View source for MG 34

{{Short description|German general-purpose machine gun}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Maschinengewehr 34
| image              = Digital Museum MG 34 Right noBG.png
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = MG 34 in the [[Swedish Army Museum]].
| origin             = [[Nazi Germany]]
| type               = [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| is_ranged          = yes
| service            = 1936–1945 (Wehrmacht service)<br>1936–present (other militaries)
| used_by            = See [[#Users|Users]]
| wars               = [[1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine|1936–1939 revolt in Palestine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.palquest.org/en/media/9277/resistance-men-and-women|title=PHOTOGRAPH: Resistance of men and women|publisher=Palquest.org|year=1936}}</ref><br/>[[Spanish Civil War]]<br />[[World War II]]<br />[[Guerrilla war in the Baltic states]]<br />[[Greek Civil War]]<br />[[Chinese Civil War]]<br />[[First Indochina War]]<br />[[1948 Arab–Israeli war]]<br />[[Korean War]]<br />[[Portuguese Colonial War]]s{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}<br />[[Algerian War]]<br />[[Cuban Revolution]]<br />[[Suez Crisis]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Israeli Defense Forces, 1948 to the Present |series=Uniforms Illustrated 12 |last1=Russell |first1=Lee |last2=Katz |first2=Sam |publisher=Olympic Marketing Corp. |date=April 1986 |isbn=978-0-85368-755-9 |page=15}}</ref><br />[[Biafran War]]<br />[[Vietnam War]]<br />[[Rhodesian Bush War]]<br />[[Angolan Civil War]]<br />[[Six-Day War]]<br
 />[[Yugoslav Wars]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref name="Syria"/>
| designer           = [[Heinrich Vollmer]]
| design_date        = 1934
| manufacturer       = * [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall-Borsig AG]] Soemmerda 
* [[Mauser|Mauserwerke AG]]
* [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch|Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG]]
* [[Zbrojovka Brno|Waffenwerke Brünn]]
| unit_cost          = {{Reichsmark|312|link=yes}} (1944)<br />{{Inflation|DE|312|1944|r=-1}}&nbsp;[[EUR]] current equivalent
| production_date    = 1935–1945
| number             = 577,120{{sfn|Myrvang|2002|p={{page needed|date=September 2021}}}}
| variants           = 
| weight             = {{convert|12.1|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|32|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} (with tripod)
| length             = {{convert|1219|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = {{convert|627|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| crew               = 
| cartridge          = [[7.92×57mm Mauser]]
| action             = [[Recoil-operated]], [[Open bolt|opened]] [[rotating bolt]]
| rate               = 800–900 rounds/min<br />Early versions: 600–1,000 rounds/min selectable on pistol grip<br />MG 34"S": 1,500 rounds/min.<br />MG 34/41: 1,200 rounds/min.<br />Practical: 150 rounds/min<ref name="GermanMG42Views">{{cite journal |title=German Views on Use of the MG 42 |journal=Intelligence Bulletin |volume=II |number=9 |date=May 1944 |url=http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/intelligence-report/use-of-mg42.html |via=Lonesentry.com |access-date=17 February 2017 |quote=Under battle conditions the MG 42 can fire about 22 bursts per minute—that is, about 154 rounds. Under the same conditions, the MG 34 is capable only of about 15 bursts per minute, at a rate of 7 to 10 rounds per burst, totalling about 150 rounds. Thus the MG 42, used as a light machine gun, requires a slightly higher ammunition expenditure.}}</ref>
| velocity           = {{convert| 765|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (''s.S. Patrone'')
| range              = {{convert|200|-|2000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} sight adjustments<br />{{convert|3500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} with tripod and telescopic sight
| max_range          = {{convert|4700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
| feed               = 50/250-round [[Belt (firearm)|Patronengurt 33, 34, or 34/41 model belt]], 50-round drum, or 75-round drum magazine with modification
| sights             = [[Iron sights]], antiaircraft sight or [[telescopic sight]]s
}}

The '''MG 34''' (shortened from German: ''Maschinengewehr 34'', or "machine gun 34") is a [[Nazi Germany|German]] recoil-operated air-cooled [[general-purpose machine gun]], first tested in 1929, introduced in 1934, and issued to units in 1936. It introduced an entirely new concept in automatic firepower – the ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' (Universal machine gun) – and is generally considered the world's first general-purpose machine gun (GPMG).{{sfn|Bishop|2002|p=246}}<ref>{{cite book |first1=Ian |last1=Hogg |first2=Terry |last2=Gander |name-list-style=amp |date=2005 |title=Jane's Guns Recognition Guide |publisher=HarperCollins |page=375}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated326">{{cite book |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |edition=7th |first1=Ian V. |last1=Hogg |first2=John S. |last2=Weeks |name-list-style=amp |location=Iola, WI |publisher=Krause Publications |date=2000 |page=326 |isbn=978-0-87341-824-9}}</ref>{{sfn|Bishop|2002|pp=245 & 246}} Both the MG 34 and [[MG 42]] were  erroneously nicknamed "Spandau" by Allied troops, a carryover from the World War I nickname for the [[MG 08]], which was produced at the [[Spandau Arsenal]].{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=62}}

The versatile MG 34 was chambered for the [[fully powered cartridge|fully-powered]] [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] rifle cartridge and was arguably the most advanced machine gun in the world at the time of its deployment.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=92}} The MG 34 was envisaged and well-developed to provide portable [[Light machine gun|light]] and [[medium machine gun]] infantry cover, anti-aircraft coverage, and even sniping ability. Its combination of exceptional mobility – being light enough to be carried by one man – and high rate of fire (of up to 900 rounds per minute) was unmatched.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=92}} It entered service in great numbers from 1939. Nonetheless, the design proved to be rather complex for mass production and was supplemented by the cheaper and simpler [[MG 42]], though both remained in service and production until the end of the war.

==History==

===Before World War I===
Even before [[World War I]], the German military was already looking forward to replacing the heavy machine guns which proved to be such a success in that war. The [[MG 13|MG13]] was one of the first developments toward a goal of producing a weapon that could perform multiple roles, rather than just one. The MG13 was the result of reengineering the Dreyse Water-cooled machine gun to fit the new requirement.{{sfn|Smith|1973}} The twin-barreled [[Gast gun]] was developed with the goal of providing a high cyclic rate of fire weapon for anti-aircraft use and was reported to have reached cyclic rates of fire as high as 1,600 rounds per minute.{{sfn|Smith|1973}}

The ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' concept required that the operator could radically transform the machine gun for several purposes by changing its mount, sights and feed mechanism.
One of the ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' roles was to provide low-level anti-aircraft coverage. A high [[Rate of fire#Cyclic rate|cyclic rate of fire]] is advantageous for use against targets that are exposed to a general-purpose machine gun for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets that minimize their exposure time by quickly moving from cover to cover. For targets that can be fired on by a general-purpose machine gun for longer periods than just a few seconds, the cyclic firing rate becomes less important.

===After World War I===
After World War I the German military faced restrictions imposed by the [[Treaty of Versailles]]. The treaty restricted the German ''[[Reichswehr]]'' (Realm Defence) to maximally stockpiling 792 heavy (bulky hard-to-maneuver water-cooled) machine guns and 1,134 light machine guns and actual production of machine guns and development of sustained fire weapons were prohibited. From 1933 Nazi Germany was committed to repudiating the Treaty of Versailles and its restrictions. As part of a (clandestine) military revitalization program the German military sought avenues to get around restrictions imposed by the treaty by resorting to innovative weapon design and engineering, German arms designers working abroad and other foreign assistance.

===Development of the MG 34===
In 1932 the ''[[Ministry of the Reichswehr|Reichswehrministerium]]'' (Ministry of the Reichswehr) ordered several companies, including [[Rheinmetall]], to develop a new ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' (Universal machine gun) to replace several role specific machine guns then in German use. The following specifications for the gun were set:
* light weight
* simplified operation
* quick-change barrel
* single-shot capability as well as two (fast and slower) cyclic rates

The MG 34 was based on a 1930 Rheinmetall design under the direction of Louis Stange at [[Rheinmetall]]'s [[Sömmerda]] office, the [[MG 30]]. The Swiss and Austrian militaries had both licensed and produced the MG 30 from Rheinmetall shortly after it was patented and the gun started to enter service in Switzerland. The technical challenges in meeting the ''Reichswehrministerium'' specifications were broader than the gun development itself. It also encompassed various mounts and other accessories that had to adapt that gun to different roles. The MG 30 design was adapted and modified by [[Heinrich Vollmer]] of [[Mauser]] Industries. Vollmer originally designed the feed mechanism to accept [[MG 13]]/[[MG 15]] inspired 75-round  ''Patronentrommel 34'' spring-loaded [[Drum magazine|saddle-drum]] magazines. The ''Patronentrommel 34'' was a rather complex magazine for which a filling device had to be used and requiring ordnance personnel and a special tool to optimize the spring tension for reliable feeding. Users were ordered not to adjust the drum spring tension.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bergflak.com/PT342.htm |title=Filling and Adjusting the PT34 |website=Bergflak's Lounge}}</ref>
The result, the multiple role capable MG 34, wherein Rheinmetall's Sömmerda plant had a significant influence, reflected the ''Reichswehrministerium'' specifications.{{sfn|Myrvang|2002|p={{page needed|date=September 2021}}}}

[[File:MG 42, detalle, réplica coleccionista, Madrid, 2015.JPG|thumb|left|MG 42 with inserted ''Gurt 34'' reusable non-disintegrating metal ammunition belt]]

In 1937 the feed was redesigned to use reusable non-disintegrating ''Gurt 33'' and ''Gurt 34'' metal belts and a 50-round ''Gurttrommel 34'' (belt drum). 
The feeding system was based on the direct push-through of the cartridge out of the link into the gun's chamber. Accordingly, the link had to be of the half-open type to enable the motion of the bolt through the link.
Vollmer also increased the rate of fire.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=92}}<ref name="auto2">{{Cite journal |url=https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1897 |title=Feeding the Tiger: Ammunition Belts for German MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns |first=Jean-François |last=Legendre |volume=8 |number=6 |date=March 2005 |journal=Small Arms Review}}</ref> The MG 34's [[double crescent trigger]] dictated either semiautomatic or fully automatic firing modes. The capability to use the previous 75-round ''Patronentrommel 34'' saddle-drum magazines (with a required change of the feed cover for a ''Trommelhalter'' magazine holder) was retained.

As the MG 34 was technically based on and featured design elements of several other machine guns, the German arms industry under the guidance of the ''[[Waffenamt]]'' (German Army Weapons Agency) negotiated and worked out complex royalties and patents matters regarding the MG 34 to every involved side's satisfaction.

Before large scale production commenced, 2,300 MG 34s in two main early versions, slightly more complex and different from the final design, were produced between 1935 and 1939. At the time it was introduced, it had a number of advanced features and the general-purpose machine gun concept that it aspired to was an influential one.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=13}} A little-known feature of these first 2,300 weapons was a device that could be used to change the rate of fire of the weapon. This cadence regulator, which was designed as a flick-force brake, was located in the grip of the weapon. The designer of the MG 34, Louis Stange, was granted the corresponding patent (No. 686 843) at the end of 1939.<ref>Geckeler, Alexander.Waffen-Anatomie: Das Maschinengewehr 34, page 66 et seq. (https://buchshop.bod.de/waffen-anatomie-das-maschinengewehr-34-alexander-geckeler-9783758331329 )</ref>

During the period between 1934 and the adoption of the final version the ''Waffenamt'' realized the MG 34 ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' was too complex and expensive to [[mass production|mass-produce]] and started looking for ways to simplify and rationalize the technical concept. In 1937, the  ''Waffenamt'' requested three companies to submit new more economical ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' designs.

===Adoption of the MG 34 and next ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' generation===
The final version of the MG 34 was eventually adopted for main service on 24 January 1939.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=13}}
The MG 34 was the mainstay of German Army support weapons{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=146}} from the time of its first pre large scale production issue in 1935 until 1942, when it was supplanted by the next ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'' generation Maschinengewehr 42 or [[MG 42]]. Although the MG 34 was reliable when competently maintained, it was sensitive to extreme weather conditions, dirt, and mud. Its dissemination throughout the German forces was hampered due to its elaborately milled precision engineering with tight tolerances and use of high-quality metal alloys, which resulted in high machine time, skilled labor requirements, production costs and a relatively slow rate of production.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=92}} MG 34 production during the war amounted to over 350,000 units (12,822 units in 1939, 54,826 in 1940, 80,952 in 1941, 63,163 in 1942, 48,802 in 1943, 61,396 in 1944, and 20,297 in 1945).{{sfn|Myrvang|2002|p={{page needed|date=September 2021}}}} Attempts to incrementally improve the fundamental drawbacks of the basic MG 34 design failed.{{sfnm|Smith|1973|1pp=437–442|McNab|2012|2p=17}} For its successor, the faster firing, less complex, sensitive and cheaper MG 42, the Germans instead used mass production techniques similar to those that created the [[MP 40]] submachine gun.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=146}} In 1943, MG 42 production surpassed MG 34 production and continued to do so until the end of the war. The Germans nevertheless continued widespread production of MG 34s in parallel until the end of the war.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=85}}

==Combat use==
[[File:Walki uliczne we wsi na froncie wschodnim (2-1008).jpg|thumb|left|German soldiers with an MG 34 using a 50-round ''Gurttrommel'']]

In the field, the weapon could operate in offensive or defensive applications. The offensive model, with a mobile soldier, used either a 50-round ''Gurttrommel'' or a 75-round ''Patronentrommel 34''. In a stationary defensive role, the gun was mounted on a bipod or tripod and fed by a non-disintegrating metal ammunition belt. Belts were carried in boxes of five. Each belt contained 50 rounds. Belt lengths could be linked for sustained fire. During sustained fire, barrels would have to be changed at intervals due to the heat generated by the rapid rate of fire. If the barrels were not changed properly, the weapon would misfire. Changing barrels was a rapid process for the trained operator and involved disengaging a latch and swinging the receiver to the right for the insertion of a new barrel into the barrel shroud. Accordingly, stationary defensive positions required more than one operator.{{sfn|Haskew|2012|p=92}} The weapon was cocked by a non-reciprocating charging handle located at the bottom right of the receiver.

=== Europe ===
The MG 34 was used as the primary infantry machine gun, and remained as the primary armored vehicle defensive weapon as it took limited space to change barrels inside a vehicle. The MG 34 was intended to replace the [[MG 13]] and other older machine guns, but these were still being used in World War II as demand was never met.{{sfn|Smith|1973|p=137}} It was intended to be replaced in infantry service by the [[MG 42]], but there were never enough MG 42s, and MG 34s continued to be used in all roles until the end of [[World War II]].{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=17}}

It was the standard machine gun of the [[Kriegsmarine]] (German Navy){{sfn|McNab|2012|p=61}} and was also used as a secondary weapon on most German tanks and other armoured vehicles used during World War II.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=17}}

=== East Asia ===
MG 34s captured by the British and Soviet armies were sent to both [[Chinese Nationalist]] and [[Communist Party of China|Chinese Communist]] forces during World War II and the [[Chinese Civil War]].{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}} The French army sent captured MG 34s to [[French Indochina|Indochina]] during the [[First Indochina War|Indochina War]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Personal firepower |first=Edward Clinton |last=Ezell |publisher=Bantam Books |year=1988 |series=The Illustrated history of the Vietnam War 15 |oclc=1036801376 |url=https://archive.org/details/personalfirepowe00ezel |url-access=registration |pages=[https://archive.org/details/personalfirepowe00ezel/page/34 34], 41 |isbn=978-0-55334-549-0}}</ref> Some models captured from the Germans by the Soviets or manufactured in Czechoslovakia post-WWII were supplied to the [[People's Liberation Army]]/[[People's Volunteer Army]],{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}} [[PAVN]] and the [[Viet Cong]] during the Cold War.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=70}} Several hundred more MG 34s that were in use with these groups were taken from either French or other Western nations fielding captured German weapons fighting against them in colonial wars or anti-communist conflicts.

==Small arms doctrine==
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-133-0703-01, Polen, Trupp deutscher Infanterie im Winter.jpg|thumb|A Wehrmacht infantry squad with the MG 34 in the light machine gun role]]

The German tactical infantry doctrine of the era based a (10-man ''Gruppe'') [[squad]]'s firepower on the general-purpose machine gun in the light machine gun role.<ref>[https://ww2clash.com/small-units.php SMALL UNITS GROUND WAR. TO&Es OF SMALL UNITS: GERMAN AND SOVIET ORGANIZATION IN 1941]</ref> The advantage of the general purpose machine gun concept was that it added greatly to the overall volume of fire that could be put out by a squad-sized unit.<ref>{{cite book |first1=Ian V. |last1=Hogg |first2=John |last2=Weeks |name-list-style=amp |date=1977 |title=Military Small-Arms<!--This is the spelling on the title page, don't change it!--> of the 20th century<!--This, too!--> |chapter=US Rifle, Caliber .30in ('Garand'), M1-M1E9, MiC, M1D, T26<!--This is the name of the article/section, don't change it--> |location=London, UK |publisher=Arms & Armour Press |page=183 |isbn=978-0-88254-436-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://murdercube.com/files/Military%20Science/World%20War%20II%20Infantry%20Tactics%20-%20Squad%20and%20Platoon%20-%20Osprey%20Elite%2051.pdf |first=Stephen |last=Bull |title=World War II Infantry Tactics : Squad and Platoon |date=2004 |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing |pages=22–23 |isbn=978-1-84176-662-1 |via=Murdercube.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824051604/https://murdercube.com/files/Military%20Science/World%20War%20II%20Infantry%20Tactics%20-%20Squad%20and%20Platoon%20-%20Osprey%20Elite%2051.pdf |archive-date=24 August 2017}}</ref>
It was possible for operating crews to lay down a non-stop barrage of fire, pausing only when the barrel had to be replaced. This allowed the MG 34 to tie up significantly larger numbers of enemy troops than was otherwise possible. The Americans and the British trained their troops to take cover from the fire of an MG 34, and assault the position during the small time window of barrel replacement.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=33}}

The German military instructed that sustained [[Rate of fire#Cyclic rate|cyclic rate]] fire must be avoided at all costs. In the bipod-mounted light machine gun role, MG 34 users were trained to fire short bursts and strive to optimize their aim between bursts fired in succession.<ref name="GermanMG42Views" /> According to comparative tests by the US military under battle conditions, 7 to 10 rounds bursts with 15 bursts in a minute were most effective.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=35}} For its medium machine gun role, the MG 34 was matched to the newly developed ''Lafette 34'' tripod. In the tripod-mounted medium machine gun role, general-purpose machine gun users were trained to fire short bursts and bursts of 20 to 50 rounds and strive to optimize their aim between bursts fired in succession.<ref name="GermanMG42Views" /> As a consequence of factors like the time spent reloading, aiming, changing hot barrels if necessary to allow for cooling, the MG 34's practical [[Rate of fire#Effective rate|effective rate of fire]] was 150 rounds per minute.<ref name="GermanMG42Views" />{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=35}}

The [[Allied nations]]' infantry doctrines of World War II based a squad's/rifle section's firepower centered on the rifleman and/or a magazine fed light machine gun (BAR, Bren, DP-27/DPM, FM 24/29), and they utilised weapons with [[Rate of fire#Cyclic rate|cyclic fire rates]] of typically 450–600 rounds per minute.

===Light machine gun fire support role===
[[File:Machine gun squad MG34.jpeg|thumb|Machine gun team with MG34 at the Eastern Front]]

A German infantry ''Gruppe'' (squad) at the start of the war consisted of ten men: a non-commissioned officer or ''[[Unteroffizier]]'' squad leader, deputy squad leader, a three-man machine gun team (machine gunner, assistant gunner/loader and ammunition carrier) and five riflemen. The riflemen carried additional ammunition for the machine gun, [[hand grenade]]s, explosive charges or a machine gun tripod as required and provided security and covering fire for the machine gun team.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bull |first1=Stephen |title=World War II Infantry Tactics: Squad and Platoon |date=2004 |publisher=Osprey |location=Osceola, WI |pages=22–23 |isbn=978-1-84176-662-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/wwIIspec/number09.pdf |title=The German Squad In Combat |author=Military Intelligence Service, U.S. War Department |date=December 25, 1943 |via=[[USACAC]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052053/http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/wwIIspec/number09.pdf |archive-date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> A full ''Gruppe'' (squad) carried 1,800 rounds of ammunition for the machine gun between them.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=43}}

===Medium machine gun fire support role===
[[File:German MG 34 a.jpg|thumb|MG 34 general-purpose machine gun mounted on a ''Lafette 34'' tripod]]

In the German [[heavy machine gun]] (HMG) [[platoon]]s, each platoon served four MG 34/MG 42 machine guns, used in the sustained fire mode mounted on tripods.<ref name="AP-GerPlatoon">{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Dave |title=The Men Behind the Counters: The German Infantry Platoon |date=January 2013 |url=http://www.avalanchepress.com/BehindCounters2.php |website=Avalanche Press |access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> In 1944, this was altered to six machine guns in three sections with two seven-man heavy machine gun squads per section as follows:
*Squad leader (NCO) [[MP 40|MP40]]
*Machine gunner (private) MG 34/MG 42 and [[Walther P38]]
*Assistant gunner (private) pistol
*Three riflemen (privates) rifles
*Horse leader for horse, cart and trailer (private) rifle

The optimum operating crew of an MG 34 in its medium machine gun role was six men: the squad leader, the machine gunner who carried and fired the gun, the assistant gunner/loader who carried the tripod, and three riflemen who carried 1,800 rounds of ammunition between them, spare barrels, entrenching tools, and other items.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=39}}

To enable the machine gun for its long-range [[direct fire]] and [[indirect fire]] support roles, optical sights could be added to a ''Zielfernrohrhalter'' (optical sight mounting bracket) on the [[#Lafette_34_tripod|tripod]], allowing operating crews to continue using advanced planned and unplanned firing methods developed during World War I, though [[plunging fire]] or [[indirect fire]] methods were not as commonly used by machine gunners during World War II as they were during World War I.<ref>{{cite web |title=How The Machine Gun Changed Combat During World War I |date=October 15, 2020 |website=Norwich University Online |url=https://online.norwich.edu/academic-programs/resources/how-machine-gun-changed-combat-during-world-war-i}}</ref>

==Design details==

===Operating system===
The MG 34 fires from an [[open bolt]] and this format both keeps the barrel open at both ends after firing ceases, allowing airflow through it and helping it to cool faster, and meanwhile retains the next unfired bullet outside the chamber until the trigger is squeezed again; and thus the cartridges are protected from the risk of [[Cooking off|cook-offs]] from high chamber temperatures after long bouts of sustained automatic fire. The firearm was designed with a [[rotating bolt]] operated by [[recoil operation#short recoil operation|short recoil]] aided by a [[muzzle booster]]. When the firearm is ready to fire the bolt is pulled back to the rear and is held back by the [[sear (firearm)|sear]]. With the pull of the trigger the sear disengages sending the bolt forward under pressure from the recoil spring. A cartridge is stripped from the magazine or belt and the round is pushed into the chamber. As the bolt moves forward into battery the bolt rotates engaging the locking lugs and chamber locking the bolt to the barrel. The [[firing pin|striker]] strikes and ignites the primer and the round is fired. The recoil causes the barrel and bolt to move backwards a short distance. The rearward movement of the barrel causes the rotating bolt to rotate back disengaging the locking lugs and unlocking the bolt from the barrel. The barrel returns to its forward position while the bolt recoils to its rear position. The spent cartridge case is ejected downward through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover at the bottom of the receiver, just in front of the trigger group and the cycle can begin anew.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=14–15}} The spring-loaded dust cover automatically opens when the gun is fired, but the user has to close it after firing to prevent dirt entering the receiver through the open port.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=44}}

===Sights===
[[File:Military equipment replicas for WW2 re-enactment in Fort Harrison State Park, Lawrence, Indiana, US September 2008. German Machine Gun Sight.jpg|thumb|Spiderweb-type anti-aircraft sight to enable the MG 34 for its low level anti-aircraft defense role]]

The MG 34 came with a standard [[iron sight]] line consisting of a notched 'V' sight mounted to a post in the rear and a single blade at the front. The sight came calibrated for ranges between {{convert|200|and|2000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} meter increments.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=42}} The standard sight line had a {{convert|530|mm|in|1|sp=us}} sight radius.

The MG 34 could accept a variety of different sighting systems, such as a spider web-type anti-aircraft sight{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=56}} or telescopic sights for use in specialty roles.

An [[Night vision#Active illumination|active infrared]] device, intended primarily for night use, and consisting of a specialized mount, active {{convert|300|mm|in|1|sp=us}} infrared spotlight and accompanying infrared image converter was developed that could be used with the MG 34 and MG 42. In the later stages of World War II the bulky ''Fahr- und Zielgerät FG 1250'' (driving and aiming device [[FG 1250]]) active infrared unit was paired on  [[Sd.Kfz. 251|Sd.Kfz. 251/1 ''Falke'']] half-track armored personnel carriers to some MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCollum|first=Ian|date=23 November 2013|title=Vintage Saturday: Night Vision|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/vintage-saturday-night-vision/|access-date=8 August 2021|website=[[Forgotten Weapons]]}}</ref><ref>[http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/dio/rwpanth/rwpanth_solutions.htm The Last Panther in Pomerania by Rhodes Williams IR Solutions]</ref>

===Feeding===
[[file:Method of joining metallic-link ammunition belts.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Method of joining German non-disintegrating metallic-link ammunition machine gun belts]]

The MG 34 could use [[Belt (firearms)#Non-Disintegrating Belt|non-disintegrating metallic-link belts]], which have links that wrap around the cartridge case and are linked by a coiling wire on each side. The belts are intended for multiple reuse. Operation through the feed block is in one step by a feed arm housed in the feed cover. According to U.S. Ordnance Department tests, performed in 1942, the MG 34 was capable of lifting 75 rounds of belted ammunition during firing.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1685 |title=The MG 34 light machine gun: U. S. Ordnance Department Tests |first=Frank |last=Iannamico |volume=9 |number=9 |date=June 2006 |journal=Small Arms Review}}</ref> The feeding system was based on the direct push-through of the cartridge out of the link into the gun's chamber. Accordingly, the link had to be of the half-open type to enable the motion of the bolt through the link. During World War II the ''Gurt 34/41''-belt family was introduced. ''Gurt 34/41'' belt links and wire spirals were made of thinner material — the ''Gurt 34'' links were made of {{convert|0.7|mm|abbr=on|3}} and ''Gurt 34/41'' links of {{convert|0.5|mm|abbr=on|3}} thick stamped steel sheet metal —  that saved ⅓ of metal and counterintuitively yielded improved performance. Belts were supplied in a fixed length of 50 rounds, but could be linked up to make longer belts for sustained firing. Ammunition boxes contained 250 rounds in five 50-round belts. A 250-round ''Patronengurt 33'' belt was also issued to machine guns installed in fixed emplacements such as bunkers. ''Patronenkasten 34'' and ''Patronenkasten 41'' [[ammunition box]]es could hold up to 300 belted rounds. The ''Patronenkasten'' could contain an ''Einführstück'' belt starter-segment.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mp44.nl/equipment/patronenkasten.htm |title=German Uniforms and Equipment: Ammunition Can 34 and 41 (Patronenkasten 34 u. 41) |website=mp44.nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fjm44.com/articles/mg-3442-ammunition-box-patronenkasten-41-bdk-4/ |title=MG 34/42 ammunition box – Patronenkasten 41 – bdk 4 |date=November 3, 2016 |website=FJM44}}</ref><br />
The 50-round ''Gurttrommel'' assault drum  designed to be clipped to the left side of the gun was an alternative feed option. It was not a true magazine but held a coiled 50-round belt and corresponding ''Einführstück'' starter-segment preventing it from snagging, twisting and getting stuck during mobile assaults. The ''Gurttrommel'' belt container was commonly used until the end of World War II, with the MG 34 and MG 42.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bergflak.com/PT34.htm |title=Patronentrommel 34 |website=Bergflak's Lounge}}</ref><br />
The 75-round ''Patronentrommel 34'' "double drum" magazine was the original pre-redesign feed method. This double drum or saddle magazine type was introduced on the [[MG 13]], but the MG 13 magazine and ''Patronentrommel 34'' were not interchangeable. After the MG 34 redesign, that enabled the MG 34 to use belted ammunition, the ''Patronentrommel 34'' became a rare alternative feed option. The ''Patronentrommel 34'' could be used only together with a ''Trommelhalter'' magazine holder that substituted the normal feed cover, thereby switching the gun from belt feeding to ''Patronentrommel 34'' "double drum" magazine feeding. It contained 75 loose rounds in two spring-powered spirals twisting in opposite direction, feeding the chamber from opposite sides in turn. The ''Patronentrommel 34'' was rather complicated and inconvenient to (re)load, adjust to work reliably, and in use.<ref name="auto4"/> It had to be loaded by a special ''Trommelfüller 34'' drum filler machine. This drum filler machine could be stored and carried in a ''Patronenkasten 34'' ammunition box. An MG 34 configured to use the 75-round magazine could not be returned to belt-feed mode without substituting the ''Trommelhalter'' magazine holder for the normal feed cover.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=15}} By the end of 1938 the ''Patronentrommel 34'' and its accessories were officially withdrawn. This induced that ''Patronentrommel 34'' use by infantry had ceased by 1941, with some mainly in the low level anti-aircraft role remaining in use on armoured vehicles. The MG 34 tended to fire at a somewhat higher cyclic rate when fed by a 75-round ''Patronentrommel 34'' than when fed by a standard belt, due to the spring loading of the former.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=14}}

===Barrel===
The barrel of the MG 34 could be quickly changed to avoid overheating during sustained fire by the machine gun crew and weighed {{convert|2|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}. The service life of an MG 34 barrel was about 6,000 rounds assuming the barrel was used according to the regulations, which prohibited rapid or sustained fire beyond 250 rounds. In cases of emergency the [[Rate of fire#Sustained or rapid rate|rapid rate]] of a barrel was limited to 400 rounds. During a barrel change, the operator would disengage a latch on the left side of the receiver which held the receiver to the barrel sleeve. The entire receiver section could then pivot off to the right on its latitudinal axis, allowing the operator to pull the (hot) barrel out the back of the sleeve. A new cool(er) barrel would then be put in the back of the sleeve, and the receiver rotated back in line with the barrel sleeve and latched. The machine gun crew member responsible for a hot barrel change was issued protective [[asbestos]] mitts to prevent burns to the hands. The entire process took 10 to 15 seconds when performed by a well-trained crew, causing minimal downtime in battle.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=15}}

For carrying and protecting spare barrel units, consisting of a barrel and its locking piece, a ''Laufschützer 34'' (barrel protector) was used as a field accessory. When closed the ''Laufschützer 34'' looked like a tubular container with mountings at its ends to attach a carrying/shoulder strap. During a barrel change a cool MG 34 barrel unit coming out of the ''Laufschützer 34'' can be inserted in the machine gun and the replaced hot barrel unit can be placed in or on the opened ''Laufschützer 34'' to cool down. Later in the war the universal ''Laufschützer 43'' was introduced that could be used with MG 43 and MG 42 barrel units.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.germanmilitaria.com/heer/photos/H048668.html |title=MG34/42 Spare Barrel Carrier (Laufschützer) |website=The Collector's Guild}}</ref>

===Trigger===
[[File:MG 34 trigger RCR Museum noBG.jpg|thumb|MG 34 double-crescent trigger, E= "Einzelfeuer," semi-automatic fire; D= "Dauerfeuer," full automatic fire]]

A notable feature of the MG 34 was its double-crescent trigger, which provided [[select fire]] capability without the need for a fire mode selector switch. Pressing the upper segment of the trigger produced [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] fire, while holding the lower segment of the trigger produced [[fully automatic]] fire.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=14}} Though considered innovative at the time, the feature was eliminated due to its complexity on the MG 34's successor, the MG 42.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=20}} The lower section has a restrictor built in the trigger allowing it to be pulled further back if pressed by the user. The safety switch has a secure double safety requiring the user to push in the notch and sliding over until it locks in place in safe/fire modes. Trigger groups on examples used on the eastern front used aluminium grip panels as bakelite tended to crack in the cold.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In the light machine gun role, it was used with a bipod and weighed only {{convert|12.1|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}. In the [[medium machine gun]] role, it could be mounted on one of two tripods, a smaller one weighing {{convert|6.75|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}, the larger ''Lafette 34'' {{convert|23.6|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}.

===''Lafette 34'' tripod===
[[File:Een Duitse MG 34, kaliber 7,92 mm mitrailleur in een stelling nabij de Flakstelling in Hoogvliet 2000-1108-021.jpg|thumb|left|MG 34 mounted on a ''Lafette 34'' tripod with MG Z 34 4× telescopic sight]]

For the medium machine gun role a larger tripod, the MG 34 ''Lafette 34'', included a number of features, such as recoil absorbing buffer springs, a ''Zielfernrohrhalter'' (optical sight mounting bracket) for mounting an MG Z 34 or MG Z 40 periscope-type 4× power [[telescopic sight]] containing special sighting equipment for [[indirect fire]] or the late World War II MG Z 44, designed for direct fire only.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.germanmilitaria.com/heer/photos/H043382.html |title=Cased MG34/42 ZF34 Optical Sight (Zielfernrohr 34/42 mit Kasten) |website=The Collector's Guild}}</ref> Fitting such an optical sight enabled the machine gun to deliver direct fire out to {{convert|3000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. An accessory to lengthen these sights' periscope was available, allowing the use of them behind cover. The ''Lafette'' could be set up in a prone, kneeling or a high position and weighed {{convert|20|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} on its own. The legs could be extended with a ''Lafetteaufsatzstück'' to allow it to be used in the low level anti-aircraft role, and when lowered, it could be placed to allow the gun to be fired "remotely" while it swept an arc in front of the mounting with fire. Mounted to the ''Lafette'' and aimed through the MG Z 34 or MG Z 40 telescopic sight the effective range of the MG 34 could be extended out to {{convert|3500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} when fired indirectly. The indirect firing method exploits the ''s.S. Patrone'' useful maximum range, that is defined by the maximum range of a small-arms projectile while still maintaining the minimum kinetic energy required to put unprotected personnel out of action, which is generally believed to be 15 kilogram-meters (147&nbsp;J / 108&nbsp;ft⋅lbf).<ref name="krtraining1">{{cite magazine |author1=Kjellgren, G. L. M. |url=http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/Archive/PracticalRangeSmallArms.pdf|title=The Practical Range of Small Arms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305142959/http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/Archive/PracticalRangeSmallArms.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2015 |magazine=The American Rifleman |pages= 40–44|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Lafette 34'' tripod also had a bolt box to store a (spare) bolt.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=49–51}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bergflak.com/lafette/Lafetteindex.html |title=Lafette 34 & 42 |website=Bergflak's Lounge}}</ref>

Another unique feature of German World War II machine guns was the ''Tiefenfeuerautomat'' feature on the ''Lafette 34'' tripod. If selected, this feature mechanically controlled the rise and fall of the gun, elevating the gun for five rounds and then depressing it for four rounds. It lengthened the [[Field of fire (weaponry)|beaten zone]] by walking the fire in wave like motions up and down the range in a predefined area. The length of the beaten zone could be set on the ''Tiefenfeuerautomat''. E.g., being unsure whether the real distance was {{convert|2000|or|2300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}, the gunner could make the mount do an automatic sweep between the elevations for {{convert|1900|to|2400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and back. This sweeping of a selected beaten zone continued as long as the gun fired. The ''Lafette 34'' had a ''Richt- und Überschießtafel'' (Overhead firing table) riveted to the rear body of the searchfire mechanism from the very start of production until the very end of it. In the later stages of World War II ballistic correction directions were added for overshooting friendly forces with [[7.92×57mm Mauser#German military standard ball service rifle cartridge evolution|S.m.E. – ''Spitzgeschoß mit Eisenkern'' (spitzer with iron core)]] ammunition of which the external ballistic behaviour started to significantly deviate from {{convert|1500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} upwards compared to the ''s.S. Patrone'' (s.S. ball cartridge).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bergflak.com/lafette/evo34.html |title=The evolution of the Lafette 34 |website=Bergflak's Lounge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/MG34/Lafette%20Mount%20manual.pdf |title=Maschinengewehr 34, Teil 2, MGLafette 34, Beschreibung, Handhabung und Behandlung vom 5.3.43 |via=Forgottenweapons.com |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bergflak.com/lafette/uber.html |title=The Überschießtafel |website=Bergflak's Lounge}}</ref> A trigger handle, which enabled the operator to fire the gun without affecting the stability of the gun's point of aim, was attached to the ''Tiefenfeuerautomat'' searchfire unit. On the ''Lafette 34'' it could be adjusted for both semi-automatic firing and full-automatic firing mode, although some simplified late-war mounts had the trigger configured for full-automatic firing mode only.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=50}}

There were numerous other specialist mounts for the MG 34. The ''Dreibein 34'', for example, was a simple high-standing tripod for mounting the gun in anti-aircraft mode. There were also mounts for bicycles, motorcycle sidecars, tanks and armoured vehicles (ball and pintle mounts), fortress  positions,  boat decks and even assault gliders. MG 34s were mounted in multiple-gun arrangements, particularly on vehicles, for low level anti-aircraft defence.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=16–17}}

The stock could be easily removed to reduce the space occupied when mounted inside a vehicle.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=63 |title=Maschinengewehr Modell 34 (MG34) |website=Militaryfactory.com}}</ref> It was produced in various wood and bakelite versions.

==Variants==

===MG 34 based improvement attempts===
As the first war experiences in the beginning of World War II proved that a higher cyclic fire rate generates more dispersion of the bullets, MG 34 based prototype guns like the '''MG 34S''' were requested. The MG 34S had a shortened and lightened barrel, a stiffer multi strands recoil spring and a better recoil booster to increase the rate of fire. The prototype weapons were developed into the very similar further improved '''MG 34/41''', that could cope with a cyclic firing rate of 1,200 rounds per minute, but its components became highly stressed. The effort to simplify the basic MG 34 and reduce production effort and costs consisted mainly of discarding the possibility of semi-automatic fire, using a trigger group containing many stamped parts, and eliminating some complex machining operations during production. Technically, the ejector assembly was enlarged and strengthened, and the feed mechanism was modified to provide a more secure grip on the cartridge.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/ttt/comparison-german-machine-guns-mg34-mg42.html |title=Comparison of German Machine Guns |journal=Tactical and Technical Trends |number=32 |date=August 26, 1943 |publisher=U.S. War Department |via=Lonesentry.com}}</ref> The weight of the MG 34/41 was 14&nbsp;kg, slightly more than the original MG 34 version.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} A limited run of MG 34/41 model guns, was completed and tested in combat trials at the Russian front.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=17}} These guns exhibited durability problems, which is why the development of MG 34 based incrementally improved guns was discontinued. Instead, the German military preferred the technically fundamentally differing also combat trailed MG 39/41 gun. In early 1942 a further improved model of the  MG 39/41 was officially accepted and designated as the MG 42.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=17}}

===MG 34 Panzerlauf===
[[File:Tiger II 104 Bovington noBG.jpg|thumb|Barrel shroud and recoil booster of an internal ''Kugelblende'' (ball mount) mounted MG 34 protruding out of the sloping upper glacis plate of a [[Tiger II]] heavy tank]]

Most German tanks and other armoured vehicles used during World War II used the '''''MG 34 Panzerlauf''''' or '''''MG 34 Panzermantel''''' for secondary armament, the [[Jagdpanzer IV]] tank destroyer being the exception.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=57}} The MG 42 was ill-suited for enclosed secondary or coaxial mounting due to the method of barrel change. The MG 42's barrel had to be removed and replaced by sliding the barrel out at an angle such that, when mounted on a tank/armoured vehicle, armour and space would have to be compromised to fit the weapon. Although the MG 34 was older than the (arguably) improved MG 42, its barrel could be swapped in-line with the gun, meaning that the MG 34 was favoured because it was simpler to design mountings for the gun. The MG 34 was also more versatile to feed, for instance using a 75-round ''Patronentrommel 34'' double drum magazine or being select-fire.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=58}}

The main difference of the ''MG 34 Panzerlauf'' and the regular MG 34 was the heavier, almost solid ''Panzermantel'' armored barrel shroud, almost completely lacking the ventilation holes of the regular MG 34.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=59}} Further the ''MG 34 Panzerlauf'' featured bipod clamps for attaching a bipod and lacked the anti-aircraft sight bracket. When mounted inside the generally limited space inside an armored vehicle, the MG 34 user detachable butt-stock was taken off.<ref name="auto1"/> A kit for quick conversion to ground use in the light machine gun role was carried inside the tank containing a butt-stock and a combined bipod and front sight assembly.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=59}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bodenfund-originale.de/mg34-standard-und-panzermantel/ |title=MG34 mit Panzermantel dot Fertigung 1944 - Waffenwerke Brünn |trans-title=MG34 with armored jacket, manufactured in 1944 - Waffenwerke Brno |language=de |website=Bodenfunde und Originale}}</ref> About 50,000 ''MG 34 Panzerlauf'' or ''MG 34 Panzermantel'' were produced.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=57}}

===MG 81===
The MG 34 was also used as the basis of a new aircraft-mounted machine gun, the [[MG 81 machine gun]]. For this role, the breech was slightly modified to allow feeds from either side, and in one version, two guns were bolted together on a single trigger to form a weapon known as the '''MG 81Z''' (for ''Zwilling'', German for "twin" as in twin-mounted). Production of the MG 34 was never enough to satisfy any of its users, and while the MG81 was a significant improvement over the earlier MG 30-based MG 15 and [[MG 17]] guns, these guns were used until the end of the war. As the Luftwaffe lost the battle for air superiority and declined in priority in the German war effort, MG 15s and MG 81s, which were designed as flexibly mounted aircraft machine guns, were modified and adapted for ground use by infantry, with varying degrees of success.

===MG34F1 and MG34F2===
Norway used and first converted the MG 34 in the 1950s to [[.30-06 Springfield]] designated as the MG34F1 and later to [[7.62×51mm NATO]] designated as the MG34F2. These converted MG 34's were used by the [[Norwegian Home Guard|''Heimevernet'' (Norwegian Home Guard)]] until the mid 1990s.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite journal |url=https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1451 |title=MG34 and MG42 in Norway, Post WW2 |first=Folke |last=Myrvang |volume=16 |number=4 |date=December 2012 |journal=Small Arms Review}}</ref>

===TNW MG34===
The TNW MG34 is a closed bolt, semi automatic only version of the MG34 made by TNW firearms, marketed towards civilian collectors, and was manufactured due to the high cost and rarity of the full auto versions. Although they stopped production in 2018, they continue to make part kits for the semi automatic variant of the MG34.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Mg 34.ogv|US War Department instruction video on the MG 34 from 1943
Image:MG34.jpg|MG 34 bipod and ''Lafette 34'' tripod mounts
File:WW2 Gernika Battalion German troops Pointe de Grave April 1945 (reenactment by Sancho de Beurko Association and EnigmaAirSoft1945 group in Punta Lucero 2014-06-15) Wehrmacht machine gun MG-34 - 14254969710.jpg|A ''Gurttrommel'' attached to the receiver of an MG 34 on its bipod during a reenactment
File:Maskingeværstilling 1940 (5986487283).jpg|''Lafette 34'' tripod mounted MG 34 setup for its anti-aircraft role
File:Waffen-SS soldiers from „Wiking” Division with MG 34 and Kar98k in soviet village.jpg|''Dreibein 34'' (a simple high-standing anti-aircraft tripod) mounted MG 34
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-028-1632-13, Frankreich, Küstenschutz mit Flak-MG.jpg|''Zwillingssockel 36'' mounted MG 34s
File:Wehrmacht Flugabwehr Airdefence.jpeg|''Zwillingssockel 36'' mounted MG 34s on a ''Maschinengewehrwagen 36''
File:Mémorial du Souvenir 07.JPG|''Zwillingssockel 36'' with one mounted MG 34, notice the removed butt-stock
</gallery>

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{flaglist|People's Socialist Republic of Albania|name=Albania}}: Kept in reserve as late as 1988{{sfn|Ezell|1988a|page=31}}
* {{flag|Algeria}}: supplied by Czechoslovakia{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=70}}
* {{flag|Australia}}: Battlefield capture.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Knight (Lt) |title=COMMONWEALTH FORCES IN NORTH AFRICA 1942 |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205196190 |publisher=[[Imperial War Museum]] |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=25 July 1942}}</ref>
* {{flag|Biafra}}: probably supplied by [[Czechoslovakia]].<ref name="auto">{{cite book |last=Jowett |first=Philip |title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70 |year=2016 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] Press |location=Oxford, UK |isbn=978-1-47281-609-2 |page=23}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Bulgaria}}: Supplied by Germany during WWII.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BULGARIAN SMALL ARMS OF WORLD WAR II, PART 2: FROM MAXIM OBRAZETZ 1907G TO ZB39 OBRAZETZ 1939G. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/BULGARIAN+SMALL+ARMS+OF+WORLD+WAR+II,+PART+2:+FROM+MAXIM+OBRAZETZ...-a0586601065 |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref> 
* {{flag|Cyprus}}{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
* {{flag|Cuba}}{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=70}}
* {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}: produced at [[Brno]] during [[German occupation of Czechoslovakia]]. Production continues after the war.{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}}
* {{flag|East Germany}} (post-war use on [[Sonder Kfz-1|SK-1]] armored car){{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
* {{flag|France}}{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=70}}
* {{flag|Greece}}: Still used in 2023.<ref>''[https://twitter.com/hndgspio/status/1653647107260051457 Οι #ΕΔ υποστηρίζουν & αναδεικνύουν τον σταθεροποιητικό ρόλο της 🇬🇷 στην ευρύτερη περιοχή (Twitter)].'' Hellenic National Defence General Staff. Twitter. 2023.</ref><ref>''[https://hellenicnavy.gr/o-stolos-mas/narkothireytika/n-thi-kalypso-m-64/ Ν/ΘΗ ΚΑΛΥΨΩ (M 64)].'' Hellenic Navy. n/d.</ref>
* {{flag|Guatemala}}: received 1,000 MG34s in 1954 from Czechoslovakia<ref>{{cite book |title=Checoslovaquia, Guatemala y México en el Período de la Revolución Guatemalteca: Ibero-Americana Pragensia – Supplementum 32/2013 |last=Perutka |first=Lukáš |date=September 2014 |publisher=Karolinum Press |isbn=978-80-246-2429-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IoM3BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA110 |page=110 |language=es}}</ref>
* {{flag|Independent State of Croatia}}<ref>{{cite book |title=World War II Croatian Legionaries: Croatian Troops under Axis Command 1941–45 |series=Men-at-Arms 508 |first=Vladimir |last=Brnardic |date=17 November 2016 |isbn=978-1-47281-767-9 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |page=5}}</ref>
* {{flagcountry|Kingdom of Hungary (1920–46)}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rada |first1=Tibor |title=A Magyar Királyi Honvéd Ludovika Akadémia és a Testvérintézetek Összefoglalt Története (1830–1945) |volume=II |date=2001 |chapter=Német gyalogsági fegyverek magyar kézben |trans-chapter=German infantry weapons in Hungarian hands |publisher=Gálos Nyomdász Kft. |location=Budapest |isbn=963-85764-3-X |language=hu |page=1114}}</ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}: supplied by Czechoslovakia.{{sfn|McNab|2012|pp=69-70}}
* {{flagcountry|Libyan Arab Jamahiriya}}{{sfn|Ezell|1988a|page=252}}
* {{flag|Nazi Germany}}
* {{flag|North Korea}}: Used in the Korean War.
* {{flag|North Vietnam}}: Used by the NVA and [[Vietcong]] in the Vietnam War<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nam-valka.cz/zbrane/mg34.html |title=MG 34 |website=NAM: Vietnamská válka 1964-1975 |language=cs}}</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}: Used and first converted to [[.30-06 Springfield]] designated MG34F1 and later to [[7.62×51mm NATO]] designated MG34F2 by the [[Norwegian Home Guard|''Heimevernet'']] until mid 1990s<ref name="auto3"/>
* {{flagicon image|Palestinian flag 1938.svg|size=24px}} [[Palestinian Fedayeen]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.palquest.org/en/media/9277/resistance-men-and-women|title=PHOTOGRAPH: Resistance of men and women|publisher=Palquest.org|year=1936}}</ref>
* {{flag|People's Republic of China}}{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}}
* {{flag|Republic of China}}{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}}
* {{flagcountry|Kingdom of Romania}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldwar2.ro/arme/?section=17|title=Small arms|website=worldwar2.ro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429142126/https://www.worldwar2.ro/arme/?section=17|archive-date=29 April 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Somalia}}{{sfn|Ezell|1988a|page=326}}
* {{flag|South Africa|1982}}: Captured from [[SWAPO]] forces around 1985{{sfn|Ezell|1988a|page=329}}
* {{flag|Syria|1963}}: supplied by Czechoslovakia{{sfn|McNab|2012|p=69}}
* {{flag|Syrian National Coalition}}<ref name="Syria">{{cite web |title=Syrian Civil War: WWII weapons used |date=June 27, 2017 |url=https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/syrian-civil-war-wwii-weapons-used/ |website=WWII After WWII}}{{self-published source|date=February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://silahreport.com/2018/08/07/small-arms-captured-by-saa-during-operation-basalt/ |title=Small Arms Captured by SAA During Operation BASALT |date=7 August 2018 |website=Silah Report}}</ref>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: Battlefield capture.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Lea, T. (Flight Lieutenant) |title=ROYAL AIR FORCE: 2ND TACTICAL AIR FORCE, 1943-1945. |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205211675 |publisher=[[Imperial War Museum]] |access-date=28 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Morris R H (Sgt) |author2=Sheridan (Sgt) |title=THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORTH AFRICA 1942 |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205203724 |publisher=[[Imperial War Museum]] |access-date=28 March 2023 |date=22 April 1942}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Yugoslav Partisans flag (1942-1945).svg}} [[Yugoslav Partisans]]<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike |first=Paul |last=Scarlata |magazine=Firearms News |date=1 October 2017 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/YUGOSLAV+PART+II%3A+WORLD+WAR+II+SMALL+ARMS%3A+AN+ASSORTMENT+OF+SMALL...-a0510936519}}</ref><ref name="Vukšić2003">{{cite book |series=Warrior 73 |title=Tito's partisans 1941–45 |last=Vukšić |first=Velimir |date=July 2003 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-84176-675-1 |page=25}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[List of World War II firearms of Germany]]
* [[MG 30]], predecessor
* [[MG 42]], successor
* [[Rheinmetall MG 3|MG 3]]
* [[MG 81 machine gun]]
* [[SIG 710-3]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |last=Bishop |first=Chris |title=The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II |date=2002 |publisher=Sterling Publishing Company |location=New York |isbn=978-1-586637-62-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MuGsf0psjvcC}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ezell |first1=Edward Clinton |title=Small arms today: latest reports on the world's weapons and ammunition |date=1988a |publisher=Stackpole Books |location=Harrisburg, PA |isbn=978-0-8117-2280-3 |edition=2nd |url=https://archive.org/details/smallarmstodayla0000ezel/ |url-access=registration}}
* {{cite book |last=Geckeler |first=Alexander |title=Waffen-Anatomie: Das Maschinengewehr 34 |location=Norderstedt |publisher=BoD |year=2024 |isbn=978-3-7583-3132-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Haskew |first=Michael E. |title=Small Arms 1914–1945: The Essential Weapons Identification Guide |location=London, UK |publisher=Amber Books |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-908273-85-7}}
* {{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns |series=Weapon 21 |date=20 October 2012 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |url=https://www.selfdefensefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MG-34.pdf |isbn=978-1-78096-008-1 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711080400/https://selfdefensefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MG-34.pdf |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite book |last=Myrvang |first=Folke |title=MG34-MG42 : German universal machineguns |date=2002 |publisher=Collector Grade Publications Inc |isbn=0-88935-278-X}}
* {{cite book |last=Smith |first=Joseph E. |title=Small Arms of the World |date=1973 |publisher=Stackpole Co. |location=Harrisburg, PA, USA |edition=10th}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/germany-machineguns/mg-34-eng/ MG 34 - Modern Fireams]
* [http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/german-infantry-weapons/mg34-machine-gun.html 1943 U.S. Intelligence Report]
* [http://forums.filefront.com/fh2-suggestions/389567-pacific-war-5-chinese-infantry-weapons.html The Pacific War 5: Chinese Infantry Weapons]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/192297851/D-124-1-Maschinengewehr-34-Teil-1-Waffe Maschinengewehr 34, Beschreibung, Handhabung und Behandlung, Teil 1, Waffe vom 1.8.40]
* [http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/german-infantry-weapons/mg34-machine-gun.html MG 34, Military Intelligence Service, Special Series No. 14, May 25, 1943, U.S. War Department]
* [https://www.relicsww2.net/mg-34-maschinengewehr-34-first-universal-machine-gun/ MG 34 (Maschinengewehr 34) : First universal machine gun]

{{General Purpose Machine Guns}}
{{WWIIChineseInfantryWeapons}}
{{WWIIGermanInfWeapons}}
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[[Category:7.92×57mm Mauser machine guns]]
[[Category:General-purpose machine guns]]
[[Category:German inventions of the Nazi period]]
[[Category:Machine guns of Germany]]
[[Category:Medium machine guns]]
[[Category:Short recoil firearms]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1936]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of China]]
[[Category:World War II machine guns]]