Third Party Press

PTR-44 & FG-42 semi autos

Kammerjaeger

Kammerjaeger

Well-known member
Admittedly, I am lacking knowledge in this area. I know PTR made/make? a semi auto Stg44 clone in 8x33. What is not clear is, do they still make and/or import them? Am I correct that the prices are $4,000-$6,000 U.S.? What about a semi-auto version of FG-42? Does/did SMG Guns ever get their project off the ground? I have read some of the PTR related threads, but for the most part they are several years out of date and I am seeking current info from those who know it best. Thanks guys.


KJ
 
Yes, SMG has been making the FG42 for quite a while now. There are a couple threads on the K98Kforum about their rifles.
The PTR-44 is still being made in Germany and sold there (and maybe in Canada) as BD44 but there are obviously now plans to import any more into the U.S.

There is a cut up PTR-44 and a PTR-44 project rifle for sale on Gunbroker right now.
 
How do the SMG FG-42's rate overall? Fit, function et al? Are they 8x57? I'm going in search of FG-42 threads. :thumbsup:

KJ
 
That is a great write up on the smg fg 42 done on this forum. It steered me away from it, but mainly because I didn't want to spend 5k on a reproduction that wasn't flawless.
 
Yes, a very nicely done writeup. Given time I could buy one, but I could get so many other things for that kind of money.

KJ
 
I understand that completely. But as a private buyer, and not a military breaking in a new weapon, I will put my money elsewhere. If the kinks get figured out, I will heavily consider it as I definitely want one.
 
Discussion like this makes me feel good. It means that people are reading my work, finding it useful and I'm contributing to the hobby. Thanks guys! :thumbsup:
 
rifles in Canada

There's a guy that lurks here some from Canada. He was telling me that there are a bunch of semi clones of WW2 German rifles available there from current German production.
FG42, BDR (MP)44, MKb42 open bolt semi. And I think the VG1-5.
Looks like the Canadians can have stuff we cannot, no r922, but they have that 5 round mag limit and some permitting I know little about.
Pete
 
There was a Dietrich Fg42 (second style) on egun last week - it should still be in the system, I think, if it's like GB - 8K Euros and the auction hadn't closed.
 
shortfal said:
There's a guy that lurks here some from Canada. He was telling me that there are a bunch of semi clones of WW2 German rifles available there from current German production.
FG42, BDR (MP)44, MKb42 open bolt semi. And I think the VG1-5.
Looks like the Canadians can have stuff we cannot, no r922, but they have that 5 round mag limit and some permitting I know little about.
Pete
Click to expand...


Yes, odd isn't it? Our Canadian friends can also get SVT-40's for less than $300. :googlie

KJ
 
pitfighter said:
There was a Dietrich Fg42 (second style) on egun last week - it should still be in the system, I think, if it's like GB - 8K Euros and the auction hadn't closed.
Click to expand...

Pit, they had a real FG42 Type I in bits and pieces sans bolt and barrel up for auction not long ago. Way out of my price range, though. Besides the fact that you can't import an intact machine gun receiver.

item1.jpgitem2.jpgitem3.jpgitem4.jpgitem5.jpgitem6.jpgitem7.jpgitem8.jpg
 
Nice, a glorious first model, too! - I had the muzzle brake from a second model - collecting real FG42's is the rarified arena of folks with considerably deeper pockets than mine.

The auction I was referring to was for a replica/firing one - I cannot find a trace of it - I use the site without the translation program as it works better, but my German is lacking.

Also the SSD website - http://www.ssd-weapon.com/BD_42.2.html

Here is a bit from Canadiangunnutz on the FG42 from SSD:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/501940-Ssd-k43-amp-fg42

$10K (Can) from marstar when they were importing them.
 
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FG42 and PTR44

The PTR44 / BD44 maaaaay (eh) may again be imported into the U.S. There is a member here who is very connected with HZA/SSD and he periodically states they are trying to work out a deal. That's probably fishing for interests more than anything. But who knows, he was the guy who came up with spare parts for people who had op rod issues so I'd say he knows. One issue I've heard of is HZA/SSD cannot find an importer willing to take a chance on any of their products. I would think due to costs and the amount of problems that arose with the PTR44 (... problems, IMO). Personally, I will never buy another SSD product again given the experiences I've had with my PTR44 (and what other owners are reporting) and that's sad. But I would like to buy some Mo' F'n parts. Sad too because I'd give my left nut for SA Mkb42. On Canadian forums, I have also read about functioning problems with SSD's products and difficulties (as we've had) getting spare parts for their rifles from Germany - allegedly due to certain German Gov't laws about importing parts I was told. Whatever ... come on Fritz, back your stuff. I know the Canadian Gov't did a buy back program on all the SA MP40s SSD shipped into Canada, so who knows what will be next for them? Poor cousins to the East - I'm sad for you... SSD products may be musem quality looking, but they do not meet the functioning requirements one would expect from a $4300 (starting price) to $9000 (what I saw a CA compliant one sell for). IMO - The real value in the PTR44s will come from NO MORE ever being imported again to the U.S. (think Polytech AKs ... Hmmm). If you can get a PTR44 to function correctly - great - but be prepared to spend some some coin to do it AND coin to maintain it.

SMG's FG42 is another animal all together. I understand newly production guns have hiccups and unforseen breakages that no one can predict. Afterall, this is not a new U.S. gun manufacturer coming on line making yet ANOTHER frickin' AR15 and pitching how theirs is better than everyone elses because it has a vertical grip (BFD). This is a 70 year old design, with low production numbers, and without extremely lengthily field/trial periods as a AR15 or AK47 has had. Und Ja ... it's frickin' German ... different and more complicated than say ... WW2 Japanese shite. What you get with your purchase of a U.S. made SMG FG42 is an improved version of the rifle and service. They back them with a warranty (naturlich) but what is best (comparing the post subject) is ... PARTS are made here !!!! Yeah !!! Whoo Hooo !!! Parts !!! BUT ... you ... must ... shoot them. Think about it - in one years time you could conceivably pull the trigger more than 31,536,000 times if you never slept and it was belt fed. (Hey Rick ... belt fed dude. ... :thumbsup:) DON"T safe queen it. DON'T hang it on your wall and tell stories of how your Grandad whooped up on the Kraut paras. at Monte Casino and got a perfect trophy gun out of a newly delivered grate of munitions from the Fatherland. SHOOOOOT IT !!!

Buy one if you can afford it. Or not ... then mine will someday be like a Polytech AK (only so many made or available) and be worth MORE money than what I paid for it !!! ... I win. If you buy one, please post experiences and share information to help the hobby.

Bang bang...

Doug
 
Hi Doug,
Yes, please shoot them! And if you have a problem give us a chance to help. No they are not an AK, but boy are all 3 of us here proud of being compared to that as a failure's comparative mark! lol Just kidding as failure sux and will not be tolerated if we can help it! But honestly that we now have a little over a hundred rifles built with the other rifle's production at 30 million plus we realize we have to put in more overtime at some point.

Type 44? Umm yes, that is to be made.............. Type I has to be next out of the gate but I want a type 44 and it will happen - save a car wreak or a bad marriage....... Bottom line is we are doing the best we can, try to make it right if we fall short, and damn well appreciate our buyers....... As without them none of this would be possible or go forward.

And I appreciate Bills efforts in reviewing the rifle! He tells it as he sees it and I respect that.

Because to be honest we really did run over 15k of all kinds of ammo through the test rifle with a broken firing pin or two and a chipped extractor but that is one rifle and I know that all too well. The troop trials are you guys. So yes, please shoot them!

Rick
 
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