The MG-34, or Maschinengewehr 34, was a German general-purpose machine gun that was widely used during World War II. Developed in the early 1930s, the MG-34 was designed to replace the aging MG-08, which had been in service since World War I.

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The MG-34 was a highly versatile and effective weapon, capable of firing up to 900 rounds per minute. It was designed to be used both as a light machine gun and as a heavy machine gun, with a bipod for use in the former role and a tripod for the latter. The MG-34 was also notable for its ability to be mounted on vehicles and aircraft. One of the key features of the MG-34 was its quick-change barrel, which allowed for sustained fire without the risk of overheating the barrel. This was an important innovation, as the MG-08 had been prone to barrel overheating, which could lead to malfunctions and reduced accuracy. The MG-34 was also notable for its use of the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge. This cartridge was well-suited to the needs of a general-purpose machine gun, as it provided good range and accuracy. Additionally, the gun had a selective fire capability on its double crescent trigger. The upper part of the trigger, “E” or “Einzelfeuer” was used for semi-automatic fire and the lower segment, “D” or “ Dauerfeuer” produced fully automatic fire.

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The MG-34 entered service with the German military in 1936 and was widely used throughout World War II. It saw action on all fronts and it was also used extensively by German tanks and other armored vehicles.

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Despite its effectiveness, the MG-34 had some drawbacks. It was relatively complex and expensive to manufacture, and its quick-change barrel system could be prone to jamming if not properly maintained. Additionally, the MG-34's recoil was quite powerful, making it difficult to control during sustained fire. In the later stages of the war, the MG-34 was gradually replaced by the MG-42, a more simplified and cost-effective design. However, the MG-34 remained in service throughout the war.