpened bamboo stick to be "issued" to Japanese civilians.

...although the Soviet idea of sending guys into combat without a rifle definitely needs to rank up there.

Yeah that's it. Worst weapon of WWII. One stripper clip (5 rounds) of 7.62x54mm R cartidges. The associated rifle needs to be scavanged off the battlefield.

 

[OzDigger]

Of course, grenades. The list goes on and on. Didn't mention mines either.

I like the concept of worst weapon list. My vote goes to the proposed sharpened bamboo stick to be "issued" to Japanese civilians.

...although the Soviet idea of sending guys into combat without a rifle definitely needs to rank up there.

Yeah that's it. Worst weapon of WWII. One stripper clip (5 rounds) of 7.62x54mm R cartidges. The associated rifle needs to be scavanged off the battlefield.

But look out when he finds it