ZFG42

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ZFG42
7.92x57 - 4x - Germany - FG42

The ZFG42 was developed by Voigtländer und Sohn of Braunschweig (ddx) for use on the FG42 rifle with trials starting in the spring of 1943 (Wacker, 2011). During testing the ZFG42 competed against a prismatic sight that had also been developed by Voigtländer for use on the FG42. While the ZFG42 was selected over the prismatic sight for continued development and use, the test reported concerns with adjustment drums breaking and glass hazing after 50 to 100 rounds. Improvements to the design would continue and by the time the final FG42 G model went into production the ZFG42 had been replaced by the improved ZF4 scope for use on FG42 rifles (Dugelby, Blake Stevens, 1990).

While the ZFG42 shows influences from the Russian PU scope, and Voigtländer surely had access to captured examples, the extent of that influence is unclear. It should also be noted that the developmental history of the ZFG42 and ZF42 scopes is unclear. It is possible the ZFG42 name is simply the name used for ZF42 scopes intended for use on FG42 rifles. It is equally possible the ZF42 was a universal scope developed from the ZFG42. What is clear is that both scopes came from the same universal scope development program at Voigtländer that would culminate in the ZF4 scope.

Images

With German paratroopers during WWII.

Seen in Me210 cockpit during testing.

German FG42 testing report dated July 2, 1943. Includes results on both the ZFG42 and Voigtländer's prismatic FG42 sight.
NOTE: The first page of the report above is marked page 188, unsure if there are more pages missing or there is a different reason for the numbering system.

Serial Numbers

Some scopes are described as having serial number Fl152973. This sequence is found on all known scopes and appears to be a model # or batch code, not a serial number.

Serial	Rifle #	Images	Notes
054	1700?		No photos of serial number on scope. Probably original to rifle 1700.
113	1003
274			Missing mount.

References

Dugelby, T. & R. Blake Stevens. (1990). Death from Above. Collector Grade Publications.

Wacker, A. (2011). German Sniper Rifles. Propaganda Photo.