My MG42

[michaelkih]

I own an all original and matching C&R MG42 bring back, and was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about it. When was it made, and what factory? Also, what size wire do I need to replace the wire on the stock, and how do you reinstall the wire? Thanks a lot!

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New recoil spring vs old recoil spring...

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Edited June 12, 2015 by michaelkih

[RoscoeTurner]

Folke Myrvang published two excellent books that cover every aspect of MG34s and MG42s, you should order them.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/MG-34-MG-42-German-Universal-Machine/dp/088935278X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-1&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074128231&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/German-Universal-Machineguns-MG08-MG3/dp/0889355428/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-2&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074176441&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

[michaelkih]

I own them

 

Folke Myrvang published two excellent books that cover every aspect of MG34s and MG42s, you should order them.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/MG-34-MG-42-German-Universal-Machine/dp/088935278X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-1&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074128231&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/German-Universal-Machineguns-MG08-MG3/dp/0889355428/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-2&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074176441&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

[RoscoeTurner]

I own them

 

 

Then you should have no trouble finding the name of the maker and the date, the answers to both are in the first book.

[Black River Militaria CII]

The gun was manufactured by Maget, a major assembler of MG42s with the code "cra". The bolt matches the serial of the gun, and looks like vintage marking, which is very unusual with registered 42s. I would advise against wrapping the stock since it does not appear to be cracked, which was the reason for wrapping with wire and later a narrow strip of thin metal. An original unwrapped stock is a rarity and enhances the value of the gun. Check to see that the stock is serialed to the receiver, which is also rare and a plus for value. Preserve the uncracked stock and buy a shooter stock, either a plastic post-war or Yugo stock and set aside the nice wooden stock that came with the gun. I suggest the same with the bolt head that matches the receiver number. Buy a replacement WWII vintage bolt head and use that for shooting, or buy a whole WWII bolt and retire the matching parts. Same for the barrel if it is matching. Are any other parts numbered to the rceiver?

If you are going to shoot the gun, post me about having the barrel recuparator springs renewed. Aged and compromised springs in the assembly can result in serious damage if not addressed.

 

Bob Naess

Black River Miliaria CII

Edited June 15, 2015 by Black River Militaria CII

[michaelkih]

The gun was manufactured by Maget, a major assembler of MG42s with the code "cra". The bolt matches the serial of the gun, and looks like vintage marking, which is very unusual with registered 42s. I would advise against wrapping the stock since it does not appear to be cracked, which was the reason for wrapping with wire and later a narrow strip of thin metal. An original unwrapped stock is a rarity and enhances the value of the gun. Check to see that the stock is serialed to the receiver, which is also rare and a plus for value. Preserve the uncracked stock and buy a shooter stock, either a plastic post-war or Yugo stock and set aside the nice wooden stock that came with the gun. I suggest the same with the bolt head that matches the receiver number. Buy a replacement WWII vintage bolt head and use that for shooting, or buy a whole WWII bolt and retire the matching parts. Same for the barrel if it is matching. Are any other parts numbered to the rceiver?

If you are going to shoot the gun, post me about having the barrel recuparator springs renewed. Aged and compromised springs in the assembly can result in serious damage if not addressed.

 

Bob Naess

Black River Miliaria CII

Thanks Bob. I'm Mike Huddleston, who you've done some work for, so yes, you will be getting this gun to have your eyes look over it and replace the springs.

 

The gun does not have much serialized. The receiver matches the bolt and the rear sight. Nothing else is numbered. Maybe cause it was towards the end of the war? It came with 5 barrels so I'll have to see if one of them matches the gun. They are all numbered, but I didn't look.

[michaelkih]

The gun was manufactured by Maget, a major assembler of MG42s with the code "cra". The bolt matches the serial of the gun, and looks like vintage marking, which is very unusual with registered 42s. I would advise against wrapping the stock since it does not appear to be cracked, which was the reason for wrapping with wire and later a narrow strip of thin metal. An original unwrapped stock is a rarity and enhances the value of the gun. Check to see that the stock is serialed to the receiver, which is also rare and a plus for value. Preserve the uncracked stock and buy a shooter stock, either a plastic post-war or Yugo stock and set aside the nice wooden stock that came with the gun. I suggest the same with the bolt head that matches the receiver number. Buy a replacement WWII vintage bolt head and use that for shooting, or buy a whole WWII bolt and retire the matching parts. Same for the barrel if it is matching. Are any other parts numbered to the rceiver?

If you are going to shoot the gun, post me about having the barrel recuparator springs renewed. Aged and compromised springs in the assembly can result in serious damage if not addressed.

 

Bob Naess

Black River Miliaria CII

 

 

The wooden stock does have a slight crack on it, and you can see where it used to be wrapped with the wire. That's why I'd like to rewrap it if I can or if someone can. WaA marked and no serial number.

[michaelkih]

The gun was manufactured by Maget, a major assembler of MG42s with the code "cra". The bolt matches the serial of the gun, and looks like vintage marking, which is very unusual with registered 42s. I would advise against wrapping the stock since it does not appear to be cracked, which was the reason for wrapping with wire and later a narrow strip of thin metal. An original unwrapped stock is a rarity and enhances the value of the gun. Check to see that the stock is serialed to the receiver, which is also rare and a plus for value. Preserve the uncracked stock and buy a shooter stock, either a plastic post-war or Yugo stock and set aside the nice wooden stock that came with the gun. I suggest the same with the bolt head that matches the receiver number. Buy a replacement WWII vintage bolt head and use that for shooting, or buy a whole WWII bolt and retire the matching parts. Same for the barrel if it is matching. Are any other parts numbered to the rceiver?

If you are going to shoot the gun, post me about having the barrel recuparator springs renewed. Aged and compromised springs in the assembly can result in serious damage if not addressed.

 

Bob Naess

Black River Miliaria CII

 

Stock is marked WaA750 and hvo45

[MG34bar]

Mike,

 

You might already be fully aware of this, so forgive me if I'm repeating stuff, but I can't tell if your bolt has the "anti-bounce" spring/plunger installed. I "blew up" my first MG42 in 1974 by not using that addition, but fortunately did little damage to it. After learning about that bolt bounce problem I found the needed parts (rather inexpensively) and after installing that item never had any further problems with the gun.

By the way, I bought that first MG42 (nearly new condition) from Dolf Goldsmith for $400. How time flies.

 

Joe Mangan

[DZelenka]

I am looking for a transferable MG42 of a quality similar to yours. Do you have an opinion as to the fair market value of such a gun?

[Robert Henley]

Folke Myrvang published two excellent books that cover every aspect of MG34s and MG42s, you should order them.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/MG-34-MG-42-German-Universal-Machine/dp/088935278X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-1&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074128231&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/German-Universal-Machineguns-MG08-MG3/dp/0889355428/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434074125&sr=8-2&keywords=Folke+Myrvang&pebp=1434074176441&perid=02619E69878F42C2BC7C

 

Looks like excellent resources. Will have to get the first one MG 34 and MG 42 to learn more about these firearms.