Question about MKb 42 (H or W)

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi everybody,

I read somewhere that a first batch of MKb 42s where dropped in the Cholm Pocket, during the last days of combat, and they were decisive to help the German troops trapped there to held their position.

Can anyone confirm that?

Thanks in advance.

Douglas.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Douglas, the semi auto rifles dropped in the Cholm pocket were not the Mk42's but were most likely the G41 (M or W) . This story has been going around since 1953.
The Cholm breakout was in Feb. 42. The first Walther Mk42 had yet to be delivered and only a few Haenel Mk42's were in the hands of the HWaA. But there were many more pre-production Gew.41's, either Mauser or Walther examples available by the end of 1941.
The first full combat trails of the Mk were undertaken by SS Div. "Wiking" in spring of 1943.
I have taken this info from the book "Guns of the Reich" by George Markham.
Cheers, Ade.

[Douglas Jr.]

One more info....

Adrian,

Many thanks for your reply. I also thought very premature that any MKb42 had been dropped in Cholm. I would like to bother you a little bit, asking if you have any report about the MKb debut in front with the 5th SS Wiking Division .

wishes,

Douglas.

[PaulR]

What is the Mkb42? Is it that fallschimjager magazine fed machine gun? Can you please post a photo?

Thanks
Paul Reck

[Brian M]

the Mkb42 or machine karabiner 42 was the Haenel designed prototype of the Mp-43 / 44 weapons system. the Fg42 or Fallschirmjager Gewehr42 is the weapon you have it confused with. I will try and find some images.

[Douglas Jr.]

the MKb42

Hi,

The Maschinekarabine 42 made by Haenel - hence MKb42(H) - and the Maschinekarabine 42 made by Walther - or MKb 42 (W) - were two independent and parallel projects developed by the Germans in na attempt to create a weapon that could fire na intermediate cartridge, in case the 7,92mm X 33mm (or 7,92 Kurz).

These two projects were delivered to the Wehrmacht in 1942, but further improvements were needed, during what the Walther project was abandoned. The final result was the MP43 who would become the now famous StG44 - the FIRST assault rifle. It goes without saying that both guns are extremely rare.

They hadn´t no direct link with the famous FG42, which used the standard 7,92mm X 57mm ammo.

Click here to see a picture of one MKb42(W): http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/MKb42W.jpg


This is a very short and fast explanation, but hope it helps you.

Regards,

Douglas.

[Matt Weber]

I agree with Douglas. The Mkb42(W) was one of the first prototypes that would eventually lead to the awesome Stg44! The Mkb42(W) project was first started by Walther in January 1941. They submitted the first prototype Mkb42(W) in March 1942. At first the Army heavily favored the Walther design, and were disappointed by the Haenel design. However, on April 14, 1942, one of these new rifles got into Hitlers' hands! He complained that the range was too short! and it did not use the same caliber ammo! The Mkb42(W) was eventually dropped in December 1942. Just imagine if they would have had this thing by December 1942?!

Here is a pic of the Mkb42(W).

Matt

[Trevor Elliott]

I think this is what you are looking for
http://members.shaw.ca/t.elliott4/Front.jpg

[PaulR]

Holy Sh*t!!!! Trevor Elliott, is that yours!!

Paul Reck

[Trevor Elliott]

Yep
That's mine. It has been deactivated but still a beautiful piece.

[Matt Weber]

Very cool Trevor! I love it!
Too bad it is deactivated! Otherwise that baby would be worth its' weight in gold!

Matt

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Trevor, I must say I am very impressed to see you have a MK42, I have only seen a couple of these in museums. Very, very nice.

Hi Douglas, sorry, I have no other info on "Wikings" field trails of the MP43.
Cheers, Ade.

[Douglas Jr.]

MKb42

Adrian,

Thanks anyway for your previous information.

Trevor,

Beautiful and very rare bird you have in hands. It is a shame that it is dewat weapon . I agree with Matt: in original condition would be priced for a small fortune.

Congratulations!

Douglas.