Propane MG42 21.5” Gas Gun WWII Living History MG42 w/ Bipod & Sling
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: 240830MY028WY
Make: DF
Model: MG42 Propane Build
Serial Number: 8637b
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: ½ inch Black Steel Pipe
Action Type: none
Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked “D.F/M.G.42/8637b” also “arz” with an eagle over a spooky pinwheel and “BH”. THe bottom of the receiver is marked “26114”. The top of the feed cover is marked “cof”. The left side of the buttstock is marked “1529”. Bipod is marked “dfb 1943”.
Barrel Length: 21.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a flip up blade with a cover. The rear sight is an adjustable tangent leaf.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is wood and the pistol grips are synthetic. The buttstock shows minor wear and handling marks and the pistol grip bears some scuffs. The LOP measures 16” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The “barrel” pipe bore is dark and there is no rifling. There is no visible erosion in the bore. 9/10 on the barrel bore rating in this writer’ opinion.
Overall Condition: This pyrotechnique device retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear around the charging handle, barrel shroud, feed cover, and buttstock. The screw heads are sharp and pins are workable. Most markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. The bipod retains about 90% of its metal finish with handling and storage wear evident across most surfaces, especially on moving parts. The screw heads and threads are sharp and clean. The nuts and bolts are in good shape. Please see the photos.
Mechanics: The rifle’s action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Two electrical leads, the gas regulator knobs and gauges, and a small battery to operate the system.
Our Assessment: Let’s be honest. The German government did a lot of things wrong during the mid-20th century, but their machining and engineering skills were not part of their terrible decision making. Having already created the King of all-purpose machine gun designs in the MG 34, the new MG 42 was quicker and cheaper to produce than the MG 34s, and they didn’t use exorbitant amounts of Germany’s already-low supply of high-grade steel. These firearms were incredibly well made, solidly stamped metal machines that were light enough for one infantry man to move it, versatile thanks to its different mounting systems, and quick to fix or change out barrels.
This air-cooled firearm intimidated most, and would go on to earn many nicknames, including “Angry Mustache Man’s Buzzsaw” thanks to the distinctive sound it made while firing its hundreds of rounds per minute. We could write an entire essay about the effect the MG 42 had on WWII, its history and legends are equal to, if not greater than, the US counterpart of the Browning 1919.
This Gas Gun is arranged in the traditional “light support weapon” configuration with a folding bipod. Which means you and five of your closest friends can get started on recreating the MG42’s historic six-men crew and show off at the next WWII reenactment. Either way, here’s your chance to own a Propane operated version of the best general purpose machine gun ever made. These guns are an amazing idea for anyone looking to film a movie or make some noise at your next festive event. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
