Best Machine-GUn of WW2? (As a GPMG)

[Ltevanlee]

I voted MG-34, a generally reliable weapon, with a solid combat record and served on all fronts and in all sorts of roles until 1945. I also consider the MG-42 more as a LMG.





Also the MG-34 is considered the world's first GPMG.

[loatty]

I agree, but the MG-34 was overall not at all as good as the MG-42, which was indeed more of an LMG, but don't think it was weak .

[Analpirat]

Both your notions that the MG42 is "more of an LMG" whereas the MG34 isn't are completely misguided. Both are GPMGs and can thusly be used in both the HMG and the LMG role.

[loatty]

sorry, i didn't intend to say it's an LMG, the weapon is surely an GPMG, but has much more characteristics of an LMG when it's handled.

[Analpirat]

How so? It doesn't even have a drum magazine like the Mg34 had. Sorry, but I just don't see how one can make such a differentiation between two so similar weapons of the same breeding.

[loatty]

it didn't had a drum mag, but the drum was replaced with a special container which held an 50-round belt.
and I'm not saying the 42 was an LMG, it just had more of an LMG's handling and was sadly not capable of vehicle mounting, due to it's rapid overheating.

what I'm trying to say here, although the 34 and the 42 are of the same breed, their very different from each other, and the 42 simply proofed to be superior in most roles.

[Analpirat]

I'm still not convinced. The point about vehicle mounting is obviously false (Just look at the Halftracks or the AA-MG on tanks), but I suppose you were referring to tanks in the coax and radio operator role where the MG34 was indeed preferred. That still doesn't mean the MG42 couldn't have been used, and tbh I wouldn't bet on it that there were absolutely no tanks with a Mg42 coax. While I'm far from an expert I'd guess the MG34 was used there because it was available and it wouldn't have most of its jamming problems from dust and dirt. While a bit far fetched, the Leopards also have MG3 coax's so its not like its impossible. With a vehicle mounting you also have less weight constrains, permitting a heavier barrel which will alleviate overheating issues.

Anyway, my point is, they aren't very different from each other if you are referring to their role. They don't have a different handling. How would you even account for that? How does the MG42 have an LMG handling and the Mg34 does not? They both feed from the same side,they only feed from belts(whereas a typical LMG feeds from drums or magazines), they allow for quick barrel changes(whereas some LMG wouldn't), they don't have carrying handles or provisions, they can't be fired from the shoulder(whereas some LMGs can). Where is the difference in their handling? The Mg42 is 2 kilos lighter, but weight doesn't make an LMG it's the tactical employment. Indeed I'd say they are exactly the same in their tactical capabilites and their employment. Both were used on vehicles, on tripods and and on bipods. The MG42 is just the successor to the MG34, an evolution to the concept.

[CrazyScott17]

wait why are HMG's in this a GPMG was supposed to combine the roles of a light and medium machine gun not just be a good machine gun in its primary role and no way on earth is something like the Browning .50 cal able to be used as a light machine gun so therefore it is a  HMG not a MMG, LMG, or GPMG seriously learn the definiotions of the 4 types of machine guns

[loatty]

Concerning the vehicle mounting, I was talking about the MG42 being used for tanks, which wasn't possible, because of it's design.....the MG3 is a newer and better design, remember.

[Maple]

MG42 FTW!!!!

Not only its good power, but the morale. Once the Yanks and Tommies hear that, they get pretty scared

[irik]

Yes, MG42 is best. But I really love the DP-28. As other members stated, it is very impressive MG 42 is still in service. Although it's called the MG 3, which is revised (although not the best way to put it), is still used by the German Army.

[GSmirlis]

Yes, MG42 is best. But I really love the DP-28. As other members stated, it is very impressive MG 42 is still in service. Although it's called the MG 3, which is revised (although not the best way to put it), is still used by the German Army.

me too 

[RedGuard]

dp-28 best sorry german

how long was this poll take to research?

[Sturmovik]

how long was this poll take to research?

It is the fortune, it is the order of all those disscussions of that kind.

I already post the basic characteristics of geman & soviet MGs ... it is not inought. All examples must be posted for quotes with basic stats, examples of combat effectiveness ect.

It is the mind of forum members all over the world. Need to be listened. Their voice must be important like these kind of thread. Question-thread take a chance to voute everyone, include not specialist.

Maxim MG. Serve to the army all over the war. & not only infantry support weapon.

[cephalos]

Well, you can't say what's the ''Best'' Machinegun. Every machinegun were good on their own roles, with their own tactics.

QFTl, nothing to add.