Banner

Mauser MG 42

GunCritic Score

Critic Rating

User Rating

0 Reviews

MSRP:

$366.99

Used Price:

$366.99

Sale Price:

$34031.38

Mauser MG 42 Gun Stats

Want to Sell Your Gun?

Get Instant Offer

Mauser MG 42 Specs

1 Brand

2 Category

Technical Data

Caliber

8x57mm Mauser JS

Barrel Length

21"

Length

48"

Weight

405.6 oz

Capacity

100 Round Belt

Mauser MG 42 Features

The MG 42 is a gas-operated, roller-locked, belt-fed, fully automatic machine gun with an incredibly fast fire rate of 1500 rounds per minute.  The 42 was built with a 21 inch barrel that could quickly be swapped out to prevent overheating (machine gun crews shared 7 barrels for one gun).  The barrel is accompanied by a flip-up front sight and a range-adjustable rear sight.


Mauser MG 42 Ballistics

8x57mm Mauser JS Ballistic Data
Range (Yards) Drop (inches) Velocity Energy Wind drift (inches) Time (milliseconds)
0 0 0 0 0 0
50 0 0 0 0 0
100 0 0 0 0 0
150 0 0 0 0 0
200 0 0 0 0 0
250 0 0 0 0 0
300 0 0 0 0 0
350 0 0 0 0 0
400 0 0 0 0 0
450 0 0 0 0 0
500 0 0 0 0 0

Mauser MG 42 Capacity

The MG 42 is chambered in 8x57mm Mauser (7.92x57mm) and feeds from linked ammo.  There were two common loading methods that included a 75 round “drum” that contained a short belt in a cylindrical case or it could be fed from an ammo box with the help of the assistant gunner…and the other three of the five Wehrmacht soldiers in the machine gun squad who had to help carry ammo.


With an unloaded weight of 25.5 pounds and an overall length of 48 inches, the MG42 was definitely one of the lighter guns of WWII.  Due to this lighter weight combined with the intense fire rate, an unstable bipod, and the recoil from a full-power cartridge, the MG42 was very hard to control even when firing from a prone position.  This led to many of its users to either spray bullets everywhere or employ a bulky tripod.


Mauser MG 42 Mobility

Mobility

Mauser MG 42 Ergonomics

Ergonomics
The MG42 has a stock that is directly in-line with the barrel to reduce muzzle climb and a pistol grip that had cutting-edge ergonomics for its time.  The charging handle is located on the right side of the gun and is hinged to allow for better leverage when manually cycling the action.  Also on the right side of the gun is the barrel release lever that an assistant gunner can open to quickly pull the barrel out with the use of an asbestos glove and insert a cold barrel asbestos he could, usually in a matter of 10 to 20 seconds.


Mauser MG 42 Fit & Finish

One unique design feature of the MG42 is the fact that all of its stamped components are cut from one large sheet of steel.  They are then formed, parkerized and assembled with the turned and milled components into the complete gun.  Along with the inaccuracy from the factors mentioned in the “mobility” section, the MG42 also suffered from inaccuracy due to the rather thin barrel profile that produced detrimental barrel harmonics that caused the barrel to whip and throw shots.


Fit and Finish

How much is a Mauser MG 42 worth?

In 2025 a new or used Mauser MG 42 value varies depending on supply and demand. In the last 12 months there is great demand for a Mauser MG 42 and most rifles. The Price for a Mauser MG 42 has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2025 compared to 2024.

Estimated New and Used Values for a Mauser MG 42 Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors.

Condition Trade-In Private Party Dealer
New In box $22,120.40 $28,926.67 $34,031.38
Excellent $20,418.83 $27,225.10 $30,628.24
Very Good $18,717.26 $27,225.10 $30,628.24
Good $17,015.69 $25,523.54 $28,926.67
Fair $11,910.98 $22,120.40 $27,225.10
Poor $8,507.85 $17,015.69 N/A

Gun Value Conditions explained:

New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Excellent - 95%+ condition with or without box.

Very Good - 90% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Good - 80-90% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Fair - 30% - 80% condition, parts, and finish may or may not be original. Must function properly and shoot.

Poor - under 30% condition. Firearm has severe wear and tear, does not function, or is damaged.

Guncritic Icon

Want To Sell Your Mauser MG 42?

Quick Cash Offer

  • We make you an quick cash offer online

  • We find the dealer that offers you the most money

  • Get cash for your gun or do a trade in

How We Compare to Selling It Yourself

We take all the hassle out of selling your gun.

Speed Icon

Save Time

Quick Cash Offer

Get your cash offer in minutes

Selling it Yourself

Can take months to sell your gun privately

Buyer Icon

Buyer

Quick Cash Offer

Trusted retailers will pay you for your gun

Selling it Yourself

You don't know who you're selling to, or if they'll rip you off

Price Icon

Price

Quick Cash Offer

I'ts totally free to get a cash offer on your gun

Selling it Yourself

It costs money to place ads to sell your gun, and it takes a lot of time

Diffuculty Icon

Difficulty

Quick Cash Offer

Easy online paperwork and registration process for your safe and legal payout

Selling it Yourself

You have to trust the buyer to pay you, and trust that you're following the law

Rate And Review

Mauser MG 42 Q & A

There are no questions related to Mauser MG 42

/

Mauser MG 42 Problems

There are no problems related to Mauser MG 42

/

Related Products