FG42 G semi-auto

[sen24]

Wanted to share some pics of my semi-auto type 2 FG42. At its core, it is a SmG FG42 rifle built in Texas by Rick Smith. They make quality firearms and I had the pleasure of lending a hand in the final product. I created the stamping designs for the "FG42", number fonts and luft stamps based on original rifle rails. I also did the manual lay-out trying to replicate the original manual with the SmG replica details. It was a very small role but I was proud to help, especially after I saw the final product.
My rifle is a custom build using some real FG42 parts as I wanted it as close to an original as possible. As the SmG receiver is milled and the original stamped, I decided to further sculpt the receiver to give it more detail and to create a more "stamped" look. This had a further bonus of removing a fair amount of weight as the SmG is almost a pound heavier than the original. This is the first batch of SmG rifles with a WW2 MG42 barrel and aluminum lower.
My biggest add was a complete original FG42 stock. I removed some receiver material but it locked right on. It's a bit lighter than the SmG stock and the profile a bit thinner. I have always felt the stock and the muzzle brake were the defining features of the type 2. The SmG stock is beautifully made but the profile of the original is very unique and I felt lucky to have an original and that it works so well. It's a testament to how close to the originals these rifles are. SmG nailed the muzzle brake dead on.
I also used a original FG42 rear sight and drum. The aperture is different and create a different sight picture. Estes Adams rings mount a real ZF4 and I topped it off with an original Fg42 sling.
I refinished the rifle to give it a mismatched phosphate look and gave it a bit of wear to match the condition of the original stock.
It's been a fun project and it's a greater shooter as well.
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[rajko84]

Nice looking rifle

[Jeff V]

Looks great!

[Chet Sowersby]

Nicely done.

Chet

[sen24]

Here's another couple pics. The last is this rifle next to an authentic type 1.
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[Lou58]

A great result, and well done

Lou

[Jeff V]

That last pic next to the type 1 is really cool!

[Willi Z.]

Nice work! How many rounds have you put through it? Any problems? How accurate?

[sen24]

I've put around 200 rounds through it since the makeover. Maybe 400 all together. It's definitely not a sub moa rifle but good enough for metal plates out to 300/400 yards. Recoil is amazingly light. The buffer stock and the muzzle brake make felt recoil less than an AK 7.62x39. Puts the G3s, FALs, and M14s to shame with recoil management. Also better compared to the original type 1. The extra weight helps along with the spring buffered stock (the type 1 receiver does not recoil into the stock)
Ive had a handful of FTEs and one major lock up that was due to the ammo used. Not terrible, but not perfect reliability. I still think SmG did an amazing job replicating this rifles action. Its mechanically identical to the real thing(semi only though) and works very well. It really IS an FG42 inside and not just a simpler action on a pretty shell. The fact they pulled this off is really awesome.

[Remark116]

A friend of mine has one. I have shot it a few times. It is decently balanced and the recoil feels like an AR15. It is a lot of fun to shoot. As was stated accuracy wasn't great, but the feel of it makes up for that.

On the gun I have shot I think the tolerances might be a bit too tight. It can foul up pretty fast causing issues. It did not really matter what type of ammo was used. It does have an adjustable gas system which is helpful. Also the bolt is a real pain to pull back. The spring is heavy as all get out.

[sen24]

Here's a pic of the rifle as received from SmG over 3 years ago. Already a very fine looking firearm. I had friends saying I was crazy for messing with such an expensive gun. But FG42s are my favorite firearm and I couldn't help myself making it exactly how I wanted it. I am really happy with the results and think it sits comfortably next to the real thing.
I would be interested in hearing what other owners of SMG FG42s think of their rifle. I know their type 1 has been ATF approved and is highly anticipated.
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[MP41]

The rifle looks great! I really like the different colored finished you did on it. Really makes it look authentic.
I have a few questions;

- What caliber is it in?
- When will the Type 1 rifles be available?
- How much do these cost?
- Where can I get one!!??

Matt

[sen24]

I don't work for SMG GUNS but I can answer to the best of my knowledge...

My rifle is in 8mm Mauser like the original. They also make a .308 version.
To get one just go to SMGGUNS.com and check it out. There was a long waitlist a while back when I was in touch and they build these rifles in batches. I'm not sure what the wait time is now. They have options of the wood and finishes and will work with you. Can't say enough good things about the owner Rick.
These rifles are $5000 which is a lot but in my opinion worth it. The quality is extremely high and the only other option is 200k+ original. They function like the real thing. But obviously the price goes up if you get the scope rings, zf4, sling etc.
The type 1 should be coming soon since they have approval but I know they do a lot of testing to get the design right and to produce most of the parts in house. Nothing from the type 2 is interchangeable with the type 1 so that's a lot of work. There will also be a waitlist with owners of the type 2 asked first. So it could be wait even after they are selling. But I think the type 1 will be amazing and more accurate considering it had a milled receiver that was more refined that lends itself very well to the quality work they do.
I have a real type 1 and it's an incredible rifle. Very light and compact compared to the type 2 and has the awesome looks with the swept grip(which is extremely comfortable btw) and the metal sharktail. I think this is the perfect rifle to do a semi build of. I love both rifles but the type 1 is the iconic FG42
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[Remark116]

I should clarify about the one that I have shot. It is in .308.

The reasoning was that the mags were easier to get, .308 is a lot cheaper and the owner shoots .308 in a lot of his other guns, including a mg42 that has a .308 kit on it.

Granted cheap ammo is not what you want to shoot through a nice new $5,000 gun. For the record I have only seen and shot good .308 through it. (none of the Russian steel cased stuff).

[MP41]

Sen,

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out definitely. I think I'm going to wait for the type 1 to be available though. Since I'll probably only buy one of these, and I'll never be able to afford an original, I want it to be the "iconic" type 1.

Matt