MG34 AA/Ground rig.

[R_Hessian]

I haven't pulled this piece of machinery out in years, it just stands idly in the dark. It's a "dot 1944" production and it fires perfectly all the more reason why I need to fire a couple hundred rounds out of it. While heavy it is manageable once tossed on ones shoulder, the tripod is another issue. It's far to heavy for an army that marched as much as the German army.

That being said in a fixed position the tripod offers great stability and firing options.

The AA extension is a quick and handy conversion for shooting at aircraft but the tripod tends to rattle and vibrate a bit to much without it being weighed down. Ammo cans and additional gun crew held the contraption steady or as much as possible anyway.

"The things one finds in the garage."

Robert

[R_Hessian]

2

2

[R_Hessian]

3

3

[R_Hessian]

4

4

[R_Hessian]

5

5

[R_Hessian]

7

7

[R_Hessian]

8

8

[R_Hessian]

10

10

[Larry Dickson]

A thing of beauty!
I want to hang out in your garage.........

[Cincylance]

Great set-up, thanks for sharing. By chance, is that a pre-sample gun?

I've got a C&R dot 43 '34 in the "b" range that could be it's brother.

I love the "patina" or wear it has taken on. If only they could talk.

Cincylance

[R_Hessian]

Great set-up, thanks for sharing. By chance, is that a pre-sample gun?

I've got a C&R dot 43 '34 in the "b" range that could be it's brother.

I love the "patina" or wear it has taken on. If only they could talk.

Cincylance

Its a dot 1944 "e" block... pre-may dealers sample.

[david_4x4]

I find the modification to your tripod interesting. The original back plate is there, but the release switch has been turned into that like the MG42 lafettes.

[R_Hessian]

I find the modification to your tripod interesting. The original back plate is there, but the release switch has been turned into that like the MG42 lafettes.

Thank you for the response, could you point out what you mean by the release switch.

Thank you.

[david_4x4]

On the MG34 lafette the release switch to release the cradle/sled from the fire control group was on the back top right of the tripod.

On the MG42 lafette, it was placed below the cradle/sled. Probably because the lafette 34 could be caught and easily release the cradle/sled and make for an awkward carry on ones back.

Here's the only photos on my computer right now. On the MG34 lafette you can make out the release on teh top right where as on the MG42 lafettes it's located where your is.

[R_Hessian]

On the MG34 lafette the release switch to release the cradle/sled from the fire control group was on the back top right of the tripod.

On the MG42 lafette, it was placed below the cradle/sled. Probably because the lafette 34 could be caught and easily release the cradle/sled and make for an awkward carry on ones back.

Here's the only photos on my computer right now. On the MG34 lafette you can make out the release on teh top right where as on the MG42 lafettes it's located where your is.

You have an eye for detail, yes this is very interesting. I will have to un pack the tripod again this week and look at the date of manufacture and maker markings. It might also be worth looking at the latest MG34/42 published book for information on this tripod variation ( I contributed the section of the book pertaining to the U.S. metallurgical study of captured MG34's... shameless bragging.)