Dreyse MG 13
Rheinmetall AG · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1930
Also known as: Maschinengewehr 13, MG 13, Gerat 13, Dreyse
Overview
The Dreyse MG 13 was a German light machine gun created in the early 1930s by converting the WWI-era water-cooled Dreyse Model 1918 into a lighter air-cooled, magazine-fed weapon. Developed by Louis Stange at Rheinmetall's former Dreyse plant in Sommerda, it was a recoil-operated, select-fire design fed from a 25-round box or a distinctive 75-round saddle drum. It served as the Reichswehr's interim squad automatic until replaced by the MG 34, then saw second-line and early-war frontline use.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 13300 g (469.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1443 mm (56.81") |
| Barrel Length | 718 mm (28.27") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 890 m/s (2920 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 5070 J (3739 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.9x57, 8x57 IS, 7.92x57
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Saddle Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Air Cooled, Folding Bipod, Quick Change Barrel, Two Stage Trigger Select Fire, Side Mounted Magazine
Variants
- MG 13k — Shortened
- Metralhadora m/938 (Portugal) — Export
Service history
Operators
- Reichswehr · adopted 1930 · as MG 13
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1935 · as MG 13
- Portuguese Army · adopted 1938 · as m/938
Conflicts
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1930-1934
Produced in limited numbers by Rheinmetall; many surplus guns exported to Portugal as the m/938
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Stange
Discontinued: 1934
Notes
The MG 13's two-stage trigger gave semi-auto fire with a light pull and full-auto with a harder pull. Surplus guns were sold to Portugal as the m/938. Muzzle energy is approximate, derived from the quoted 890 m/s velocity with a standard 12.8 g sS bullet.
Background
The MG 13 was the German Army's clandestine stopgap during the Versailles years, built by quietly recycling old Dreyse heavy-gun receivers into a modern-looking magazine LMG, complete with an unusual twin-drum "saddle" magazine that perched over the breech.