Mg42.

[behblc]

These few questions ust seem pretty basic for MG42 owners / critics.
When firing the MG42 , what were the warning signs that the barrel needed to be changed ?
How long did it take ?
Once a barrel had cooled could it be used again ?
What was the average life span of a barrel ?
Were they kept to be "recycled" ?
How many might the average squad carry with them ?

Thanks again and sorry if the questions spound rather basic .
james S

[P08]

I'm no expert on MG's, but I think a squard carried 3 barrels with them. I think they recycled them. Replacement was surprisingly quick for an experienced soldier. Can't remember what I read, but I think less than a minute. (?)

[Carl Ellingstad]

The warning sign of changing barrel was the color of the barrel turned purple/blue at the muzzle end. Changing the barrel should be done long before the coloration started to be visible. After 500-1000 rounds (depends on how much fired at once) the barrel should be changed to keep good cycle on the 3 spare barrels. A MG crew member #2 would after two years training change the barrel between 10-15 seconds on the MG42 during ideal condition.

[behblc]

Thanks.

P08 and carl. Thank you for the insight on the barrel life / changing times.
it must have been a pretty nervous time for a gun crew in action.

[SvenWittnebel]

The warning sign of changing barrel was the color of the barrel turned purple/blue at the muzzle end. Changing the barrel should be done long before the coloration started to be visible. After 500-1000 rounds (depends on how much fired at once) the barrel should be changed to keep good cycle on the 3 spare barrels. A MG crew member #2 would after two years training change the barrel between 10-15 seconds on the MG42 during ideal condition.

What a nonsense, sorry.

- The muzzel is covered by the barrel guide jacket in the recoil booster
- The barrel will be changed by any member of the MG-crew at the moment it's needed and who is then the shooting (first) gunner.
- The barrel is too hot, if the barrel can not be touched for some time with the naked hand.
- The second or third gunner with the replacement/spare barrel is involved as he gives the spare barrel to the first gunner and receives the hot barrel with the cover from the spare barrel.

...after two years training change the barrel between 10-15 seconds...

Guy, You drives me crazy... One week drill is more than enough for any field maintenance - blind folded!