FG-42: Perhaps the Most Impressive WW2 Shoulder Rifle (ad-free)
Added 2023-03-08 12:00:01 +0000 UTCThe first production version of the FG42 used a fantastically complex milled receiver and a distinctive sharply swept-back pistol grip. A contract to make 5,000 of them was awarded to Krieghoff in late spring of 1943, but by the fall its replacement was already well into development. The milled receiver used a lot of high-nickel steel which was becoming difficult for Germany to acquire, and it was decided to develop a stamped receiver to ease production obstacles. Ultimately only about 2,000 of the early Type E FG42 rifles were actually made, and only 12 or 15 are registered in the US. They are a remarkably advanced rifle, and extremely interesting.
Comments
Very informative video, thanks. Good point about the trigger guard size, pictures I have seen of paratroopers in all climes, show them wearing gloves. I wonder how much actual combat dropping these guns had, as after Operation Mercury, into 1942, there were not many even moderate scale jumps.
Robert Beattie
2023-07-13 06:23:54 +0000 UTCThis, the BAR, the TRW Low-maintenance Rifle -- anything else firing from the open bolt but being called "a rifle"?
Stuart Morrow
2023-03-12 18:53:09 +0000 UTCI went back and watched your video of shooting a full-auto FG-42 as well as your video of shooting a full-auto M-14 (I also remember another video of you and Karl shooting a full-auto FAL and G3 but couldn't find it - damn you youtube). Why didn't any of the post-war battle rifles incorporate the design elements of the FG-42 that made it relatively controllable while firing full-auto?
James Steed
2023-03-09 17:21:32 +0000 UTCyeah complex but SUCH an outstanding design. stgw44 or not technical side that by far cooler to me. 2nd pattern in particular. heck I'd love to shoot one of those.
Guido Schriewer
2023-03-08 22:10:03 +0000 UTCVery interesting rifle Ian, thanks for the video.
Paul Ingraham
2023-03-08 19:55:37 +0000 UTCAwesome video.
2023-03-08 16:41:13 +0000 UTCYeah, I think their estimate is accurate.
Forgotten Weapons
2023-03-08 16:35:28 +0000 UTCdo you think this will bring $250,000 plus? I see morphys values it at $250,000-$350,000. That is insane
Shawn McIver
2023-03-08 14:38:01 +0000 UTCThe only gun I know with a more aggresive pistol grip than the FAL.
z c
2023-03-08 12:13:56 +0000 UTC
