Parts I shoud replace on 70 year old MG34?

[michaelkih]

I are some good maintenance parts that I should replace on a very nice condition pre may MG34 to get it ready for firing reliably?

 

I figure a recoil spring, and a barrel return spring are a good start. Anything else?

[hntrdarren]

Good to very good condition bolts are always good to have for spares.

[michaelkih]

I see them on gunbroker, but how can I tell if they are worn or not?

[hntrdarren]

michaelkih, visual inspection of the bolt body should not have any visual damage to the bolt body, the rollers etc. you should also look for ejector wear if you can see in pictures. You should also get a few extra firing pins and firing pin springs. The firing pins were prone to breakage in the MG34 and the MG42. I highly recommend the book GERMAN UNIVERSAL MACHINEGUNS by FOLKE MYRVANG. It is a weath of knowledge on all aspects of the MG34 and the MG42.

[bmarvin]

BRP, Allegheny Arsenal and RTG Parts used to be good sources for both 34 and 42 parts.

Been a few years since of dealt with any of them though

[johnsonlmg41]

Try the gun first and see what happens. Weak points are firing pin springs and ejectors/ ejector plates, all of which are readily available or repairable. Most of the bolts I've seen for sale are nearly new, however the springs are old and can be a problem. They are awesome guns, run well, and are not that difficult to troubleshoot.