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7/11/2014 3:00:13 PM EDT
I don't know if this is in the right place, mods, please move if it isn't.  I was wondering if anyone can give me a list of all of the light machine guns that have been made semi-auto that are available to purchase and actually work (no dummy guns).  I'm not worried about being in NY. They can be American or Foreign.  So far off the top of my head I have:

Bren
RPD
PKM
MG42
DPM

I know I'm not thinking of quite a few.......
7/11/2014 3:23:37 PM EDT
[#1]
1919
7/11/2014 3:47:24 PM EDT
[#2]
HK 21E
HK 23E
HK 11
HK 13
M249
MK46
Shrike
7/11/2014 4:20:44 PM EDT
[#3]
M60
M240/FN MAG
7/11/2014 4:26:22 PM EDT
[#4]
BAR
7/11/2014 5:58:56 PM EDT
[#5]
MG13
MG15
MG34
MG53
Madsen
Zb. 26/Zb. 30
M1941 Johnson
7/11/2014 7:27:12 PM EDT
[#6]
FG-42 (Fallschirmjager Gewehr) (Totally different weapon than the MG42)

PPSh

AVT-40  (Select fire SVT-40)


7/11/2014 8:14:21 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
FG-42 (Fallschirmjager Gewehr) (Totally different weapon than the MG42)
PPSh
AVT-40  (Select fire SVT-40)
View Quote



Yes, they're "machine guns" in that they are automatic weapons.  But none of those are LMGs (light machine guns) by the military definition (a man-portable machine gun designed to be used by an individual soldier as a squad support weapon).  The OP is specifically looking for LMGs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_machine_gun
7/11/2014 10:45:46 PM EDT
[#8]
I got to fire a semi Czech ZB-26 a few years back, I think Wise-Lite or one of the other companies made a few in the same way they did the Brens. Very cool piece.
7/11/2014 11:00:45 PM EDT
[#9]

Quote History
Quoted:



Yes, they're "machine guns" in that they are automatic weapons.  But none of those are LMGs (light machine guns) by the military definition (a man-portable machine gun designed to be used by an individual soldier as a squad support weapon).  The OP is specifically looking for LMGs.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_machine_gun

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

FG-42 (Fallschirmjager Gewehr) (Totally different weapon than the MG42)

PPSh

AVT-40  (Select fire SVT-40)

Yes, they're "machine guns" in that they are automatic weapons.  But none of those are LMGs (light machine guns) by the military definition (a man-portable machine gun designed to be used by an individual soldier as a squad support weapon).  The OP is specifically looking for LMGs.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_machine_gun

Thank you for setting me straight.  Wikipedia to the rescue.



But when considered in a historical context knowing how those weapons were actually employed in combat in WWII, I'm correct.  Soldiers made due with what they had in adverse conditions even if it didn't fit a textbook definition.  Lots of anecdotal evidence to support this, especially on the Eastern front.  That's what I'm getting at here and for that reason they should be considered in my opinion.  





 
7/12/2014 12:47:53 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Thank you for setting me straight.  Wikipedia to the rescue.

But when considered in a historical context knowing how those weapons were actually employed in combat in WWII, I'm correct.  Soldiers made due with what they had in adverse conditions even if it didn't fit a textbook definition.  Lots of anecdotal evidence to support this, especially on the Eastern front.  That's what I'm getting at here and for that reason they should be considered in my opinion.  

 
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
FG-42 (Fallschirmjager Gewehr) (Totally different weapon than the MG42)
PPSh
AVT-40  (Select fire SVT-40)
Yes, they're "machine guns" in that they are automatic weapons.  But none of those are LMGs (light machine guns) by the military definition (a man-portable machine gun designed to be used by an individual soldier as a squad support weapon).  The OP is specifically looking for LMGs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_machine_gun
Thank you for setting me straight.  Wikipedia to the rescue.

But when considered in a historical context knowing how those weapons were actually employed in combat in WWII, I'm correct.  Soldiers made due with what they had in adverse conditions even if it didn't fit a textbook definition.  Lots of anecdotal evidence to support this, especially on the Eastern front.  That's what I'm getting at here and for that reason they should be considered in my opinion.  

 


Only the FG-42 was actually used in a LMG role out of those 3. Soldiers issued the AVT were not allowed to use the full auto setting ,according to several Soviet sources. The PPsH is a submachine gun and was used as an assault weapon, not for support by fire.
7/12/2014 3:23:39 AM EDT
[#11]
Wheres the range report on the Bren... Inquiring minds want to see pics ;-)
7/12/2014 8:38:34 AM EDT
[#12]
You can see some over at weaponsguild.com.  You have to be a member there to view pages, so linking is not possible, but they have an entire section devoted to different semi auto bren builds.
7/12/2014 10:36:54 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
You can see some over at weaponsguild.com.  You have to be a member there to view pages, so linking is not possible, but they have an entire section devoted to different semi auto bren builds.
View Quote


Or come here, where it's open to all, w/ little advertising, but you'll be asked to pony up a few $ once in while to keep the doors open:

http://www.weaponeer.net/forum/default.asp?C=30
7/12/2014 11:31:40 AM EDT
[#14]


Quote History
Quoted:




Only the FG-42 was actually used in a LMG role out of those 3. Soldiers issued the AVT were not allowed to use the full auto setting ,according to several Soviet sources. The PPsH is a submachine gun and was used as an assault weapon, not for support by fire.
View Quote
Discarding the idea of what the weapons were intended for under a book definition for a minute, they were indeed used for other roles.  Do some research on urban combat in Stalingrad or Kiev.  Or anywhere on the Eastern Front. With often non-existent resupply soldiers on both sides used what they could find.  That is very well documented.  The point is, in a historical context these weapons fit in with other period firearms.  If two of the three I listed don't meet your criteria, then don't collect them.  Many of the other weapons listed above are unobtainable.  Modern semi-auto reproductions of the FG-42 can be had from www.SMGGuns.com and the others show up from time to time.  
 
 
7/12/2014 12:44:18 PM EDT
[#15]
The Mag-58 is out there as well , but not cheap as a parts kit is $5000
7/12/2014 1:01:21 PM EDT
[#16]
Lewis gun is on my short list.
7/12/2014 1:06:42 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:
Wheres the range report on the Bren... Inquiring minds want to see pics ;-)
View Quote


I put one pic up in my original post, more to follow.  Also work has been crazy and I haven't had time to shoot it yet but I will soon, I'll let you know how it goes.  
7/12/2014 1:08:07 PM EDT
[#18]
Awesome guys!! Thanks for the info.  Which ones listed are attainable?  I know some are ridiculously expensive but it doesn't hurt to dream.
7/12/2014 1:19:40 PM EDT
[#19]
HK 11 and 13's start around $3500. HK 21E & 23E start around $12K. Shrike uppers are available from $3500-5000.

I think the M249 clones start around $12K also.
7/12/2014 1:38:30 PM EDT
[#20]
EX-17 Heligun, please.
7/12/2014 3:56:17 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
The Mag-58 is out there as well , but not cheap as a parts kit is $5000
View Quote

Yer late to the party, whiskerz - I already included that one.... but howdy!
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