Hitler’s Zipper: The MG 42 Machine Gun

By Will Dabbs, MD

Posted in
#Guns #History

In today’s article, Will Dabbs takes a look at the MG 42 general-purpose machine gun used by Nazi Germany during World War II. The automatic weapon had a significant influence on future German machine guns as well as those in other countries. This gun’s high cyclic rate of fire earned it a variety of nicknames including Hitler’s Buzzsaw and Hitler’s Zipper.

The MG 42 stands out for its durability and influence on postwar machine gun designs. Its utilitarian stamped steel construction allowed for faster and cheaper manufacturing. Image: Rock Island Auctions

Feldwebel Helmut Balzer crouched below the parapet in his concrete fighting position and tried to pull the world in around him. Though wounded, he was one of the precious few who had survived Stalingrad. When he had been posted to the Atlantic Wall, he thought it a godsend. The last few months spent supervising the Organization Todt on construction projects had been heaven by comparison. And now this…

German SS armored grenadiers are crouched behind makeshift cover with an MG 42 machine gun set up in a defensive position during the Battle of Korsun-Cherkassy bridgehead in World War II. The gun crew is focused on their sector, with ammunition belts visible and one soldier appearing to ready the MG 42 for firing. Their uniforms are worn and their gear includes steel helmets and field equipment typical of SS troops in 1944. The MG 42 machine gun, known for its high rate of fire and distinctive sound, is at the center of the photo. Background shows a bleak, war-torn landscape with scattered debris and muddy ground. This image highlights the German use of the MG 42 in major Eastern Front battles. — German SS armored grenadiers prepare an MG 42 machine gun during intense fighting during the Battle of Korsun-Cherkassy. The MG 42 saw heavy use by German units on the Eastern Front. Image: Nationaal Archief

The defensive battlements were as good as they could make them. The cannons were repurposed French field pieces set in concrete casements. Most of his troops were, like him, either worn out or not yet weaned. The entire enterprise had seemed like a lark. And then they got the alert order to report to their defensive positions. They had practiced these drills every couple of weeks for months now. This time it was clearly different.

German SS soldiers are lying prone in tall grass on the Eastern Front, firing an MG 42 machine gun. One trooper mans the weapon while another assists, feeding a long belt of 7.92mm ammunition. Both wear standard issue field gear, including helmets and camouflage smocks. Spent shell casings and disturbed earth mark their firing position. The MG 42’s distinctive shape and bipod are clearly visible, highlighting its role as the primary squad automatic weapon. This scene shows typical combat conditions for German forces using the MG 42 machine gun against Soviet troops. — German SS soldiers work as a team to keep the MG 42 machine gun firing during combat on the Eastern Front. Effective use of this weapon relied on coordination and fast reloading. Image: NARA

Sporadic shelling began just after midnight. Fortunately, most of his unit was already in place by then. Soon thereafter, the ground physically shook to the inland pounding of countless Allied heavy bombers. Then his entire world was rent asunder.

An MG 42 heavy machine gun is set up in a fortified position among rocky terrain on the Italian front in 1944. The gun sits on its bipod, aimed down a mountain pass, with sandbags and rocks used for extra cover. Several German soldiers, partially visible, are positioned nearby — one on the weapon and others watching for enemy movement. The background shows rugged mountain slopes and sparse vegetation. The scene highlights the challenges of using the MG 42 machine gun in harsh, elevated conditions typical of the Italian campaign. Details like ammunition boxes and field gear add to the sense of a prepared defensive post. — An MG 42 heavy machine gun position in the rocky mountains on the Italian front during 1944. Image: Polish National Digital Archives

Helmut assumed this was naval gunfire. It could not be conventional artillery. The Allies had no land-based positions from which to fire. It could not be enemy airplanes, because this hell simply never stopped. The impacts came so frequently that they seemed continuous. Balzer feared he would lose his mind. Then suddenly it all stopped.

British soldiers from the 2nd Sherwood Foresters are seen firing a captured German MG 42 machine gun on April 27, 1943. The men are positioned on the ground, working together to operate the unfamiliar weapon, with one man on the trigger and another feeding the ammunition belt. Their British uniforms, webbing, and helmets contrast with the German machine gun at the center of the scene. The MG 42 is set on its bipod, and spent casings are scattered on the ground nearby. This photo highlights Allied troops testing and using captured enemy weapons during World War II. The expressions and posture of the men suggest focused effort and curiosity about the MG 42’s performance. — British soldiers of the 2nd Sherwood Foresters fire a captured MG 42 machine gun in Tunisia. In the field, captured weapons were frequently used during World War II. Image: Sgt. Wackett/IWM

The dust and the filth filled his lungs and dulled his mind. The morning was windy and overcast. However, as the gray light gradually spilled over the top of his pillbox he could make out hundreds if not thousands of dots on the horizon. Each dot represented an Allied warship. In the distance, he could just discern the blocky outlines of landing craft churning through the rough seas. Every single one of them seemed to be headed straight for him.

A group of German officers observes a demonstration of the newly introduced MG 42 machine gun. One soldier operates the MG 42, either firing or explaining its features, while the officers watch closely, some with hands behind their backs or taking notes. The MG 42 is set up on its bipod and aimed downrange, with visible ammunition belts prepared for use. The officers’ uniforms suggest a mix of field and administrative roles, and their body language shows interest in the weapon’s operation. The scene emphasizes how the German Army introduced the MG 42 machine gun to its leadership through practical demonstrations and briefings. — A German machine gunner demonstrates the MG 42 for Army officers. The MG 42’s design and performance quickly set it apart from earlier weapons. Image: NARA

Landser Lang was curled in a ball on the floor weeping. Balzer kicked him viciously with the toe of his jackboot and got him up and on his feet. The Feld cleared the action of his Spandau machinegun and shouted for Lang to stack up every box of belted ammunition they had so he could get to it quickly. Satisfied that the weapon had survived the bombardment intact, he retracted the bolt, tugged the starter tab on a 250-round belt into the action, and pushed off the safety. Now he had only to wait.

A German MG 42 machine gun is set up in a defensive position overlooking the coastline of the Greek island of Corfu, with the Ionian Sea visible in the background. Soldiers from the 4th SS Panzergrenadier Division man the position, some crouched behind sandbags or rocks for cover. The MG 42 sits on its bipod, with ammunition belts nearby and field gear scattered around. The soldiers wear typical SS uniforms and helmets, focused on scanning the shoreline for enemy activity. The photo highlights the strategic use of the MG 42 machine gun in coastal defenses during World War II. — A German MG 42 machine gun position on the Greek island of Corfu on the shores of the Ionian Sea. Soldiers from the 4th SS Panzergrenadier Division are visible. Image: Polish National Digital Archives

The two men had ten boxes of ammunition — 2,500 rounds. His MG 42 cycled at 1,200 rounds per minute. Given what was coming, that would still not last terribly long. It would, however, likely outlast both of them.

The MG 42 Machine Gun

German soldiers referred to the utilitarian stamped steel MG 42 general purpose belt-fed machinegun as “Hiltersage” or “Hitler’s Saw.” Allied soldiers called it “Hitler’s Zipper” based upon the high-frequency ripping sound it made when fired. The argument could be made that from defensive positions such as those overlooking the D-Day invasion beaches there was no more efficient weapon in the world.

The author stands holding an MG 42 machine gun, showing the full length of the weapon from buttstock to barrel. He is dressed in modern casual clothing, contrasting with the historic World War II-era machine gun. The MG 42’s bipod is visible, and the author’s grip highlights the weight and size of the gun. The background is neutral, with no distracting elements, keeping the focus on the author and the MG 42. This image gives a sense of the MG 42’s scale when handled by an individual and provides context for the article about the weapon’s history. — The author stands with an MG 42 machine gun, providing a look at the weapon’s size and design. In addition to being effective and reliable, the MG 42 was also cheap and easy to make en masse.

At 25.57 pounds unloaded, the MG 42 was heavy. However, all belt-fed machine guns are heavy. The MG 42 was full-auto-only and fired rounds the size of your index finger just as fast as a 9mm MAC10 submachinegun, itself a notorious little bullet hose. The MG 42 has subsequently been produced under license in Italy, Spain, Pakistan, Greece, Iran, Sudan and Turkey.

A detailed photo of the MG 42 machine gun, accompanied by a spare barrel, a 50-round drum magazine, and an ammunition belt. The weapon’s receiver, barrel shroud, and bipod are clearly visible, with the spare barrel set parallel to the gun for easy identification. The drum magazine is placed near the feed tray, and the belt of cartridges stretches across the foreground. These items illustrate how the MG 42 was equipped for sustained fire in combat. The setup helps explain the machine gun’s high rate of fire and the practical tools used to keep it running. — The MG 42 was an exceptionally efficient design. It soldiers on even today as the German MG3.

The interwar years saw a quantum transformation in infantry tactics. Previously it was the rifleman who was the primary force projection tool in infantry formations. Now the Germans organized their tactical units around the machine gun. The previous MG 34 was specifically designed to provide a high volume of automatic fire that could maneuver with the infantry squad.

An MG 42 heavy machine gun is set up in a carefully prepared firing position nestled between large rocks on a mountain slope along the Italian front. The weapon is mounted on its bipod, aimed out over rugged terrain, with sandbags and stacked stones reinforcing the site. Nearby, there are supplies and ammunition boxes for quick access during combat. The scene shows how German troops used the natural landscape to protect the MG 42 crew and maximize the weapon’s field of fire. This image highlights the challenges and tactics of mountain warfare with the MG 42 machine gun. — An MG 42 heavy machine gun position in the mountains on the Italian front — in a specially prepared place between the rocks. Image: Polish National Digital Archives

The MG 34 was an absolutely beautiful piece of work. Weighing 26.7 pounds and recoil operated, the MG 34 cycled at around 900 rpm and was cut from big chunks of forged steel. The gun cost a fortune to produce and was fairly finicky in the face of battlefield contamination. The subsequent MG 42 rectified all of that.

Origin Story

Dr. Werner Gruner led a team of engineers working for the firm of Johannus Grossfuss Metal-und locierwaffenfabrik in Doblen, Saxony, that was tasked with designing a replacement for the MG 34 in 1939. The new gun was to be reliable and powerful while being capable of easy manufacture by relatively unskilled laborers. Curiously, Dr. Gruner’s engineering team had never before designed a firearm. They had previously built pressed steel railway lanterns.

World War II photo from captured SS war correspondent archives, showing German SS troops operating a vehicle-mounted MG 42 on an Sd.Kfz. 251 halftrack on the Eastern Front. One soldier fires the MG 42 from a fixed mount, while others stand by for support or to observe the results. The halftrack’s design and details — such as armor plating and open rear compartment — are visible. The environment looks harsh and muddy, matching common Eastern Front combat settings. This image demonstrates the integration of the MG 42 machine gun with armored vehicles for increased firepower. — SS troops test fire an MG 42 machine gun mounted on an Sd.Kfz. 251 halftrack. Vehicle-mounted MG 42s gave German units added mobility and suppressive fire. Image: NARA

Before tackling the project, Dr. Gruner attended a military machine gunner’s course to learn the subject. The resulting weapon required 75 hours to build as opposed to 150 for the MG 34. It also cost 250 Reich Marks as opposed to 327 for the MG34. 400,000 MG 42’s were eventually produced by three major contractors.

The action of the MG 42 was actually patterned after that of an industrial pile driver. The weapon was recoil operated via an ingenious roller locking mechanism. The bolt incorporated a pair of roller bearings that cammed into corresponding slots in the breech. These rollers locked the barrel and bolt together for the critical first few moments after firing. As the bolt/barrel assembly recoiled, a cam released the roller bearings and allowed the bolt to travel rearward and cycle the action.

Close-up view of the MG 42 machine gun’s internal action, showing the roller-locked, recoil-driven mechanism that set the weapon apart from earlier designs. The image highlights key features such as the bolt, rollers, and camming surfaces that allow for rapid cycling and reliable function. Metal surfaces are visible, with machined and stamped parts in clear focus. This design was a major innovation, enabling the MG 42’s famously high rate of fire. The photo helps illustrate how the MG 42 machine gun operated at the mechanical level. — The beating heart of the MG 42 was its revolutionary roller-locked, recoil-driven action. A variation on this system drives the new Springfield Armory Kuna pistol-caliber carbine.

The cam slots in the breech could be produced easily enough with basic machine tools, and the roller bearings were the same sort already used in a variety of industrial applications. The body of the weapon was formed from pressed steel welded and riveted together. The end result could indeed be produced en masse by relatively unskilled labor. As belt-fed machine guns went, the ergonomics were also superb. Though designed to be serviced by a machine gun team, the MG 42 could be employed by a single gunner in a pinch.

The MG 42 could be fired off of its integral bipod or even offhand if you were up to it. The gun was capable of precise long-range fires when operated off of the superb Lafette tripod. It was also used in a wide variety of fixed, antiaircraft, and armored vehicle mounts. The MG 42 saw service everywhere the German military ventured.

British soldiers are pictured operating an MG 42 machine gun during a non-commissioned officer (NCO) training course. One soldier is prone behind the weapon, firing it, while another assists by feeding the ammunition belt into the MG 42. The men wear standard British uniforms and helmets, and the scene is set outdoors in a training area, with dirt and sparse grass underfoot. The MG 42’s bipod, receiver, and long ammunition belt are clearly visible. This photo shows Allied troops learning to handle and understand captured German machine guns as part of their NCO school curriculum. — British soldiers fire a captured MG 42 machine gun during NCO school training. Familiarity with enemy weapons was an important part of advanced instruction. Image: Sgt. Mapham/IWM

This roller-delayed action worked fabulously well. At the very end of the war a variant of this mechanism was used to build a prototype rifle chambered for the 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge titled the StG 45(M). The designers of this weapon fled to France and then Spain after the war to design the Spanish CETME rifle in 7.62x51mm loosely around this mechanism. The CETME eventually evolved into the G3, HK33, and MP5 families of guns. (Learn about the roller-delayed action of the Springfield Armory Kuna here.)

Trigger Time with the MG 42

The MG 42 feeds from non-disintegrating 50-round belts that can be readily linked together as necessary. The Germans issued sheet steel drums to protect the ammunition on an assault. They carried bulk ammo in 250-round steel cans. There are separate starter tabs that can be attached to the belts to facilitate loading in a hurry.

The author is shown in the act of firing the MG 42 machine gun, standing or prone behind the weapon with hands gripping the trigger and grip assembly. The MG 42 is actively cycling, with a visible blur at the ejection port or flying brass, making it clear the gun is being fired at speed. The author wears modern hearing protection and has a focused, intense expression while handling the weapon. A belt of ammunition feeds into the MG 42, and spent casings litter the ground nearby. The photo captures the real-life experience of shooting the MG 42 machine gun, known for its rapid rate of fire and strong recoil. — Firing the MG 42 machine gun is a rush — the rate of fire is as intense as advertised. The gun runs like a drug-addled chipmunk according to the author.

The MG 42 fires from the open bolt and spews bullets like an incontinent goose. That hyperactive rate of fire demands attention to technique for proper control. Additionally, the bipod tends to collapse forward if your lean into it too hard. Inadvertently dropping the muzzle mid-burst at 1,200 rpm is a perennial crowd-pleaser. However, once you take its measure, the MG 42 is indeed shockingly effective.

The MG 42 machine gun is shown in a field stripped state, with major assemblies like the barrel, bolt, recoil spring, and bipod removed from the main receiver. The components are spread out to display the internal layout and ease of disassembly. This view helps illustrate how quickly an MG 42 could be taken apart for cleaning or repairs during World War II. The image is well-lit and clear, making each part of the MG 42 machine gun easy to recognize for reference or instruction. — The MG 42 machine gun field-stripped into its main parts. Simple, fast disassembly made maintenance easy for crews in the field.

The Germans designed the MG 42 to engage fleeting targets, providing maximum bullet density in minimum time. By contrast, the Browning M1919-series weapons used by American forces just chug along at around 500 rpm. Each weapon reflects different tactics. However, the MG 42 burns through ammo in a hurry. It also gets really hot really fast. Dr. Gruner and Company designed an exceptionally efficient quick-change barrel to address that.

Final Thoughts on Hitler’s Zipper

The MG 42 was an engineering marvel. Portable, reliable, versatile and mean, the MG 42 developed an outsized reputation wherever it was employed. Hitler’s Zipper remains in active service around the world even today, surviving the regime that created it.

A photo of the article’s author walking with an MG 42 machine gun, either slung over the shoulder or held in both hands. The gun’s receiver, barrel, and bipod are easy to see, and the author’s modern dress makes it clear this is a demonstration, not a historical image. The MG 42 appears heavy and awkward to carry, showing why it was usually a team weapon. The scene is straightforward, focusing on the physical aspect of transporting the MG 42 machine gun. — Carrying the MG 42 machine gun gives you a real feel for its size and bulk.

Special thanks to www.WorldWarSupply.com for the Fallschirmjäger kit used in this project.

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