German Machine Gun MG42

WW2 German Machine Gun MG42 CAL 7.92mm:

A simpler and more rugged version of the MG34, the MG42 was introduced in early 1941.
It incorporated many of the same features as the MG34, including an integral bipod and a quick-change barrel. However its greatly simplified design increased its effectiveness and improved its durability in the field. In addition it was also far quicker to produce and used less resources. The weapon was air-cooled and recoil-operated with a slightly recoiling barrel. The recoil mechanism was based on a newly invented construction of a breech with rollers. Again the weapon could be used in either the light or heavy roles. The MG42 had an extremely high rate of fire of up to 1500 rounds per minute. The higher rate of fire led to a decreased barrel life compared to the MG34. Later barrels were chrome-plated in order to prolong their life. The belted 7.92mm ammunition was fed from the left.