EK II wrote:According to my information, the very first field use of the MG42 was during the defence of the Mius river line in southern Russia against the Soviet winter offensive of 1941-42.
A few examples had reached the German frontline troops and were proven highly effective against Soviet human-wave attacks.
That´s possible. If You mean the MG 39/41 how the 4. prototype was called. 1,500 from this type were produced and heavy field tested during 1941.
After some modifications, it was officially produced as MG 42 since januar or febuar 1942.
(Same source.)
Sven.