Rare, Variant, German, MG42 (Rheinmetall MG42/58) (Early Production). 7.62x51 Machine Gun and Sling. ** OLD SPEC** 1996 UK DEACTIVATION CERTIFICATED** D 5989 Rare, Post War Variant, German, MG42 (Rheinmetall MG42/58) (Early Production). 7.62x51 Machine Gun and Sling. ** OLD SPEC** 1996 UK DEACTIVATION CERTIFICATED** D 5989 Various Machine Gun

After World War Two, when West Germany was allowed to reconstitute its army and join NATO, it needed small arms. The new Bundeswehr chose the MG42 as it’s standard GPMG, and the Rheinmetall firm undertook the project of recreating the MG42 by reverse-engineered surviving WW2 wartime weapons. The work was completed in 1958, and the company began making MG42s in 7.62 NATO for the commercial export market as well as for the Bundeswehr. West German postwar production of the wartime MG42 began in 1958 at Rheinmetall, after engineers reverse-engineered surviving wartime weapons. Rechambered for 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, the Rheinmetall MG42/58, was officially designated by the German Bundeswehr as the MG1A1. The design evolved through the MG1 and MG2 into the iconic MG3, which was later manufactured by Heckler & Koch and widely adopted globally. The improvements included a feed tray to mount modern belt boxes and prevent belts from falling out when opened, integrated anti aircraft rear sight and a new muzzle booster design. This is an early production, MG42/58 made by Rheinmetall. The left hand side of the receiver is stamped MG 42 7.62 the Rheinmetall monogram 1959 (date), proof marks and the serial number 11313, the gun is in good condition, retaining much of its original finish, the gun is fitted with the Rheinmetall flip up anti aircraft rear sight, bipod and leather carrying sling. This is an old spec UK (1996) deactivation. The weapon cocks, strips, the barrel change lever operates and the gun dry fires. This is an excellent example of an early production MG42/58 in 7.62 NATO deactivated to the old specification in 1996. The price includes the UK Old Spec deactivation certificate and UK delivery. D 5989