Deactivated MG42/59 GPMG

Deactivated MG42/59 7.62mm NATO Calibre General Purpose Machine Gun. Italian 1960’s dated Breda manufacture MG3 (Italian MG42/59 designation), and in excellent overall deactivated condition.  Latest EU Spec, with moving dummy steel bolt (under spring pressure), moving trigger and safety, and opening top cover (see video for example of moving parts). Please note, this is a batch item so you may not receive the one pictured. The MG3 was the post war updated version of the MG42/ 53.  The calibre changed to 7.62mm NATO and an improved cocking handle, muzzle break and bipod were fitted.  Otherwise, it was almost identical to the wartime version.  The MG42 was developed in Nazi Germany and entered service with the Wehrmacht in 1942 and was manufactured until the end of the war.  The MG42 has a proven record of reliability, durability, simplicity, and ease of operation, but is most notable for being able to produce a stunning volume of suppressive fire. The MG42 has one of the highest average rates of fire of any single-barrelled man-portable machine gun, between 1,200 and 1,500 rpm, resulting in a distinctive muzzle report that the allies nicknamed the `buzz saw’.  The MG3 came into service in 1959 and has been adopted by over 70 countries.  It is almost identical to the MG42, but fires the 7.62mm NATO cartridge instead.  All deactivated weapons sold by D and B Militaria are deactivated in the United Kingdom and hold London or Birmingham proof marks and a certificate stating that the weapon has been deactivated correctly.