Fg42 ?
- Thread starter H Wally
- Start date
Take the 10K in gold sovereigns and go hiking in the back hills of Crete - you'd probably flush out a real one - or get your throat cut.
didn't the FG42 come about from specs laid down after the difficulties on crete, ie subguns and pistols versus rifles?
Mr Wolverine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba. Canada
Firstly, yes hike in the hills of Crete, tour the battle fields, visit the grave yards and dream. Enjoy their beer, their wine and Raki the wonderful food and beautiful beaches. A wonderful place and if I ever had to defend an island against an airborne assault let it be an island like Crete.
Due to the devastating losses that the German Paratroopers suffered at Crete they were never employed en mass again. Their requirement for a specialized Sniper Rifle and Light Machine Gun in one, resulted in the famed FG42, had they been able to jump into Crete with her the outcome would have been a lot quicker.
I could ramble on for ever about Crete, a fantastic island.
Due to the devastating losses that the German Paratroopers suffered at Crete they were never employed en mass again. Their requirement for a specialized Sniper Rifle and Light Machine Gun in one, resulted in the famed FG42, had they been able to jump into Crete with her the outcome would have been a lot quicker.
I could ramble on for ever about Crete, a fantastic island.
NavyShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- XMU Local .303
Aye,
I took a bus tour there years ago...we hiked down the Hania Gorge, picked up a ferry at the end, then took a bus back up to the main road on the north side of the island.
I was reading a book on the military history of Crete at the time, and that very road I drove up heading north, was the path that the British Army retreated down as they left the island.
Wow. Reading about a battle at a certain cross-road as you're passing by it is VERY cool.
From the perspective of a military defensive, what a spot to fight from. There is little wonder the german paras suffered such losses.
How does that expression go...
"In death ground, fight."
NS
I took a bus tour there years ago...we hiked down the Hania Gorge, picked up a ferry at the end, then took a bus back up to the main road on the north side of the island.
I was reading a book on the military history of Crete at the time, and that very road I drove up heading north, was the path that the British Army retreated down as they left the island.
Wow. Reading about a battle at a certain cross-road as you're passing by it is VERY cool.
From the perspective of a military defensive, what a spot to fight from. There is little wonder the german paras suffered such losses.
How does that expression go...
"In death ground, fight."
NS
For anyone interested in the genesis of the FG 42 and its continuous development, I recommend "Death from Above" by Collector Grade Publications. Probably the best resource for FG 42 enthusiasts. They're also Canadian!
http://www.collectorgrade.com/bookshelf1.html
http://www.collectorgrade.com/bookshelf1.html
Mr Wolverine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba. Canada
One view of the German Cemetery on Crete, this was the site of some of the fiercest fighting
We found this Memorial by accident, in memory of Australian Troops, Pat and I spent the morning cleaning it up, it was a very special site. In the corner was plague in memory of a 25 Pounder gun crew who had been killed on that very spot. I was mistaken for an Aussie, at that time and place it was the highest compliment anyone could pay me.
On a lone hill side stood this 40 mm Bofos, all greased up and ready for use.
We found this Memorial by accident, in memory of Australian Troops, Pat and I spent the morning cleaning it up, it was a very special site. In the corner was plague in memory of a 25 Pounder gun crew who had been killed on that very spot. I was mistaken for an Aussie, at that time and place it was the highest compliment anyone could pay me.
On a lone hill side stood this 40 mm Bofos, all greased up and ready for use.
- Location
- Leduc County, Alberta
Simply amazing! Nice photos there Mr Wolverine.
My next trip to Europe is definitely going to include the Mediterranean countries, and I'll have to make an excursion to Crete as well.
What is the BD42 supposed to ship with for $8865.00? Extra mags, scope mount... ???
Thanks.
My next trip to Europe is definitely going to include the Mediterranean countries, and I'll have to make an excursion to Crete as well.
What is the BD42 supposed to ship with for $8865.00? Extra mags, scope mount... ???
Thanks.
Mr Wolverine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba. Canada
Crete
A view looking North to the coast from the German Cemetery. This ridge was key ground, the vital airfield Maleme is still there the runway in view next to the beach. To the west is the Tavronitis river, she flows into the sea next to the runway. The bridge is still over the river, the same as in WW II except a new bridge takes the road traffic today. A heap of gravel was at the end of the bridge where in my book a photo showed a wrecked German Glider at rest. I walked the river bed where the late Lt Roy Farron drove his tank, I stood where a German mortar pit had been. What simply amazed me was the short range that all the engagements took place at, no wonder it was a slaughter. Today the island is a paradise, a fitting resting place for many brave men.
A view looking North to the coast from the German Cemetery. This ridge was key ground, the vital airfield Maleme is still there the runway in view next to the beach. To the west is the Tavronitis river, she flows into the sea next to the runway. The bridge is still over the river, the same as in WW II except a new bridge takes the road traffic today. A heap of gravel was at the end of the bridge where in my book a photo showed a wrecked German Glider at rest. I walked the river bed where the late Lt Roy Farron drove his tank, I stood where a German mortar pit had been. What simply amazed me was the short range that all the engagements took place at, no wonder it was a slaughter. Today the island is a paradise, a fitting resting place for many brave men.
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NavyShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- XMU Local .303
Lest we Forget.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yep, they sure are nice!
Got to play with one (and fire a few rounds) last week. Beside the trigger having lots of creep and my index finder turning black from the gas port... these things are a lot of fun I was really surprised how mild they were, felt like I was shooting a .223.
Got to play with one (and fire a few rounds) last week. Beside the trigger having lots of creep and my index finder turning black from the gas port... these things are a lot of fun
I was really surprised how mild they were, felt like I was shooting a .223.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
OK,
- The glossy finish is easy to mark
- The trigger could use a little work
- Don't know about reloads, the brass have a funny 2nd shoulder on them
...
...
And last but not least
- The can be expensive the feed (Since they are so much fun to shoot!)
- The glossy finish is easy to mark
- The trigger could use a little work
- Don't know about reloads, the brass have a funny 2nd shoulder on them
...
...
And last but not least
- The can be expensive the feed (Since they are so much fun to shoot!)
The owner is a dealer. Did not ask where he bought it from. Just wanted it in my hands and to shoot it offhand. Recoil very smooth, like an AR or SKS/AK. Not bad for commercial SP 170gr 8x57 eh? I wish I had my S&B 196gr 2600fps loads with me.
Not a match trigger, but I have felt much worse military triggers. Had to release trigger for sear to re-engage for next shot, No big deal. Double radius shoulder on cases after firing, extra shoulder about 1/2" down from original shoulder. May not be as bad as trying to re-use fluted cases. F/L resizing a must. Life of case? Who knows just yet. I would keep a case extractor tool handy for reloads.
Not a match trigger, but I have felt much worse military triggers. Had to release trigger for sear to re-engage for next shot, No big deal. Double radius shoulder on cases after firing, extra shoulder about 1/2" down from original shoulder. May not be as bad as trying to re-use fluted cases. F/L resizing a must. Life of case? Who knows just yet. I would keep a case extractor tool handy for reloads.
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