MG-42

One of the most iconic and infamous weapons of the 20th century, the MG-42 (MachinenGewehr 1942 or Machine Gun 1942) was the standard issued general purposes machine gun of Nazi, Germany from 1942-1945. The MG-42 was first introduced as a replacement for the more expensive to make MG-34 machine gun at the time. By the 40s however, the war was turning in favor of the Allies, which led to the cease of manufacturing machined parts and utilizing sheet metals in a new design for a general purpose machine gun. The MG-42 proved to be not only powerful, but reliable as well. The weapon's rate of fire was 1,200 rpm, but with different bolts, it fired from 900-1,500 rpm. Because of it's lethal rapid fire, the MG-42 earned it's nickname as "Hitler's Buzzsaw" by many. Although it was one of the most lethal machine guns of it's time, the MG-42 had a major drawback, which pertained to it's barrel heating up quicker than it could cool down. To avoid the barrel from the event of breaking, troops issued the weapon were also issued extra barrels that they swapped every time the weapon was reloaded.

Ever since it's introduction, the MG-42 has served many countries around the world and has spawned other variations such as the Rheinmetall MG-3 general purpose machine gun. The only difference between the MG-42 and MG-3 is in it's caliber. The MG-42 fired a 7.92×57mm Mauser ammunition used in weapons like the Kar98k, Gewehr 43 and even FG-42. the MG-3 however fires a 7.62×51mm NATO which is used in weapons like the M14 and SCAR rifles.