RE: Mg34 feeding problems

[ottoman]

Hello,
Took the 34 to the range for the first time yesterday with some 50's yugo or romanian brass case 8mm ammo belted up ready to go. Loaded the first belt and fired off 1 round semi just fine, but in every case the second round the case would be bent/crimped somehow and not chamber or fire. The extractor in every case would extract and eject the damaged round. The rounds always strip from the belt and then on the way to the chamber are jammed by the force of the bolt/ round entering at the wrong angle. Tried another barrel/bolt combo which helped somewhat but the damage was still there and the round would not fire. Tried a different top cover assy and no change. Tried a different feed tray, no change. Anyone had a similiar set of problems with their 34? This is a premay dealer sample FA gun by dot in '43. Also the barrel return/recuperator spring seems to be ok. I'm wondering maybe the rollers on the bolt are excessivly worn? Anyone with any ideas please chime in...
thanks, ottoman

[JBaum]

The guy who teaches the MG34 class for Long Mountain Outfitters is Greg Soughik from MG34.com

Best guy I know for the 34 and it's problems.

[Matt]

sounds like the front pawl on the feedblock has a worn spring but if you changed feedblocks that should have done it unless it was worn out as well. - matt

[anjongni]

Hi ottoman, i'm definately not the expert here, but if it's a semi, I have seen that you have to hold back the bolt, then install the belt with the first round against the stop, then "let go" of the charging handle and lock it foreward. Did I say that right? Anyway, I believe that if you install the belt first, then cock it, the feed system is trying to force two rounds in at the same time. This was mentioned last week in regards to the MG42 loading sequence. Maybe something to check....Phil

[JBaum]

He says it's full auto, but the same thing applies. The bolt is to be already back when the belt is laid in.

[mp44dude]

Ottoman, Is the bolt making it all the way forward? Sounds like the round is being stripped and diving which leads me to believe that it is your feed tray.

greg