MG 34

Rheinmetall-Borsig AG · Machine-Gun · Discontinued · 1934

Weight (empty)12100 g (426.8 oz)
Overall Length1219 mm (47.99")
Barrel Length627 mm (24.69")
Magazine Capacity50 rounds
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismOpen Bolt
Muzzle Velocity765 m/s (2510 fps)
Muzzle Energy3700 J (2729 ft·lbf)
Effective Range1200 m (1312 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser

The MG 34 (Maschinengewehr 34) is a German recoil-operated, air-cooled general-purpose machine gun adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1935 and widely regarded as the world's first true general-purpose machine gun (GPMG). Designed by Louis Stange at Rheinmetall-Borsig with contributions drawn from earlier Mauser, Solothurn, and Rheinmetall designs, the MG 34 was revolutionary in that a single weapon could fulfill every machine gun role in the German military: light machine gun on an integral bipod, medi...

Country of Origin: Germany

Designer: Louis Stange