MG3 question??

[bubba]

Simple, but not so simple question, does the MG3 (upgraded german mg 42/43) shoot the same ammo as the M240/M60. I was thinking that it did, but a couple of Bravo's are telling me other wise?? I aint openly questioning their competence, just sounded funny that a NATO country would have a non-NATO round for their GPMG. Thanx, Paul

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by bubba

Simple, but not so simple question, does the MG3 (upgraded german mg 42/42) shoot the same ammo as the M240/M60. I was thinking that it did, but a couple of Bravo's are telling me other wise?? I aint openly questioning their competence, just sounded funny that a NATO country would have a non-NATO round for their GPMG. Thanx, Paul

7.62 NATO ammo is the same. The ability to use NATO belts when firing linked 7.62 NATO was added to the MG3 in 1968 (e.g. the US M13/German DM13 Link).

The MG42 (as well as the 7.62 NATO MG1 and MG2) used a metal non-disintegrating, linked belt which is incompatible with the M13 links.

TR

[Peregrino]

The Germans do use a 50rd. non-disentigrating link belt but it will feed the US belts. IIRC it's "sunny side up" for "auto-getum". Otherwise it's the same as any other 7.62 NATO belt fed. Peregrino

ETA: I may be confused with the HK21 on the "sunny side up" part - it's been years since I screwed with an MG3 and my references are out of reach. You'll have to file a report when you return from the range.

[bubba]

Cool, I will try to get the arms room to sign me one out tomorrow and "have a go at it" on the range, Thanxs, Paul

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by bubba

Cool, I will try to get the arms room to sign me one out tomorrow and "have a go at it" on the range, Thanxs, Paul

Bring the spare barrel and change it often.

You won't believe how easy it is.

TR

[Peregrino]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Bring the spare barrel and change it often.

You won't believe how easy it is.

TR

Very true Boss - just a minor tweak. It's not about "how easy it is". If you're playing hard you have to change it frequently. The cyclic is either 900 or 1200 rpm (flip the rate reducer) and it's a pretty light barrel. It can be somewhat "sporting" off the bipod. There are no provisions for offhand or assault type firing (for good reason). Peregrino

A quickie reference site: http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg08-e.htm

Caliber: 7,62mm NATO (.308 Win)
Weigth: 11,5kg on bipod, plus tripod 25kg
Length: 1225 mm
Length of barrel: 565 mm
Feeding: belt 50 or 250 rounds
Rate of fire: 1200 rounds/min
V0 820 m/s

MG3 is one of the most popular universal MGs in the World. In fact, MG3 is modified version of the MG42, German WW2 era machinegun, adopted to fire 7.62mm NATO rounds instead of the 7.92mm Mauser rounds.
MG42 was worlds first truly "universal" machinegun, designed for use as both light MG on bipods or as heavy MG on tripod or AA or pintle mount. MG3 started as MG42/59 in 1959, and since 1968 MG3 itself is in mass production.
MG3 is exported to Chile, Dennmark, Italy, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Norway, Austria, Portuguese and Turkey. MG3 clones are built in Yugoslavia and other countries.

MG3 is belt-fed, air-cooled machinegun. It has short moving barrel with bolt locking into the barrel extension via two rollers (note that MG3 used roller locking, unlike the HK G3 series of the weapons, that used roller delayed blowback). MG3 has quick change barrel, that could be replaced after every 150 rounds fired with practical rate of fire of 200-250 rounds per minute. Weapon fires from open bolt. It has one of the highest rates of fire in its class and rated as extremely reliable (as one may expect from such a time- and war-proven design).

[Tuukka]

Originally Posted by Peregrino

The Germans do use a 50rd. non-disentigrating link belt but it will feed the US belts. IIRC it's "sunny side up" for "auto-getum". Otherwise it's the same as any other 7.62 NATO belt fed. Peregrino

ETA: I may be confused with the HK21 on the "sunny side up" part - it's been years since I screwed with an MG3 and my references are out of reach. You'll have to file a report when you return from the range.

The German non-disintegrating belt is the DM1, 50 round belts which can be connected together and yes the links are on top.

[bubba]

The HHC guys couldn't confirm if the two they had were gauged or not, so we left them put up. We did how ever shoot 3800 fifty cal, and 3200 7.62mm. Not too mention the several hundred .45 rounds through the UMP's. A good day to say the least, thanx Paul

[ABN_FO]

The search button is such an awe inspiring tool.... An Iraqi Army unit I am working with here, just received a number of MG-3's and I had the same question about the ammo and link compatability. I figured I would check here first and SEARCH before I asked. Many thanks gentlemen.