The FG42 is a paratrooper automatic rifle developed by Germany during World War II. This weapon is known for its unique design and high functionality. The weapons science editor of this issue will introduce in detail the characteristics, design parameters and equipment of FG42 in World War II.
The FG42 was specially designed for German airborne troops to meet their needs in airborne operations. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy for paratroopers to carry and use in both air and ground operations.
The FG42 has two firing modes: semi-automatic and fully automatic. This design allows the gunner to choose the appropriate shooting method according to the specific situation, thereby flexibly switching between long-range precision shooting and close-range fire suppression.
The folding stock of the FG42 makes it more suitable for use by airborne troops. When paratroopers land, they can quickly deploy the butt of their gun to increase shooting stability.
The FG42 uses a short-stroke piston system. This design helps reduce the firearm’s recoil and improves the shooting’s stability and accuracy.
The barrel of the FG42 can be quickly replaced, which allows the shooter to quickly replace the cooled barrel during fierce battles and maintain the continuity of firepower.
The FG42 uses Mauser rifle ammunition with a caliber of 7.92 by 57 mm. The total gun length is 1070 mm, the barrel length is 508 mm, the weight without the magazine is about 5.18 kg, the rate of fire is 750 to 900 rounds per minute, and the effective range is about 800 meters.
Since the FG42 was only produced in late World War II, and the production quantity was relatively limited, it was not equipped with the German army on a large scale.
The FG42 is mainly used by German airborne troops as one of their main weapons. Although it has not been widely equipped on large-scale battlefields, the FG42 has demonstrated its excellent performance in some airborne operations.
Although the FG42 failed to play a greater role in World War II, its design concept had a certain impact on subsequent military weapons. The design ideas of some elements were adopted by later automatic rifles, reflecting their value in the development of military technology.
As one of the outstanding representatives of military-technical equipment during World War II, FG42 still attracts the attention of military history enthusiasts.
