Auction prices for rare and exotic firearms continue to reach levels on par with fine art, vintage automobiles, and sports memorabilia. In recent years, a pair of saddle pistols once owned by George Washington sold for almost $2 million, while Simon Bolivar’s flintlock pistols sold for nearly $1.7 million. Many modern firearms have also hit prices well beyond what most mere mortals could ever hope to pay.
While World War II firearms have steadily climbed in price in recent years, collectors can now expect to pay around $1,000 for a shootable M1 Garand at a gun show or an auction. Other firearms from the conflict will certainly break the bank, but none more than the German FG42 automatic rifle, which was designed specifically for the elite Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers). One of these rifles set a record for the Rock Island Auction Company when it sold for $322,000. That remains the highest price paid for a modern automatic weapon.
Priced out of an original, World War II collectors have to get creative if they want to add one to their collections. Unfortunately, while companies such as German Sports Guns did produce a line of World War II-style semi-automatic replicas – including an impressive 9mm MP40 pistol – there have been few attempts to produce a poor man’s FG42.
Smith Manufacturing Group did bring to market a limited edition of both the FG42 Type I and Type II rifles in semi-automatic – chambered in the full-power 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge. Retailing for $5,740 each, even these could be a bit on the high end for most shooters and collectors. Yet it is worth noting that non-functioning Airsoft models routinely sell for $1,200 and more.
Demand is simply that great for this unique firearm.
Enter the FG-9 Carbine
For those who want the look and feel of the FG42 – a weapon that led to the development of the American M60 machine gun – but don’t mind a few compromises, there is the Rhineland Arms FG-9, a 9mm semi-automatic version that is externally similar but is built around the fire control group of a 9mm AR-15.
Constructed of aluminum, steel, and wood, and produced in the United States, it may not fire the full-sized rifle cartridge – but unlike the Airsoft models, it does shoot. The current MSRP is $915, and the company is taking orders now.
Rhineland Arms FG-9. Image Credit: Peter Suciu.
As described on Rhineland Arms’ website, “The FG-9 is a 9mm version of the German FG42 rifle with modern features while retaining that feel of a firearm designed from a different era with just metal and wood. The receiver has a large feed ramp to help feed all bullet types including wide hollowpoints a built in scope rail and modified m-lock on the lower rail for bipods or addition items. All component parts are held in place with HK style push pins for rapid field disassembly.”
FG42. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
FG-9 Specs
Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine capacity: 30 Rounds
Sights: Picatinny rail for optics
Barrel Length: 16 inches or 17 inches with flash hider
It may not be a real FG42, but at least shooters won’t need to take out a second mortgage to buy one.
A Senior Editor for 1945, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,000 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.
