From OMGWiki
| Wehrmacht
| MG42 Veterancy
|
|
| 10% reduction to received accuracy.
| 10
|  Level 1
|
| 15% increase to accuracy.
| 40
|  Level 2
|
| 15% reduction to reload & 10% reduction to cooldown.
| 120
|  Level 3
|
| Known Unit (Custom Name)
| 300
|  Level 4
|
| Feared Unit (Custom Skin)
| 450
|  Level 5
|
| MG42 Visual Identification
|
| | |
|
The MG42 (shortened from German: Maschinengewehr 42, or "Machine Rifle 42") is a machine gun that was developed for and entered service with Germany in 1942, during World War II. The 7.92 mm rifle caliber weapon was developed from, and was intended to supplant the MG34 machine gun, though both were manufactured and used until the end of the war. The MG42 has a proven record of reliability, durability, simplicity, and ease of operation, but is most notable for being able to produce a stunning volume of suppressive fire. The MG42 has one of the highest average rates of fire of any single-barreled light machine gun, between 1,200 and 1,500 rpm, resulting in a distinctive muzzle report. There were other automatic weapon designs with similar firepower at its inception, such as the Hungarian-Gebauer single-barreled tank MGs and the Russian 7.62 mm GShak aircraft gun. However, the MG42's belt-feed and quick-change barrel system allowed for more prolonged firing in comparison to these weapons.
History
Historically the MG42 was the centerpiece of German infantry tactics. Other nations included a light machine-gun into their rifle squads to add supporting fire, but in a German infantry squad the riflemen were intended to support the machine-gun. The MG42 (and the earlier MG34) fulfilled the role of light machine-gun and heavy machine-gun. Every infantry battalion contained one or two platoons of heavy machine-guns (MG42s equipped with tripods) with four teams per platoon. Each team consisted of several men dedicated to firing, resupplying, and barrel-changing their weapon. These platoons had their teams parceled out to infantry companies on the front-line.
Used extensively in World War II, and of a design that is still in widespread use today, the MG42 is regarded as one of the best machine-guns of the war. Its legacy became the MG3 and other weapons by Heckler & Koch, which was formed of the wartime Mauser factory, one of the manufacturers of the MG42. Though its air-cooled barrel required constant swaps, its high rate of fire increased casualties in the first few seconds of an ambush, in addition to intimidating enemy troops with its distinctive sound.
Tactics & Tips
- Consider the MG42 the center-pin of your tactics. It is what enables your other units to flank and attack more effectively.
- The MG42 has considerable firepower, but it can be flanked. The MG42 Team is best used when it can be supported with other infantry squads.
- Its main strength is not its considerable damage, but its suppression. Any infantry it shoots at will hit the ground, one way or another.
- Suppressed infantry squads are vulnerable to volksgrenadiers with or without MP40's, mortars teams, half tracks, and flame weapons.
- Volksgrenadiers can build sandbags to provide cover for your MG42's.
- Don't fall in love with any one location. Move to advantageous positions as they become available.
- They are vulnerable to mortars, snipers, indirect artillery and any infantry with fire-up, as they ignore suppression.
See Also
Manpower
Ammunition
Fuel
Population
For the Fatherland
Blitzkrieg
Inspired Assault
Field Medical Kit
MG42
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
