Photos of original FG42

[hansellhd]

So is "SMGGUNS in TX" the company that imported a batch from the German makers? Or do they make their own replica?

They make there own in Texas.

SMG Guns | Semi Auto FG42 Project!

Information

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[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Hmm, that's a thought. I have a Dewat Czech ZB30J in 7 x 57, but the mags are the same as the 8mm. I will try one of them--if it fit, that would be a good way to go. I was thinking of maybe trying to get one of the repro mags out of the US, but the problem is these stupid stupid STUPID mag size restrictions, so I would have to get the mag pinned beforeit hit the border. Hmmm.....

Ed

Any test results you care to share FG42 and ZB magazines? I sent you a PM about retail original FG42 magazines in Canada. He says he has "a few".

[jmoore]

Five year wait, but got one home this weekend. Fired one round per magazine to check function and ease of operation at the range, but it was late and the usual weekend crowd was about. So further wringing out will be delayed a bit.











I can think of no other rifle that requires as much strength to operate! It's a beast to run. The charging handle requires lots of poundage to get going. And the lack of a bolt stop other than the follower itself means considerable wrestling to do mag swaps. (The semi-auto Bren rebuilds aren't too different (not including mag changes), but not many folk aside from me seem to make a habit of firing them offhand, and the Bren in original form doesn't have near as heavy cocking force. But the FG may have had stout spring from the get-go.)


Weight is just under 12lbs (11# 13oz w/o mag). Heavyish for a semiauto rifle, but very light for a select fire weapon with so much power.


Closest equivalent at hand is an 18 1/2" barreled M1a in a Sage stock:



Only about 2 ounces difference between these two.

Need to do a pull apart and see where the new and original differ. Seemed like this might be a good thread in which to do so.

[Calif-Steve]

Which factory made them? Looks like a real tough rifle to produce in quantity. I realize not many made, but where did they end up after the war? Very seldom seen today. Very nice photo spread. Thank you.

[bigduke6]

May be of interest, I guess this guy saves up to buy enough ammo to shoot it.

[hansellhd]

This is what we have down here in the U.S. the Smg42 clone of the FG42 and yes I have one.












HDH.

[MJ1]

I love it when it goes photolistic!!!

Thank you for sharing gents.

[hansellhd]

The Spit was a beauty Queen but the Fw190 would eat it for lunch.

[boltaction]

MJ1, that's a beautiful photo! The profile looks like a Spitfire maybe? Where was that taken?

Ed

[jmoore]

I was on the verge of getting one of the semi-FG42s, but also have held off. Waiting for reliability reports. Not an easy thing to make semi-only AND reliable. Esp. with the bolt above the piston and all. The semi-only M60s I've seen inside were quite wretched. A friend had one type in his shop, trying to get it to run for ages. Finally, in a rare move, he just hollered "Uncle!" and gave up.