All text and images that follow are copyright 2014 and are not to be used without the written permission of the author (me). In this thread, we'll be taking an in-depth look at a modern reproduction of the second model FG42 built in Decatur, Texas by Rick Smith and his team at Smith Manufacturing Group (SMG). The FG42 as originally built by the Germans in WWII has been well and extensively documented by a number of sources both in print and online with much of that material applicable to the SMG FG42 as well. Therefore, we will be touching on design characteristics and operation theory only in general terms and only when salient to the analysis. The main focus of this work is to provide detailed information about the rifle as built by SMG in an effort to assist you, the reader, in deciding whether or not this rifle is for you. Let's face it; this is an expensive rifle and I know that potential owners have many questions about it...I know I did. It's hard to drop $5000 on a firearm when the vast majority of information to be found encompasses nothing more than glamor shots and superficial descriptions. You need details and lots of them. Hopefully, I can provide at least some of those details.
I sat on the fence about this rifle for literally years. I really wanted one since sometime in 2010. That was when I first heard that they were being reverse engineered (that is an accurate description as SMG didn't even have an original rifle to work from). I was aware of SMG's reputation but, as a general rule, I almost never buy firearms that are not actually built by a military manufacturer. I've always found that they just don't hold up to heavy use. That thought was always in the back of my mind as I searched for information about this "new" FG42. But the more I looked, the more frustrated I became. There were always plenty of pretty pictures to be found but very little substance. Ian McCollum's range and disassembly videos, while excellent, still didn't answer all of my questions. Finally, I decided that the only way to get the answers I sought was to buy one for myself so I resolved to pick one up when the opportunity presented itself. That opportunity came in the form of a complete package including rifle (unfired other than by SMG), bayonet, sling, Meopta scope, Estes Adams scope mounting rings and 8 magazines.
Well, I've gotten a lot of answers and I'll get more as time goes by. The answers I've gotten so far are the substance of this thread. I'm going to take this thing apart as far as is practical and post detailed pictures with descriptions as well as my thoughts about the SMG FG42. Later, I'll update this thread with range reports, tests in various adverse conditions and continuing thoughts as time goes by. If I do my job correctly, you will be provided with enough information to determine whether or not this is the right purchase for you. As always, please feel free to contact me if I've missed anything or do not answer a question you may have. I will be happy to help if I can.
Prior to writing this, I contacted Rick Smith for some statistical information and to notify him of my intentions. He was very helpful in his answers and heartily encouraged me in my work. To quote Mr. Smith: "It can cause some anxiety for the maker of that weapon but that's just the way it is! It works and is good or here are its failings."
As always, this is going to be a multi-post essay created over a number of days simply because there is so much material to cover. Please bear with me and check back now and then. Okiedokie, I think that covers all the preliminaries so let's get to work!
I sat on the fence about this rifle for literally years. I really wanted one since sometime in 2010. That was when I first heard that they were being reverse engineered (that is an accurate description as SMG didn't even have an original rifle to work from). I was aware of SMG's reputation but, as a general rule, I almost never buy firearms that are not actually built by a military manufacturer. I've always found that they just don't hold up to heavy use. That thought was always in the back of my mind as I searched for information about this "new" FG42. But the more I looked, the more frustrated I became. There were always plenty of pretty pictures to be found but very little substance. Ian McCollum's range and disassembly videos, while excellent, still didn't answer all of my questions. Finally, I decided that the only way to get the answers I sought was to buy one for myself so I resolved to pick one up when the opportunity presented itself. That opportunity came in the form of a complete package including rifle (unfired other than by SMG), bayonet, sling, Meopta scope, Estes Adams scope mounting rings and 8 magazines.
Well, I've gotten a lot of answers and I'll get more as time goes by. The answers I've gotten so far are the substance of this thread. I'm going to take this thing apart as far as is practical and post detailed pictures with descriptions as well as my thoughts about the SMG FG42. Later, I'll update this thread with range reports, tests in various adverse conditions and continuing thoughts as time goes by. If I do my job correctly, you will be provided with enough information to determine whether or not this is the right purchase for you. As always, please feel free to contact me if I've missed anything or do not answer a question you may have. I will be happy to help if I can.
Prior to writing this, I contacted Rick Smith for some statistical information and to notify him of my intentions. He was very helpful in his answers and heartily encouraged me in my work. To quote Mr. Smith: "It can cause some anxiety for the maker of that weapon but that's just the way it is! It works and is good or here are its failings."
As always, this is going to be a multi-post essay created over a number of days simply because there is so much material to cover. Please bear with me and check back now and then. Okiedokie, I think that covers all the preliminaries so let's get to work!