How to Disassemble the MG34

Published on November 18, 2020
Duration: 7:51

This guide details the field strip disassembly of the MG34 machine gun, as demonstrated by Arm&Gun. It covers the removal of components such as the belt carrier, sights, buttstock, top cover, feed assembly, bolt carrier group, and barrel. The process highlights the MG34's short recoil operation and the function of its gas-driven booster cone. The video also briefly showcases a Krag-Jørgensen Carbine and a Black Arch Holster setup.

Quick Summary

The MG34 machine gun utilizes a short recoil operated system where the barrel acts as a piston. Escaping gases are captured by a booster at the front, creating back pressure to push the barrel back and cycle the action. The barrel itself is not gas-ported; all gas exits the front and is captured by the booster cone.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to MG34 Disassembly
  2. 00:13Caliber and Conversion
  3. 00:20Removing Belt Carrier
  4. 00:38Removing Spider Sight
  5. 00:52Folding Down Sights
  6. 00:57Removing Buttstock
  7. 01:23Removing Top Cover & Feed Assembly
  8. 01:44Removing Feed Tray
  9. 01:51Removing Receiver Cap & Recoil Spring
  10. 02:34Removing Bolt Carrier Group
  11. 02:49Bolt Carrier Mechanism Explanation
  12. 03:40Receiver Markings
  13. 03:49Separating Barrel Jacket and Receiver
  14. 04:20Removing Barrel and Gas System Explanation
  15. 05:00Disassembling Booster Cone
  16. 05:40Barrel Gas System Summary
  17. 06:09Disassembly Complete & Conclusion
  18. 06:37Bonus Gun: Krag-Jørgensen Carbine
  19. 07:18Holster Shout-out
  20. 07:37Final Thoughts and Next Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove the belt carrier from an MG34?

To remove the belt carrier from an MG34, you need to depress a tab located on it and then rock the carrier backward. The carrier itself can be further disassembled by folding its handle and popping off a clasp.

What is the operating system of the MG34?

The MG34 operates on a short recoil system. In this mechanism, the barrel acts like a piston. Escaping gases are captured by a booster at the front, which creates back pressure to push the barrel back and cycle the action.

Can the MG34 be converted to fire .308 ammunition?

Yes, the MG34 is chambered in 8mm Mauser, but conversion kits are available to allow it to fire .308 ammunition. The disassembly procedure remains the same regardless of the caliber conversion.

How is the bolt carrier group removed from the MG34?

To remove the bolt carrier group, first pull back the charging handle to separate the bolt head from the barrel. Then, slide the entire bolt carrier group out from the rear of the receiver.

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