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A lot of folks get the MP-44 and the MG-42 confused due the the similar numbers. What you describe is the MG-42 which according to every single GI I have ever talked to was a real awe inspiring gun to face. Unlike US guns with bores slightly over bore to add spread to the shots, the 42 was machined well and the shots went into one area. The effect was like a hose. If the gun was fixed to anything solid, like a tank turrent, it was awsome and scary as all hell. It would bring a cold sweat. The M-60 has a cyclic rate of fire of about 600 RPM, the 42 had several models with different cyclic rates but the average was about 1750 the highest was about 2,000. In several old news reels you can actually hear it firing and it is just a long Rippppp sound. The shots were so close together as to be one noise, similar to the electric gatling guns of today.
Best,
Ed
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