The MG39 Rh was a general-purpose machine gun of German origin.[1]

Maschinengewehr MG39 Rh
TypeGeneral-purpose machine gun
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
WarsWorld War II
Production history
DesignerLouis Stange
Designed1937
ManufacturerRheinmetall
Specifications
Mass9.58 kg (21.1 lb)
Length1,185 mm (46.7 in)
Barrel length599 mm (23.6 in) (660 mm (26 in) with flash hider)

Cartridge7.92×57mm Mauser
Caliber7.92 mm (0.312 in)
Barrels1
ActionGas operated
Effective firing range100-1600 m in 100 m increments
Feed systemBelt
SightsIron sights

It originated from a draft specification and contest held for an MG 34 Einheitsmaschinengewehr replacement that was better suited for mass production. Three companies were asked in February 1937 to submit new designs: Metall und Lackierwarenfabrik Johannes Großfuß AG of Döbeln, Rheinmetall-Borsig AG of Sömmerda, and Stübgen AG of Erfurt.[2] The designs and mock-up guns proposals were submitted in October 1937.[1] Großfuß AG's entry proved to be the best design to simplify and rationalize the technical concept of the MG 34, employing a unique recoil-operated roller locking mechanism whereas the two competing entries used a gas-actuated system.[2]

Rheinmetall-Borsig further developed their entry under the direction of Louis Stange to the MG 39 Rh, but no records of a further development request by the German military to do this are known. The MG 39 Rh did not progress beyond the prototype stage. The only surviving example is at the Military Historical Institute of Prague in Czech Republic.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Dead End: MG 39 Rh". Forgottenweapons.com. 19 December 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  2. ^ a b Willbanks, James: Machine Guns: An Illustrated History of Their Impact, page 115. ABC-CLIO, 2004.
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  • DE patent 712136 
  • DE patent 724418