Quote:
Originally Posted by Klive
Tomcat - enlighten me regarding the MG 34/42 "drum attachment". I was under the impression both weapons were belt-fed only. I know the post-war MAG 58 featured a belt-tray clipped onto the side of the gun; likewise the Minimi. Not aware this feature was available in WWII belt-fed guns.
Klive
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Here you go Klive
50rnd drum
The belt drum
'Gurttromml 34' was a simple metal drum which kept a rolled up 50rnd belt with starter tab. Inside the drums, an arrow was painted to show the gunner which way the belt had to be rolled up. When attached to the MG, it had a sliding dust cover that had to be kept closed till used, in order to keep out any dust. The later models of the drum were replaced by a spring loaded dust cover instead of the sliding dust cover. The drums were less and less used towards the end of the war and almost discontinued. Part of this being that the MG42 had such a high rate of fire, and could empty a drum in less than two seconds. The drums were mostly used with the light machine gun role and not with the heavy role, which needed as high rate of fire.
75rnd drum
The twin saddle drum
'Patronentrommel 34' normally used in the AA role or on aircraft mounted guns, could hold 75rnds. Looking similar to the MG15 saddle drum, you could not use the MG15 drum on the MG34, but could use the MG34 saddle drum on the MG15. When used with the MG34, a special feed cover
'Deckel mit Trommelhalter' had to be used to hold the saddle drum in place. These saddle drums were replaced by the simpler more useful 50rnd drums before the war started. These 75rnd drums were still used with some MG units.
I cant find one on the net of the Mg42 with the drum fixed but I do have on e in my book which I can scan for you if you want