Post War use of MG42/MG3 by West German Army

[Calif-Steve]

The Norwegians found that the best runners of all were the 7.92mm MG42's. They converted them into .30-'06 and 7.62mm, so they had a lot of experience with all of the MG's.

[RCS]

I don't think Norway converted any MG 42's but only converted the MG 34 to 30-06 and 7,62mm NATO

[BMF]

Norway converted a few MG42's to 30-06 for testing. They worked well, but when the conversion was about to begin, the stocks of MG' 42's had been sold!!

See this link for a good article.
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/displ...darticles=1451

[Lee Enfield]

Am I correct in thinking that the belt originally used with the MG42 in 7.92 form didn't disintegrate with firing the weapon and came out the other side of the receiver as a complete belt? Thanks for the information chaps.

DM-1 non disintegrating link was used with the initial 7.62 conversion, and I believe that the MG3 will operate both non, and disintegrating link with no changes between the 2 types.

[tankhunter]

German / Bundeswher MG3's now in Service, use Non Disintergrating link. It is almost identical to the UK/ N.A.T.O Link. EXCEPT, the links do NOT have a hole drilled through the rounded Loop on top.

As an aside, I have seen GPMG /Mag 58 Alliuminum top covers. Modified to use the DM1 non disintegrating belts as well. & ALSO, left & right hand feed for these belts. I believe they were for Helicopter use. & was informed that they originated from the South African Forces at that time.

The right hand feed T/Covers were a mirror image of the normal left handers! Feed Trays were also Mirror Imaged version too!

[Vincent]

German / Bundeswher MG3's now in Service, use Non Disintergrating link. It is almost identical to the UK/ N.A.T.O Link. EXCEPT, the links do NOT have a hole drilled through the rounded Loop on top.

I wonder why they gave up on the DM6 disintegrating links. Anyone know?

DM6 links


I like the DM6 links better than the M13 links. They seem much better suited to the MG3. I never have a problem with them, but I am just range shooting with them.

In my very limited experience 8mm seems superior to 7.62 NATO. The MG42 runs like a top. The MG3 seems to near the limit of the ammunition to work the mechanism. The DM6 links seem to have less friction and help the operation, so I am surprised they gave up on them.

[mrclark303]

I guess the Norwegians were only Northern European Country to carry on issuing the the MP38/40 too (they certainly made use of those captured German weapons), right up to the late 1980's I believe for second line duty's, primarily with the Airforce I think. I have some pics of a Norwegian Airforce issue MP38 here somewhere.

[mrclark303]

Here's the Airforce issue MP38..

[browningautorifle]

Airforce issue MP38

Very nice. Wish I had a pic of the Turkish issue one from years ago...

[Flying10uk]

I have heard it suggested that Finland made use of some German weapons post war but I don't know how true this is and don't know any further details. Does anyone know if this is correct?