German heavy machine gun MG 34, adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1934, became a revolutionary model of small arms that set the standard for the entire period of World War II. Its main characteristic, which radically distinguished the new product from its predecessors, was its practical rate of fire, unprecedented for that time, which made it possible to create a dense curtain of fire. It was the high frequency of shots that made this machine gun a deadly weapon both as a hand-held and mounted infantry support weapon.
The question of what the actual rate of fire of the MG 34 per minute is requires detailed consideration, since this parameter directly depended on the mass of the bolt group and the type of ammunition used. Theoretical values reached up to 900 rounds per minute, which was a huge figure for the 7.92 mm caliber. However, these numbers varied in the field, and understanding these nuances is critical to assessing the actual combat capabilities of a weapon.
In this article we will examine in detail the technical aspects that affect the rate of fire, consider the design features of the automation and compare this legendary machine gun with its more famous, but less technologically advanced successor MG 42. You will learn why the Germans aimed at this rate of fire and what problems this created for shooters and logisticians.
Automation design and influence on the rate of fire
The basis of the high rate of fire machine gun MG 34 became a scheme for removing powder gases with a short barrel stroke. This engineering solution made it possible to achieve a cyclic rate of fire, unattainable for systems with a long barrel stroke or inertial locking, characteristic of older models. The mechanism was designed to minimize the reload cycle time, which ensured a frequency of about 800-900 rounds per minute.
The key element regulating the rate of fire was the shutter. The designers have provided for the possibility of quickly replacing it with a heavier or lighter analogue without the use of special tools. Installing a heavier bolt slowed the reload cycle, reducing the rate of fire to 600 rounds per minute, which was useful for saving ammunition and reducing barrel heat.
Replacing the bolt in the field made it possible to adapt the machine gun for different tactical tasks: a light bolt for creating an obstacle zone, a heavy one for targeted suppression fire.
The cooling system also played an important role in maintaining a high rate of fire. Machine gun barrel MG 34 had frequent corrugation along the entire length, which increased the heat transfer area. Despite this, when conducting continuous fire at the maximum rate of fire, the barrel became red-hot in a matter of seconds, requiring a mandatory and quick replacement, which the trained crew spent no more than 10 seconds on.
Real rate of fire in various conditions
Although the technical data sheet indicated the ability to fire at speeds of up to 900 rounds per minute, real combat performance often differed from laboratory results. The actual rate of fire depended on many factors: the quality of the lubricant, the ambient temperature, the wear of the mechanisms and, of course, the qualifications of the shooter. On average, the sustained rate of fire was about 750-800 rounds per minute.
It is important to understand the difference between technical and combat rate of fire. Technical (cyclic) is the theoretical maximum that automation can develop. The combat rate of fire takes into account the time for aiming, fire correction, replacing magazines or belts, as well as changing hot barrels. In a protracted battle, the average value rarely exceeded 150-200 rounds per minute due to the need to conserve weapon life and ammunition.
The type of cartridge supply had a particular influence on the rate of fire. When using drum spring boxes (Trommelmagazin) the rate of fire was stable, but the 50-round capacity was emptied in less than 4 seconds of continuous burst. The switch to belt feeding allowed for longer fires, but the risk of delays due to belt contamination increased, which could temporarily reduce the effectiveness of the fire.
The influence of the power system on the frequency of shots
Versatility MG 34 was the possibility of using two types of ammunition, each of which had a different effect on the shooting process. Drum magazines Satteltrommel with a capacity of 50 and 75 rounds provided high mobility for the machine gunner-gunner, but required frequent reloading at a high rate of fire. The drum feed mechanism was complex and sensitive to dirt, which sometimes led to misalignment of the cartridges.
Belt feeding, implemented through metal link belts in 50-round boxes or continuous 250- and 300-round belts, was more reliable for stationary defense. Boxes with tape were attached to the side or bottom of the receiver. The use of long belts made it possible to realize the full potential of the rate of fire, creating a continuous barrage of fire, but required the presence of a second crew number to feed the boxes.
Why were the tapes metal?
The Germans used metal link belts instead of fabric ones, since the fabric absorbed moisture, swelled and could cause the cartridge to warp at high rates of fire. The metal provided a stable supply, but was heavier and more expensive to produce.
Changing the power type took a few seconds and did not require disassembling the weapon, which was an advanced solution. The shooter could quickly adapt: a drum was used for marching and sudden oncoming battles, and a tape was used to hold positions. This flexibility compensated for the complexity of the design of the take-up mechanism, which had to correctly engage the cartridge regardless of the feed source.
Comparison of MG 34 and MG 42: evolution of rate of fire
Main competitor and successor MG 34 became a machine gun MG 42, designed to simplify production and increase firepower. If the "thirty-four" fired an average of 800-900 rounds per minute, then the "forty-second", thanks to the new locking scheme with a swinging roller, reached a frightening figure of 1200-1500 rounds per minute. This made the MG 42's burst sound like tearing fabric, earning it the nickname "Hitler's Saw".
The difference in rate of fire was dictated by different tactics of use. MG 34 it was more accurate at medium distances and more economical in ammo consumption, which made it possible to conduct more targeted fire. MG 42 it was created as a means of total suppression: the high rate of fire did not allow the enemy to lean out of cover, compensating for the shorter sighting range with the density of fire.
| Characteristics | MG 34 | MG 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.92×57 mm | 7.92×57 mm |
| Rate of fire (theoretically) | 800-900 rounds/min | 1200-1500 rounds/min |
| Weight without cartridges | 12.1 kg | 11.6 kg |
| Automation type | Gas removal | Short barrel stroke |
Despite the superiority MG 42 in rate of fire and manufacturability, MG 34 continued to be produced and used until the end of the war, especially in tank forces and aviation, where its design features were more preferable. The high rate of fire of the MG 42 often led to instant overheating of the barrel, requiring a large number of replacement barrels, while the MG 34 was a little more forgiving in this regard.
Tactical Application of High Rate of Fire
High rate of fire MG 34 dictated special tactics for its use. German doctrine assumed the use of a machine gun as the main means of fire destruction in a squad. The shooter's job was not to hit specific targets, but to create a zone through which the enemy could not pass. This required short but intense bursts, using the maximum potential of the weapon.
During the defense, machine gun nests were equipped with a supply of barrels and cartridges. The crew acted according to a proven algorithm: one shoots, the second brings cartridges and ready-made barrels, the third provides security and communications. The high rate of fire made it possible to fan out sectors without giving the enemy room to maneuver. However, this required a colossal consumption of ammunition - up to several thousand rounds per hour of active combat.
☑️ Calculation actions in case of overheating
On the offensive MG 34 used more sparingly, often from a bipod, with the rate of fire limited by the heavy bolt. The soldiers knew that at a high rate of fire, the barrel does not last long, and cartridges tend to run out at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, experienced commanders strictly regulated the rate of fire depending on the phase of the battle.
Operating problems and overheating during intense shooting
The downside of the high rate of fire was the rapid heating of the rubbing parts and the barrel. When firing bursts at a rate of 900 rounds per minute, the barrel MG 34 withstood about 300-400 shots before critical overheating. Further shooting led to a loss of metal strength, a change in the aiming point (“floating away” of the STP) and even inflation of the chamber, which threatened to rupture the cartridge case and jam the weapon.
⚠️ Attention: It was strictly forbidden to touch the barrel or point the muzzle at your own after a series of bursts without changing the barrel. Hot gases and the metal itself posed a mortal danger to the shooter himself and the soldiers nearby.
To solve the problem of overheating, special asbestos mittens were used, which were included in the machine gun installation kit. They made it possible to quickly, in 10-15 seconds, replace a hot barrel with a cold one. However, in conditions of protracted battles, when it was not possible to cool the removed barrels, the effectiveness of the machine gun dropped, and crews were forced to slow down the rate of fire, switching to single shots or short bursts.
The high rate of fire of the MG 34 was its main asset, but it required ideal logistics for the supply of cartridges and replacement barrels, without which the weapon quickly turned into a useless load.
Lubricating weapons also required a special approach. Thick lubricants froze at low temperatures on the Eastern Front, increasing friction and reducing the rate of fire until the automation completely stopped. Liquid lubricants, on the contrary, burned out at high rates of fire, leaving the parts dry. German engineers were constantly looking for compromise solutions, but the "thirty-four" remained sensitive to the quality of service.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the MG 34 have such a high rate of fire compared to Soviet machine guns?
The German concept assumed that a machine gun should suppress the enemy with the density of fire, and not with the accuracy of each shot. Soviet machine guns such as DP-27 or Maxim, had a lower rate (about 500-600 rounds/min), which made them more economical and reliable in conditions of shortage of ammunition and poor maintenance, but less effective for creating a continuous fire curtain.
Was it possible to fire 10-round bursts from the MG 34?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Due to the high rate of fire (about 15 rounds per second), a burst of 10 rounds lasted less than a second, but the barrel heated up very quickly. Long bursts led to rapid wear of the bore and the risk of jamming due to swelling of the cartridges. A burst of 3-5 rounds was considered optimal.
How did the rate of fire affect the consumption of ammunition in the German army?
The impact was colossal. The high rate of fire of the MG 34 and especially the MG 42 led to the fact that the German infantry spent ammunition 2-3 times faster than the Allies or Soviet troops. This created serious supply problems on the fronts, where logistics were disrupted.
Was the bolt replaced to change the rate of fire in combat?
Yes, the bolt could be replaced in the field in a couple of minutes without disassembling the weapon. However, in the midst of battle, shooters rarely changed bolts, as this required having a spare heavy bolt on hand and time. Typically, the type of shutter was set before going into position depending on the expected task.