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I'd like to know the difference between 308 and 8 mm top covers. I want to know how the NOS mg1 top covers differ from the MG3 top cover. Here's what I do know.

1. WW2 top covers are used as is and a spacer is placed in the feed tray for 308.

2. The MG1 top cover has a smaller opening and the 308 feed tray is also shorter to match the top cover. It also has a dohicky belt aligner on the exit side.

3. The MG3 top cover looks like the MG1 but the feed tray is different in that is has a built in belt holding pawl and an ammo box holder.

I believe the only thing that can be different are the feed pawls in the top cover. Any one have an MG1 and MG3 cover to compare.

Thanks

did you look in the discussion "converting 8mm to 308" they are realy going into detail

The MG3 top cover will only work with the MG3 feedtray.It will not work with the MG-1 feed tray due to a length difference for closing.
MG-1 top cover will work with an 8mm feed tray.or an MG-1 .308 feed tray.

I'm not aware of any differences in the feed between the MG1 and the MG42...they were both 8mm. I think the only thing they changed was to add the bolt lock (stabalizer) to the mix.