Yugo M-53 compared to MG-42, what are the differences?

[flying pig]

Wondering what the differences are between a Yugoslavian M-53 and a German MG-42? Is the M-53 more or less a post war redesignation of the MG-42 or is it a post war build or?

Thanks! Wasn't sure quite where to put this...

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I'll bet if you examine a few of them you'd find German parts employed. I'd say they're just about spot on MG42. They copied everything else...bayonets, rifles...

[RCS]

The post war MG42 had different weight bolts to control the cyclic rate not certain what was used in the M53

[arado]

The measure of any weapon is how long it remains in front line service. The MG42 still is.The Tokarev pistol is. The PPSH is. All WW2 veterans.

[Warren]

The SARAC M53 and the German MG 42 are identical with only very small individual manufacturing differences. Most M53's do not have the AA sight boss and the sling link on the barrel jacket. Most if not all components will interchange and if they don't it is usually just a slight manufacturing difference but all are minor in nature and can easily modified to fit either unit. The later German MG 3 heavy bolt will fit both the WW II MG42 and the SARAC M 53 and cut the cyclic rate down to a manageable 950 rounds per minute. The finish on the SARAC M53 is normally a bit rougher than most WW II 42's. Some SARAC M53's have almost a commercial type blue finish but they are few and far between....most are a bit rough. The Layfette tripod mount is totally interchangeable with many of the Yugo tripods being German WW II having the range plate changed and the "dirty birds" painted over. Check any YUGO M 53 tripod over closely as there is a good chance it is a German WW II issue. The butt stock on the SARAC M 53 is normally wire bound with three or four wraps of wire. The wood is not the same quality as the German WW II wood butts.
One interesting thing is that in most WW II photo's you see of a German MG crew, they are using the 34 and not the 42.

[fjruple]

The angle of the grip stick of the M53 is at a different angle than the MG42. The M53 also does not use the front spider AAA sight of the MG42 even though the space for the AAA sight base is stamped into the receiver.

Cheers

--fjruple