Which Beltfed Machinegun To Buy?

Jack_Bauer24 · May 2, 2012, 08:22 AM

Looking to purchase a transferable beltfed machinegun but which one to buy? There are a very select few beltfed machineguns that can be found for sale on the market today but out of the ones listed which one would you buy for Investment, Quality, Functionability, Parts?

Skans · May 2, 2012, 12:58 PM

I voted for the HK, but could also go for the M60.

Grant D · May 2, 2012, 01:05 PM

The Hitler Zipper (MG42)

JT-AR-MG42 · May 2, 2012, 08:25 PM

I voted for the 42 based on parts availability, but I'd stock up on spare parts for which ever you choose. None of these guns were meant for a lifetime of shooting without piles of spare parts.

My 34 is really a reliable gun. I numbered all my bolts and barrels. After a couple of long range sessions, was able to put together the most reliable combinations.

All combinations would function, but some with constant failures on sustained bursts.
All in all, if one is not going to put some real backup money into a 34, might be best to choose something else.

My 42 runs smoothly with Romanian, Portuguese, or the 70s Yugo. For the harder primed 50s Yugo, I SLIGHTLY sharpen firing pins to get a deeper indentation on the primer. Still not 100% reliable, but its the cheapest!

Always run a 42 with the bolt safety or positive locking spring if you are shooting surplus to control hangfires.

The HK is like the 42. A vicious gun to shoot if not using a tripod. A belt now and then from the hip, shoulder, or prone is fun ( it gets old after a while), but for actually hitting something (And actually see what you are hitting. Try either one sometime while shooting prone and tell me what you see. Only then will you know what I mean) , a tripod is the way to go.

Don't know enough about spare gear for the SAECO, but my experience around them has always been positive and they are definitely the most user friendly for shooting enjoyment.

With the ability of Congressional/Executive actions and/or laws to put a halt to further transfers at any time, I would not consider any NFA to be an investment at all.

Life is short. Just get the one you like if you really want it!

My take, JT

BlueTrain · May 3, 2012, 09:54 AM

If you were buying any firearm as an investment, you pretty much couldn't shoot it because it would reduce the value of the gun. That might not hold true with all of them, like full auto guns or English shotguns but that's what you usually hear about collector firearms.

**4V50 Gary** · May 3, 2012, 10:18 AM

My favorite is the MG-42. However for parts, I'd go with the M60.

medalguy · May 5, 2012, 11:06 PM

To me, an MG42 is the cat's meow. Buy lots (and then more) ammo.

Willie Sutton · May 6, 2012, 09:27 AM

M1919 not a choice?

MG-42 then.

Willie

.

pcb911 · May 8, 2012, 08:30 PM

This is based on my experience back in the 70's: So I always liked the MG-34 better that any other belt fed gun. I had a M-60 that was a great "Rambo" gun for shooting from the hip. Shot a lot of blanks that I bought in S. Georgia once in public displays.

In college, I was able to shoot several MG-42s and always thought there was not much difference between it and a MAC-10. Cut a small pine tree(16") down with a MG-42 and 500 rounds linked together one time when we were just playing. Always loved the belief that you had 5 bullets on target before your shoulder jerked from the recoil.

Never cared for a US 30 cal. Always liked the "From Here to Eternity" on the roof shooting with a glove and belt over the arm shot.

The MG-34 was my belt fed BAR. I enjoyed shooting both from the hip. The BAR with a GI belt with butt stock cup and the MG-34 with the sling over the cross shoulder.

The MG-34 was very controlable and accurate in every positon. Being tall, I was able to shoot down range with a A/A tripod as long as the back leg was in line with the gun. The best part was that I could buy WWII ammo out of CA. for 5 cents a round delivered. Cleaned it in a auto parts washer with mineral spirits.

Bought a diplomat shipping case for mine that had 2 spare barrels, A/A drums, a parts kit, paper muzzel covers and several other things. The only thing missing was the gun. Paid a $1,000 for the case: and wonder where it is now.

Something about the MG-34 just felt natural in my hands. Have the same feeling about a Lugar and a High Power.

smee78 · May 18, 2012, 09:18 AM

I vote 1919a4!

mboylan · May 24, 2012, 12:50 PM

None of the above. The 1919 has so many caliber conversions and aftermarket accessories, it's at the top of my list. It is also priced competively with the M16.

Jack_Bauer24 · May 24, 2012, 01:29 PM

The problem is the 1919a4 is not a Light Machine Gun and is heavier than a 42 and you need a tripod as the 42 can be used with out one as it's design to. The 42 can be converted to 308 just like 1919a4. There are many 42 parts out there.

gyvel · May 26, 2012, 01:45 AM

A friend of mine had an MG42 back in the 70s. At that time, he was getting 8mm surplus for 8 cents a round. We figured, given the cyclic rate of the MG42, that it was $1.60 a second to shoot it.

TNT · June 10, 2012, 08:27 AM

Quote:

The problem is the 1919a4 is not a Light Machine Gun and is heavier than a 42 and you need a tripod as the 42 can be used with out one as it's design to. The 42 can be converted to 308 just like 1919a4. There are many 42 parts out there.

then get the Stinger version of the 1919 granted they are hard to find of not impossible but you can convert them http://homemadedefense.blogspot.com/...lmg-30-06.html

View Poll Results: Which Beltfed Machinegun To Purchase?
Saco M60E3 (New In Box)	9	25.71%
HK 21E ( Slightly Used)	9	25.71%
MG42 (Used w/Some Pitting)	13	37.14%
MG34 (Used)	4	11.43%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

May 2, 2012, 08:22 AM	#1
Jack_Bauer24 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2007 Posts: 147	Which Beltfed Machinegun To Buy? Looking to purchase a transferable beltfed machinegun but which one to buy? There are a very select few beltfed machineguns that can be found for sale on the market today but out of the ones listed which one would you buy for Investment, Quality, Functionability, Parts? __________________ "When the people fear the govt there is tyranny, when the govt fears the people there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson

May 3, 2012, 09:54 AM	#5
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	If you were buying any firearm as an investment, you pretty much couldn't shoot it because it would reduce the value of the gun. That might not hold true with all of them, like full auto guns or English shotguns but that's what you usually hear about collector firearms. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.

May 3, 2012, 10:18 AM	#6
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,829	My favorite is the MG-42. However for parts, I'd go with the M60. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 5, 2012, 11:06 PM	#7
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,033	To me, an MG42 is the cat's meow. Buy lots (and then more) ammo. Last edited by medalguy; May 7, 2012 at 09:55 PM.

May 2, 2012, 12:58 PM	#2
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I voted for the HK, but could also go for the M60.

May 2, 2012, 01:05 PM	#3
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	The Hitler Zipper (MG42)

May 2, 2012, 08:25 PM	#4
JT-AR-MG42 Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Posts: 555	I voted for the 42 based on parts availability, but I'd stock up on spare parts for which ever you choose. None of these guns were meant for a lifetime of shooting without piles of spare parts. My 34 is really a reliable gun. I numbered all my bolts and barrels. After a couple of long range sessions, was able to put together the most reliable combinations. All combinations would function, but some with constant failures on sustained bursts. All in all, if one is not going to put some real backup money into a 34, might be best to choose something else. My 42 runs smoothly with Romanian, Portuguese, or the 70s Yugo. For the harder primed 50s Yugo, I SLIGHTLY sharpen firing pins to get a deeper indentation on the primer. Still not 100% reliable, but its the cheapest! Always run a 42 with the bolt safety or positive locking spring if you are shooting surplus to control hangfires. The HK is like the 42. A vicious gun to shoot if not using a tripod. A belt now and then from the hip, shoulder, or prone is fun ( it gets old after a while), but for actually hitting something (And actually see what you are hitting. Try either one sometime while shooting prone and tell me what you see. Only then will you know what I mean) , a tripod is the way to go. Don't know enough about spare gear for the SAECO, but my experience around them has always been positive and they are definitely the most user friendly for shooting enjoyment. With the ability of Congressional/Executive actions and/or laws to put a halt to further transfers at any time, I would not consider any NFA to be an investment at all. Life is short. Just get the one you like if you really want it! My take, JT

May 6, 2012, 09:27 AM	#8
Willie Sutton Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 1,066	M1919 not a choice? MG-42 then. Willie .

May 8, 2012, 08:30 PM	#9
pcb911 Member Join Date: February 10, 2011 Location: North Georgia & Fl. Posts: 44	This is based on my experience back in the 70's: So I always liked the MG-34 better that any other belt fed gun. I had a M-60 that was a great "Rambo" gun for shooting from the hip. Shot a lot of blanks that I bought in S. Georgia once in public displays. In college, I was able to shoot several MG-42s and always thought there was not much difference between it and a MAC-10. Cut a small pine tree(16") down with a MG-42 and 500 rounds linked together one time when we were just playing. Always loved the belief that you had 5 bullets on target before your shoulder jerked from the recoil. Never cared for a US 30 cal. Always liked the "From Here to Eternity" on the roof shooting with a glove and belt over the arm shot. The MG-34 was my belt fed BAR. I enjoyed shooting both from the hip. The BAR with a GI belt with butt stock cup and the MG-34 with the sling over the cross shoulder. The MG-34 was very controlable and accurate in every positon. Being tall, I was able to shoot down range with a A/A tripod as long as the back leg was in line with the gun. The best part was that I could buy WWII ammo out of CA. for 5 cents a round delivered. Cleaned it in a auto parts washer with mineral spirits. Bought a diplomat shipping case for mine that had 2 spare barrels, A/A drums, a parts kit, paper muzzel covers and several other things. The only thing missing was the gun. Paid a $1,000 for the case: and wonder where it is now. Something about the MG-34 just felt natural in my hands. Have the same feeling about a Lugar and a High Power. __________________ Assume nothing.

May 18, 2012, 09:18 AM	#10
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I vote 1919a4! __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

May 24, 2012, 12:50 PM	#11
mboylan Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2011 Posts: 120	None of the above. The 1919 has so many caliber conversions and aftermarket accessories, it's at the top of my list. It is also priced competively with the M16.

May 24, 2012, 01:29 PM	#12
Jack_Bauer24 Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2007 Posts: 147	The problem is the 1919a4 is not a Light Machine Gun and is heavier than a 42 and you need a tripod as the 42 can be used with out one as it's design to. The 42 can be converted to 308 just like 1919a4. There are many 42 parts out there. __________________ "When the people fear the govt there is tyranny, when the govt fears the people there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson

May 26, 2012, 01:45 AM	#13
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	A friend of mine had an MG42 back in the 70s. At that time, he was getting 8mm surplus for 8 cents a round. We figured, given the cyclic rate of the MG42, that it was $1.60 a second to shoot it.

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