"Translation of a German document captured 3 km east of Rosino on December 1st, 1942, among documents of the 10th infantry company, 174th infantry regiment, 81st infantry division.
Directions on shooting from the MG-42 machinegun
The high rate of fire of the MG-42 results in a large consumption of ammunition. Use it with great discipline, and remember the following:
MG-42 as a hand-held machinegun
The high rate of fire of the MG-42 results in difficulty while aiming, due to the shaking after firing. Fire in short bursts. The best amount appears to be 5-7 rounds, as the machinegunner is capable of holding the gun in the direction of the target for that long. After 7 rounds, the dispersion cone deviates from the target, resulting in a larger amount of wasted ammunition.
Conclusion: short bursts with re-acquisition of the target.
In order to prevent the stock from slipping off your shoulder, do the following:
- Place the bipod well
- Press the stock firmly to your shoulder
- Place your feet well
When firing on the move, the machinegunner needs to lean forward. The machine gun must be held by the belt, and must be firmly pressed towards the body with the right hand.
MG-42 as a mounted machinegun
Sustained aimed fire is not possible due to the high rate of fire and shaking of the gun. The dispersion cone moves away after 70 shots. Bursts longer than 70 rounds in length result in a waste of ammunition. Because of this, bursts should be limited to 70 shots, with rapid re-acquisition of the target afterwards.
The resulting rapid heating of the barrel requires replacing the barrel after 200 rounds.
In order to impede the shifting of the dispersion cone while kneeling or sitting, it is recommended to place two ammunition boxes on the middle leg of the gun mount.
Signature illegible
Send to:
- Army headquarters: 1
- All regiments that received MG-42s: 10
- All regiments that have not yet received MG-42s: 1
Note: The tactical-technical data on the MG-42 is missing. According to an interrogation from December 4th, 1942 (Bryansk Front), the MG-42 is allegedly a modernization of the MG-34.
The MG-42 is heavier by one kilogram than the MG-34. Externally, the MG-42 differs little from the MG-34. Allegedly, the rate of fire of the MG-42 reaches 1600 RPM. Verification is required.
Confirmed: Senior assistant of the Chief of the 1st Department of the 3rd Directorate of the Red Army GRU, Colonel Dubenko."
I've always seen 1200 rpm, but that's still 20 rounds a second. How exactly are you supposed to fire a 7 round burst?
ReplyDeleteThe US Marines teach the ditty "die motherfucker die" as the appropriate length of an MG burst. That will get you 12 rounds from a M240 and 20 from a M249.
The ditty for an MG42 burst must be one syllable.