The MG34, more properly the Maschinengewehr 34, named after the year in which it was first released, 1934, is arguably the most infamous general-purpose machine gun platform of all time, as well as being recognized as the first one ever developed. Though it was overshadowed by the MG42 (Hitler’s Buzz Saw), which was both capable of a higher rate of fire and cheaper to produce, the MG34 was used by the German Army alongside the MG 42 and saw service in the Spanish Civil War and World War 2 in addition to the Korean War, the Vietnam War (and other proxy engagements of the Cold War), as well as more than ten other significant conflicts around the world.
One of the most influential of all World War II machine guns, the MG34 was developed around the 7.92 x 57mm Mauser cartridge. Designed by Heinrich Vollmer (who also designed the MG08 and Vollmer M35), it featured a recoil-operated action with an open, rotating bolt and was capable of sustained firing rates of up to 900 rounds per minute, even slightly higher, given certain specific circumstances.
Because of its relatively lightweight nature (under 30 pounds when not tripod-equipped) and high fully automatic firing rates, it was intended to be used as a medium machine gun to cover infantry movements, though MG 34s were also employed as anti-aircraft guns as well.
The MG34 was air-cooled and accepted a quick change barrel that made it possible to swap out an overheating barrel during periods of sustained, intense fire. The platform was also developed to be capable of two cyclic rates of fire as a single shot firing mode that lent it to use as a sniper rifle in addition to its service as a light machine gun.
If you or your organization owns or maintains an MG 34 or variant, you’re in the right place for parts. Check out our collection below and give us a call at 610-250-3960 if something needs replacing and you aren’t sure what it is: we can help.