FG42 Country Germany Type Automatic rifle Manufacturer Louis Stange Introduction 1942 Specifications Weight 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) (Model I) 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) (Model II) Length 937 mm (36.9 in) (Model I) 1,060 mm (41.7 in)(Model II) Barrel length 502 mm (19.8 in) Cartridge 7.92x57mm Mauser Action Gas operated Rate of fire 900 rounds/min (Model I) 600 rounds/min (Model II) Muzzle velocity 760 m/s (2,493 ft/s) Feed system 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine) Sights Diopter open sights all models; ZFG42 scope (Model I and II); ZF4 Scope (Model III)

The Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (FG42) was an automatic rifle produced in Nazi Germany during World War II. The weapon was developed specifically for the use by paratroopers, who wanted a suitable gun after their experiences in the invasion of Crete. As a result, the FG42 was developed. It could fire single shots semi-automatically, but also serve as a light support weapon. Its development was authorized by Hermann Göring. The FG42 was manufactured and deployed only in small numbers.

The FG42 was intended to fill a key niche in Nazi Germany\'s arsenal but was produced only in small numbers. It was somewhat well-received by paratroopers when tested, but it did have its drawbacks. The FG42 had a 20, or sometimes 10, round magazine that was mounted on the left side of the rifle. Though a side-mounted magazine was common in submachine guns, the larger magazine with heavier ammunition of a full-powered rifle tended to unbalance the weapon. In addition, muzzle rise with automatic fire was substantial and controllable bursts were difficult. This made full-automatic fire only marginally useful. The FG42 used a fairly sophisticated muzzle device that did help with recoil and muzzle flash, but made blast and noise much greater than on other similar weapons.

After approximately 2000 FG42s had been produced by Krieghoff, supplies of the manganese steel from which the receivers were forged were diverted to other needs; this meant a redesign was required to use stamped sheet metal in its place. Field reports were also requesting minor improvements, such as: relocating the bipod from the front of the handguard to the muzzle to reduce shot dispersion; changing the pistol grip angle to near vertical; enlarging the handguard and changing the stock from stamped steel to wood to minimize overheating.