Transferable MG42

[magnet69]

I'm looking for a class 3 transferable MG42 to purchase for myself prior to the new NFA trust rules going into effect most likely in June. I'm interested in having a working shooting gun rather than a museum piece safe queen. I live in Northeast Ohio and would prefer an Ohio gun or an out of state form 3. I know they're costly and there are many variables, but wonder what price range would be fair to pay.
Thanks for any info/referrals/etc. in advance.

[JBaum]

First, get a Curio & Relics firearms license. That way you can get an MG42 transferred to you from out of state without paying the transfer tax twice if the gun you find isn't in Ohio. It will save you $200 and months of waiting, since the MG can be transferred directly to you from out of state without going through a dealer and needing to wait for two transfers.

Depending on condition $35,000 and up is a ballpark price for a 42. Accessories can be several thousand dollars, so finding one with accessories can be a great advantage.

Ohio Ordnance Works is in Chardon, OH. Check with them. Watch on the ads section of www.subguns.com

Go to Knob Creek, KY and ask around. With a C&R license, you can go pick up your gun and drive it home from a few states away. Having a C&R license also lets you transport the MG to other states without doing paperwork ahead of time.

I think it's still $30 for 3 years. Can't beat it. It also lets you directly buy other guns on the C&R list from out of state.

[magnet69]

Just got info about an Ohio transferable Suhl MG42 setup in 308. Multiple accessories w/ mounts incl Lafayette, spare parts, bolts, belts, 15 barrels, etc. Bluing he states is 60% and says gun runs flawless (have to trust on that). Pics are attached. Asking total package price is $39k. Sounds like could be fair price overall or just a tad high, but market is what someone will pay and seller accept.
Also, would one get a worn looking one refinished or is that taboo for a C&R full auto MG42 and just leave finish as is?
Thanks again for the advice.

[JBaum]

A reblue is a personal preference with an MG. I see no problem with making it pretty with a dip in a hot blue tank. You aren't buying it to be a safe queen, so I see little point in not making it look the best possible.

Cheaper is always better, but $39,000 isn't out of line with the accessories included. You can easily switch it to 8mm with WW2 parts and have it running both calibers.

Lafayette was the French guy who helped George Washington win independence from the British.

A lafette is a German gun mount. If you're going to own one, you gotta call it by the right name.

[magnet69]

Thanks for your opinion. A lot of $ but a lot of extras for a lifetime along with a lot of history. I'll be making an offer tomorrow and let you know if I can work out a deal. Thanks

[magnet69]

OMG, I just noticed your location is Lisbon. I'm in Canfield. Hello neighbor! If you ever want shoot, let me know. I have a collection of WW1/2 weaponry to shoot. Thanks again for your opinions.

[JBaum]

I live in the country and shoot in my yard. I collect too. I also direct traffic at the Canfield Fair, so at the least, you'll have to stop by Gate 9 and introduce yourself when the fair is going.

[magnet69]

Will do. If you ever want company to shoot in your yard let me know. I have 1919's, Bren, Breda M37, DPM with a Hotchkiss, Lewis and Jap 99 in transfer along with some non-WW MG's as well.

[magnet69]

FYI follow up. I offered $36k but wasn't acceptable to seller. Now unsure if I should've just taken it at seller's asking price since it was so complete with all the extras/etc. Thanks for the help anyway.

[JBaum]

Ask him if he'll take $38,000. Then if he refused, pay the full fare. 15 barrels are worth $1,500 alone. In the overall scheme of things, $3,000 isn't much money.

[magnet69]

Thanks for the afterthoughts. I'll consider it.

[magnet69]

I accepted a price of $38k for the package deal with a 50/50 payment. Looks like I'll be burning up the ammo next year. Anyone to suggest to go over the gun and get it checked out/refinished when I get it?

[JBaum]

It would be reasonable to want to run a belt through the gun before the sale is started. You wouldn't spend half that money on a car without even a drive around the block, would you?

The usual pogo test is most of a checkout. Be sure to headspace all the barrel and bolt combinations. Make a list of pairs that don't fit together. I have one combination that headspaces too tight, so I don't put that barrel with that bolt.

Start looking for a good buttstock and a German 8mm kit to use for parts. HDv 241 is the single best manual, an 8mm belt loader is good to have if you're going to shoot 8mm. You'll have several months to round out your MG42 accessories.

[magnet69]

Thanks for the tips. Here's a list of all the accessories that are included with the package:

Four 8mm barrels – fair to good condition
Six new Steyr 308 barrels
One new polygonal 308 barrel in the white
Three newish 308 barrels
Three 308 barrels – fair to good condition
Three 50 round drums with one carrier
25 starter tabs
Fifty 50 round belts
One 250 round belt
One MG-42 8mm feed tray + one converted to 308
One MG-42 topcover
Bipod
Origonal buttstock – fair condition original grip panels – fair condition
Plastic buttstock – new
Layfette tripod with optics – good condition
AA tripod – very good condition
One barrel carrier(2 barrel)
Spare grip stick complete with spare sear and grip panels
Spare buffer – new, three new recoil springs
One MG-3 Muzzle booster, three MG-42 flash hiders
One charging handle, one recuperator set
One repro front AA sight
Three bolts, three anti-bounce units, seven anti-bounce spoons
Five muzzle bearings (four are hard chrome)
Two 308 muzzle boosters(hard chromed) three 8mm boosters(2 hard chromed)
Twenty firing pins
Five ejectors
Seven extractors with springs
200 rounds 308 ball, belted
MG34-MG42 Collectors grade book

I'm sure I'll need something else eventually as well, especially more ammo.

[www.Prussia.us]

Congrats!

[42rocker]

If the ""Layfette tripod with optics – good condition"" is WW2 and not the modern one that's 2 to 3 thousand right there.
Sound like a good deal.

Good Luck with everything.

Later 42rocker

[magnet69]

Thanks. I'll check the extras after I pick them up next month. Thank goodness it takes a year to transfer, so I have time to learn about it.

[42rocker]

John's books are a great place to start.

Later 42rocker

[magnet69]

Placed my order 2 days ago and they're already on the way.