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MG34 issue; barrel sleeve / receiver super tight fit


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Hi

 

Got a nice S243 1940 Mg34. My problem is that changing barrels is almost impossible due to a super-tight "lock" between sleeve & receiver. It takes a LOT of force to unlock, but once it's open the "hinge" is smooth. I literally have to keep the MG upright between my legs and twist with all my power while depressing the latch. Closing it is a bit easier but with a quick swing it locks again. I tried to look for burrs or bent parts but could not spot anything. Any idea what it could be? Also, barrels do not fall out from the sleeve as on some videos, I really have to pull it out. The gun is refinished and a RC and hence not matching.

 

I can take hi-quality pics if needed

 

 

Thanks

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That tolerance is adjustable. I've done it, but am bad at explaining it. If I recall it's detailed in the book. As for the barrel, pull the front apart and clean it thoroughly, there should be no binding in the sleeve. I don't know what an RC is though?

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Hi

 

Ok, that seems interesting! RC means Russian capture, with a large X on the receiver showing it was captured and refinished by the russians after WW2. Which book are you referring to, Myrvangs MG34/42 book? Or some other?

 

Thanks!

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Would seem like the barrel return spring is too strong OR the shape of the rod sticking out (B8 in this pic http://www.weaponeer.net/forum/uploads/tomcatshaas/images/2008-02-24_081339_MG34Receiver.jpg) is causing the problems. That is why closing the action is easier, there is a notch /groove on the sleeve to help compress the spring when closing.

 

What should I do; is this a common problem or a feature or what? Should the rod/spring be replaced?

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  • 1 month later...

Before you do anything analyze the problem further. Unless it is absolutely clear what is the problem do some tests. Look at the seam between the two parts and see if the edges of each part are perfectly parallel. If not, then the hinge pin is probably sightly bent. Look at the surfaces that interface with the joint open: rear face of shroud and front face of receiver and look at the shiny areas to see where the contact is the heaviest. If at the opposite side of the hinge, it is possible the hinge axle is very slightly bent. You can look at the wear inside the shroud hole and see which side is wearing or being pressed by the axle more than the other. When closing, note if the shroud hits the edge of the receiver. Or vice verse.

Once you have done that, remove the barrel recuperator plunger by driving out the retaining pin. Test the closing of the shroud. Unless the plunger is too proud of the receiver face, the pressure from the spring will not make the opening of the joint as tight as you claim.

If the shroud is not hitting the side of the plunger and it appears that the plunger is not the problem, go back to the contact faces. The MG34s were backed up with reserve hinge axles that could replace those bent, broken, worn, etc. However you will not find any of these so the solution will have to be relieving the high spots on whichever face appears to be creating the problem. There is no easy way to move the huge pin in or out and you don't want to do that anyway.

A tight joint is far better than one that is loose, and I have seen a lot of those. OK, no wise cracks now…..

Unless the recuperator plunger is interfering with the movement of the joint which i don't believe is happening, just leave it the way it is. I assume the shroud and receiver are marked as being manufactured together. If they are from different guns, then I still advise leaving it alone.

One of the strange sensations with 34s is picking one up and feeling the flex between the shroud and receiver. You don't want that. With that joint tight, you have one very good selling point when the time comes……FWIW

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