FG-42: Perhaps the Most Impressive WW2 Shoulder Rifle
Germany • 17m
The 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.
Up Next in Germany
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VMP 1930 at the Range: does the Monop...
Yesterday we took a look at the mechanics and history of Heinrich Vollmer's 1930 pattern VMP, and today we have it out at the range. I'm curious is the mid-point monopod will actually help or hinder accurate shooting...shall we find out?
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