This is a very fine example of a WWII German MG42 light machine gun that was manufactured by the Gustloff-Werkes. This machine gun was probably the most feared WWII German weapon on the battlefield. This model was actually a wartime improvement over the early fully machined MG34, in that they utilized new and innovative mass production techniques of stamped steel parts that were welded or riveted and combined with limited machined parts. Together they allowed the German factories to manufacture well over 400,000 of these MGs during WWII. This weapon had several innovative features that included the delayed roller-block bolt locking system coupled with a quick change barrel. This weapon had an extremely high rate of fire (1,200 rds/minute) so the last feature allowed the average infantry man to rapidly change out the barrels in the field during battle without any tools which helped to preserve barrel life and prevent cook-offs. They were manufactured by four primary companies; Mauser, Maget of Berlin, Gustloff-Werkes, and Steyr. This example is marked on the left side of the receiver: "FG/MG 7992b/dfb", indicating manufacture by the "Gustloff-Werkes-Suhl" and most of the various parts carry some kind of a German WWII Waffenamt proof. It has the original folding front sight and tangent rear marked 2-20, (200-2,000 meters). It has the earlier wooden buttstock that is stamped on the left side "hvg/44". This example is complete with its original WWII folding bipod and one double drum/basket magazine. The top of the drum magazine is stamped "wa 42/D-T15Nr.31237M/F1 46300". It also includes a post war Swiss folding tripod mount, with a side mounted variable power optical sight and a Swiss linker/delinker tool all stored in its original green metal storage case. The side of the tool is stamped "M43M" with the main body stamped "GFV-64/Z". The sight is marked "HENSOLDT WETZLAR/1240-12-145-7100" and it marked 1-16 on the adjustment ring and it has the standard Swiss/German three post reticle.

Very fine with 95% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish overall showing just light general blue wear/loss mostly on the edges and high spots. The markings are clear and sharp with distinct proofs. The buttstock is in very good condition whit visible markings on the side showing light wear and handling marks. The tripod and sight all have 95% of their green painted finish overall. The optical sight has clear optics. A nice looking WWII MG42 rig. NOTE: This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.