The MG42 was a German machine gun used during the second World War, it fired 1200 rounds a minute (the fastest of its time) and was fired in 250 round belts. It used 7.9mm bullets the equivalent to the K98. It was also quite easy to build, as most of it was steel pieces welded together, people nowadays even make them from scratch (obviously there not perfect as the original though). The MG 42 fired so fast that its barrel became extremely hot after a few bursts, crew wore heavy gloves when they carried it around so they didn't burn themselves and operators changed the barrels often. The MG 42 came on to the scene in 1942, it was used in all theaters of war and achieved remarkable success. When the U.S. Army trained its new recruits there were videos on how to identify one, and what it sounded like. The MG 42 became the thing of legend on the battlefield, it inspired fear with its buzz saw like sound when fired, attributing to its nickname (Hitlers buzz saw). (example- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwW31u6wYvE ) The MG 42 was also applicable in many bipods and set ups. It could be fitted with a 50 round drum to allow for ease of movement instead of mounted on a tripod in its "heavy machine gun role" where as it would be belt fed with 250 round belts. The MG 42 also sported a sophisticated optics system when deployed on a tripod if the crew was lucky to get one. German squad tactics were centered around the MG 42 at its fire team level, the mg team could be anywhere from 2 men to 5, depending on the situation. They would use what we call today fire an maneuver. The maneuver element would move to assault a position while the Mg team kept that position suppressed. The German doctrine on using machine guns was to shoot as many bullets as fast as possible. Every man in the squad carried extra machine gun ammunition for the MG 42 not only the MG element. This allowed them to achieve maximum casualties any time they fired because obviously when they fire at an enemy he will take cover, thus making him harder to hit. For example, a U.S. squad of 12 is moving in patrol, the Mg 42 spots them and fires off a burst, since its ROF (rate of fire) is so high the squad members in the U.S. team don't have enough time to take cover before they take casualties. Thus ensuring the Germans inflict at least 1. The MG42 was also used in there panzers but mostly limited to the AA position (on top of the tank). The MG 42 just simply couldn't fit in the hull mg (radio operator) position in a tank, nor could you change barrels. The MG 34 however was always used in the hull position however as it was a perfect fit. Today the MG 42's legacy can be seen in many modern countries arsenals, the German military's go to machine gun is the MG 3, which serves on the same tactical doctrine of its distant cousin, (Hell it even looks exactly like it). Its rate of fire is still remarkably high and serves the same purpose. It revolutionized modern infantry warfare with its doctrine changing ability's. The picture is of an MG 42 gunner operating the weapon during the battle of Kursk, visible in the picture is the belt that is feeding the weapon. So next time your in a game with an MG 42 just remember that amazing little piece of history in your hand and put it to good work! Thank you for reading, feel free to ask me any questions and suggest a piece of tech or fact you would like to see featured! As always if you like this stuff go ahead and follow me, i post them daily.