Original German MG 42 7.92x57mm Mauser Transferable General Purpose Belt-fed Machine Gun, C&R Eligible

Status: In Stock / Please Call to Purchase 

This Chester County Armory listing is for authentic WWII-era German MG 42 7.92x57mm Mauser transferable general purpose belt-fed machine gun.

This beautiful piece of history features all German WWII-era original parts, but is a non-matching serial number model. This weapon is not a reweld or a conversion, but is a pre-1968 non-domestic produced machine gun. It is Curio and Relic license eligible due to the age of production.

Various contractor and subcontractor markings, along with multiple Waffenamt markings are observed on this model. The 1944 dated receiver notes a dfb marking, denoting original receiver production and initial assembly by Gustloff Werk Suhl  (Waffenfabrik, Suhl) in Suhl, Germany. Formerly the Simson & Co in Suhl, this factory was originally the the official arms supplier of the Weimar Republic before it was confiscated from the Jewish Simson family by the Nazi’s in 1936. After it was taken, it fell under control of Germany’s Wilhelm Gustloff Stiftung (Wilhelm Gustloff Foundation) which used confiscated money from German Jews to operate various factories (Gustloff Werke) to support the German war machine. This factory in Suhl was mainly focused on production of the MG 34 and MG42. This particular model was built in 1944 in this factory. Not uncommon on a wartime weapon, the two digit bolt number and barrel serial number do not match the receiver on this model. However the bolt is also a period and factory correct (also dfb marked) version. Other production codes are also observed on this weapon, as is common as various subcontractors built the parts for the final assembly of these weapons.

This model also features the rarely seen  anti-aircraft flip-up rear sight, as well as an original mounting bracket for the front anti-aircraft spiderweb sight. Unfortunately, no AA front sight is included with this item. This model does, however, contain the original front flip-up sight and the standard rear sight, as well.

Overall, this model is in excellent condition for an 80+ year old machine gun. Mechanically, it has been fully inspected with no noted concerns. All mechanisms operate smoothly and appropriately.   The bolt notes minor carbon scarring and markings, but the bolt face remains crisp and well defined.   The barrel remains bright with crisp rifling. Minor wartime dents and dings are noted in the metal, but no cracks, malformations, or anything that would be cause for a structural concern.

Cosmetically, the original factory finish has patinaed at a majority of spots to an eye-pleasing gray and auburn patina. All parts appear to be original factory finish. The right side of the barrel shroud notes some significant finish wear at the connection point to the barrel removal lever. No corrosion or oxidation is observed.  The wood stock and pistol grip panels both display some minor handling marks and small chips on the exterior, but no structural concerns. Purchase of this model will include two additional MG 42 bolts, one is a WWII German production bolt while the other appears to be a Post-War bolt, possibly of Yugoslavian origin.

This fantastic, investment-grade, German factory manufactured MG 42 transferable belt-fed general purpose machine gun is currently on a Form 3 for easy transfer. The current NFA Form 3 paperwork denotes the manufacturer as “Germany” and the model as “MG/42.”