Feldgrau.net

What are the differences between the MG42 and the modern MG3?

Basically, 7.92 versus 7.62 NATO. I got to fire an MG3 once. It was fun! Heavier than our M60E3, but given the choice, I'd take the MG3 in combat.

so mechanically, its the same weapon?

The Glock wrote:so mechanically, its the same weapon?

Yes it is.
:-)

Generally - yes.

The Bundeswehr MG3 and his short story:

MG1 - postwar produced MG42, called MG42/59, with changes at the breech for a slower rate of fire and in 7,62x51 NATO, later renamed to MG1
MG1 A1 / A2 - prototypes
MG1 A3 - new recoil intensifier
MG1 A4 / A5 - coaxially tank MGs
MG2 - wartime produced MG42, converted to NATO-caliber...
MG3 - some major improvements, like four new barrels with different profiles and coatings, option to use the M60-belt and many minor improvements.
MG3 A1 - coaxially tank MG

From 1968 on, all MG1/MG2 were converted to MG3 standard.

MG MRH 3 A3 - wartime produced MG42 (without AA-sight), converted to 7,62x62 NATO by Manurhin. Only used by the West-Berlin Police.

Sven.

The MG42 could fire with a rate of about 25 rounds per second (1500 per minute).

The MG3 fires 20 rounds per seconds, but this is still enough firepower for a squad.

I presume I'm correct in thinking that the MG42 and MG3 also use virtually the same tripod in the medium machine gun role?

Yours,
Paul