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MG 42 Field Stripping In general, field stripping of the gun is similar to the MG34. There are however some few deifferences. To remove barrel: it is necessary to cock the weapon. This is done by pullint the cocking handle. Then thrust forward and outward on the heavy release catch jutting out from the rear of the barrel extension on the right side of the gun, below the feed block. This draws the rear of the barrel out of its seat and permits it to br drawn from the rear of the gun. The feed resembles the one of the MG34. Push forwar the feed cover catch on the top of teh gun near the stock and lift the cover. Pull out the feed cover hinge-pin and remove the feed block from the gun. Dismounting this is very simple Remove buttstock, same as for the MG34. Be sure bolt is in forward position before removing buttstock. Catch is on the underside of the stock. Push it and twist the butt a quarter turn, right or left. Remove buffer and recoil spring. As in the MG34 the housing catch is on the rear end of the receiver, just back of the pistol grip. Press the catch and control the buffer housing that moves away from the receiver under tension of the powerfull spring. Remove the bol. Press the trigger and strike the cocking handle a sharp rearward blow. This will drive the bolt to the open rear of the receiver where it may be withdrawn. No further stripping is normally necessary