Mg42 Bipod

[merdock]

Hi,
Just a small question but how do you tell the difference between a wartime and a post war mg42/mg3 bi pod,
seen one but no markings and the little knob between the legs is Bakelite if that means anything.
thanks Merdock

[Satcong101]

A NATO stock code is the usual give away for post war production.

[Heinz Steinkopf]

MG3 bipods usually do not have the adjustment screw. M53 bipods differ mainly with long S-114-XXXXXX numbers on every part.

[IMBLITZVT]

The WWII German Bipods will be both adjustable and none. They only real way to tell is the Waffenampts and maker code on the head. Any small squarish stamps are yugo. Any serial number and its not WWII.

[merdock]

Hi,
thanks guys for the info ,the set i saw in a second hand shop were made from aluminium? and had no markings that looked like anything recognisable ,but as you mention small square marks there were a small mark on the front of both legs mid way up that did not really look like much ,so i assume that they are yugo models.
thanks Merdock

[robinhood]

Hi What do these yugo small squarish stamps look like?

Rob.

The WWII German Bipods will be both adjustable and none. They only real way to tell is the Waffenampts and maker code on the head. Any small squarish stamps are yugo. Any serial number and its not WWII.

[IMBLITZVT]

Hi What do these yugo small squarish stamps look like?

Rob.

Rob, They are about 1/8" with a number or something inside. Some are a little more rectangular. I could not find a picture. However the Germans had nothing like it, so if you see a square stamp of any kind and no German birds, its Yugo. The Germans marked almost everything so, it not marked its probably not German except for small pieces and MG42 dust covers. I have some dust covers that are Yugo Marked but none that are German marked.

[robinhood]

Thanks IMBLITZVT.
Is this them ? I have 2 on my MG42 at 22 marked on part of chargeing handle and a 14 on feed tray. feed tray also has a bpr mark.

Rob, They are about 1/8" with a number or something inside. Some are a little more rectangular. I could not find a picture. However the Germans had nothing like it, so if you see a square stamp of any kind and no German birds, its Yugo. The Germans marked almost everything so, it not marked its probably not German except for small pieces and MG42 dust covers. I have some dust covers that are Yugo Marked but none that are German marked.

[IMBLITZVT]

Hmm, I will have to take a look at mine when I get home. However if its got the bpr mark, its German WWII. Now it might have been used by the Yugos later and stamped buts it is a WWII part. I am not sure exactly on the 22 in the square. You might wish to post on www.mg42.us for more info.