The German MG (Maschinengewehr) 34, along with the later-war MG 42, was a recoil-operated, air-cooled machine gun and is considered the world’s first general-purpose machine gun. Considered the most advanced machine gun in the world at the time, its ease of mobility and high rate of fire—900 rounds per minute—made it ideal both for infantry and antiaircraft use. First entering service during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, it remained in Wehrmacht service through the end of WWII in 1945, along with its updated model, the MG 42. This illustrated book presents the design, manufacturing, and development both of the MG 34 and MG 42, from its acceptance by the German military through production and combat use from 1936 to 1945. Includes close-up views of markings and other details, as well as a breakdown of the weapon. Accessories such as ammunition and gun mounts are featured throughout the book, as are rarely seen combat-related uniform and equipment items.

A part of the Guns of the World series from Schiffer Publishing, this is a large format, but fairly thin, look at the classic German MGs from WWII. The MG 42 was the successor to the M34 so the pair are usually covered together, even though the MG34 continued to see service right through to the end of WWII. The book covers the use and operation of the guns, the variations, manufacturers, production figures and markings. It splits photo duties between mono historical images of them in use and colour ones of kit and markings, all printed on high quality, glossy paper. The larger format allows for more detailed looks at the markings and smaller elements while the overall presentation is very attractive. -- Armourer Magazine and Classic Arms & Militaria Magazine, November 2020

Luc Guillou and Erik DuPont are authors and editors for Régi-arm, in Paris, France.