FG 42

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	Weapon: FG 42 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1942 Caliber: 7.92x57mm Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 1140.0 Overall Length (in): 44.88 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 400 m Effective Range (yards): 437.45

The FG 42 (Fallschirmjagergewehr 42) was a revolutionary automatic rifle developed by Nazi Germany during World War II for use by the Fallschirmjager, or paratroopers. Designed to combine the functions of a rifle and a light machine gun, the FG 42 featured a unique and forward-thinking design, including a side-mounted magazine, in-line stock, and selective fire capability. It was chambered for the powerful 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, allowing it to function effectively at both long range and in close-quarters combat. The rifle's design was influenced by the need for a lightweight, versatile weapon suitable for airborne troops.

Production of the FG 42 began in 1943, but only around 7,000 units were manufactured due to its complexity and the high cost of materials. The initial models, known as the Type I, suffered from significant recoil and were difficult to control during full-automatic fire. Later versions, or Type II models, addressed some of these issues by incorporating a heavier design and improved components, but they remained challenging to mass-produce. The FG 42 saw limited deployment, primarily among elite German paratrooper units, and was praised for its firepower and versatility despite its limited availability.

The FG 42 is regarded as one of the most innovative small arms of World War II, influencing the design of post-war weapons such as the U.S. M60 machine gun. Its combination of advanced features and multifunctionality made it a highly sought-after weapon by collectors and historians. Despite its notoriety, the FG 42's operational impact was constrained by its low production numbers and the logistical challenges of deploying it widely within the German armed forces. Nevertheless, it remains a symbol of German ingenuity and the evolving role of automatic rifles in military doctrine.