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MG34 file photo [5520]

MG 34 Machine Gun

Country of OriginGermany
TypeMachine Gun
Caliber7.920 mm
Capacity250 rounds
Length1.219 m
Barrel Length627.000 mm
Weight12.100 kg
Rate of Fire850 rounds/min
Muzzle Velocity755 m/s

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe Maschinengewehr 34 air cooled machine guns, or MG34 for short, were designed by Heinrich Vollmer of Mauser Werke in 1934. Due to their versatility, they were versatile and were an instant favorite with the German Army when they entered service in 1935. They were also often found on tanks (MG34-T) and aircraft (MG81 and MG81Z).

They were first fired in combat in Spain during the Spanish Civil War. They were well-liked as general purpose machine guns, despite complaints of frequent jams when dirty. There were two mountings available for the MG34 machine guns. In the light machine gun role, they were supposed to be mounted on 12.1-kg bipods, while 23.6-kg tripods with sighting and remote firing equipment were manufactured for anti-craft and heavier roles in general; in reality, combat experience showed that most MG34 machine guns were used with bipods regardless of situation due to the lighter weight.

In 1941, after German Army combat experiences in Poland and France, a request was made for an improved design that would have a higher rate of fire while still have minimal dispersion. As a response, a few MG34/41 machine guns were produced; this new design was quickly abandoned in favor of the more effective MG42 machine guns, which were chosen to replace the MG34 models. However, when the new design entered service, MG34 machine guns remained in service due to war demands. In fact, a few of the older MG13 machine guns that MG34 machine guns were supposed to replace were still in use as well.

Between 1934 and 1945, about 350,000 MG34 machine guns were built.

Source: Wikipedia. ww2dbase

Last Major Revision: Jan 2008

MG 34 Machine Gun Interactive Map

Photographs

Chinese troops aboard a German-made SdKfz. 221 armored car with a MG 35 machine gun and an anti-tank gun, China, circa late 1930sGerman MG34 machine gun crew, date unknown
See all 32 photographs of MG 34 Machine Gun



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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Anonymous says:
10 Jul 2009 09:09:52 AM

Hello,

Do you know of anyone with MG34S or MG34/41 parts to sell? I need a feed tray and a complete top cover.

J. Petrie

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MG 34 Machine Gun Photo Gallery
Chinese troops aboard a German-made SdKfz. 221 armored car with a MG 35 machine gun and an anti-tank gun, China, circa late 1930sGerman MG34 machine gun crew, date unknown
See all 32 photographs of MG 34 Machine Gun


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"With Germany arming at breakneck speed, England lost in a pacifist dream, France corrupt and torn by dissension, America remote and indifferent... do you not tremble for your children?"

Winston Churchill, 1935


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