MG42 Go Back to General Purpose Machine Gun Weapon: MG42Type: General Purpose Machine GunCountry of Origin: GermanyYear Adopted: 1942Caliber: 7.92x57mmAction: Fully Automatic - RecoilOverall Length (mm): 1220.0Overall Length (in): 48.03Weight (kg): 11.60Weight (pounds): 25.57Effective Range (m): 1200 mEffective Range (yards): 1312.34The MG42 was a German machine gun developed during World War II to replace the MG34. Chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, it was known for its high rate of fire, simplicity of design, and ease of production. The MG42 could fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute, earning it the nickname "Hitler's Buzzsaw." Adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1942, the MG42 became the backbone of German infantry firepower. Its fearsome rate of fire and reliability made it a dominant force on the battlefield, particularly during defensive actions on the Eastern Front and in Normandy. The MG42's influence extends far beyond World War II, as its design was used as the basis for many post-war machine guns, including the MG3. It remains one of the most iconic and feared weapons of the Second World War.Related Weapons: MG34 MG3 Yugo M53 Machine Gun MG13 Machine Gun MG15 Machine Gun MG30 Machine Gun GalleryNo Articles Found Videos: MG42 Machine Gun - "Hitler's Buzz Saw"