Rheinmetall-Borsig AG · Battle-Rifle · Discontinued · 1942
| Weight (empty) | 4380 g (154.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 945 mm (37.20") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Width | 58 mm (2.28") |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Muzzle Velocity | 732 m/s (2402 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3430 J (2530 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
Primary Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser
The FG 42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr 42, or 'paratrooper rifle 42') is a selective-fire battle rifle designed specifically for Germany's elite Fallschirmjäger airborne forces during World War II. Developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig AG in 1942 in response to harsh lessons learned during the costly Battle of Crete in 1941, where paratroopers armed only with pistols suffered devastating casualties while attempting to retrieve their weapons from scattered drop containers, the FG 42 represented one of the mo...
Country of Origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Stange