Top 8 Most Expensive Machine Guns Ever Sold in History

 Some weapons stand out in the strange history of guns for their invention and, shockingly, their price tags. Today, the nation with the most firearms is considered the strongest. Most of us never purchase weapons to save or make money; in fact, the opposite often holds true. However, if you have some extra money in your hand, weapons may be a great investment, and this has been true for a long time. Many wealthy folks buy these not for safety or even investment purposes but to indulge in their shooting hobbies.  Let us explore one of the most expensive machine guns ever sold, a one-of-a-kind artifact whose sold prices going to blow your mind.

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German Krieghoff FG-42, Type 1 – $411,250 ( Year: May 2023)

The FG-42, often dubbed the “Grandfather of the Assault Rifle,” nearly rivals the M.Kb.42 in historical significance, although its development commenced a few years later. Originating from the German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers), this rifle was meticulously crafted for the Luftwaffe’s airborne infantry. Unlike the BAR, it seamlessly integrated machine gun firepower into a rifle wielded by a single soldier, maintaining the size and weight of the standard Kar 98k rifle.

The FG-42, a WW2 paratrooper marvel, featured unique design elements also seen in later rifles, including a full-sized rifle round in semi-automatic and automatic modes. Its firing mechanism was innovative, minimizing cook-offs. However, the rifle faced challenges due to its lightweight, limited mass production, complexity, and high costs. Approximately 5,000 were made, with few surviving intact, and the exceptional Type 1 model sold for $411,250 in 2023, solidifying its worth in the world of automatic guns. Let`s read more about the most expensive hand tools in the world.

Fabrique Nationale U.S. M240B “Bravo” – $381,875

Only a few fully transferable M240 machine guns are available for public purchase, as the majority remain government property. The American version of the FN MAG, the M240, became part of the U.S. Army in 1977. As the 1990s unfolded, the M240B, often called the M240 “Bravo,” took over the infantry role, replacing the M60 series of machine guns.

In RIAC’s December 2023 auction, a rarely seen M240B machine gun took the stage. This particular piece showcased features like a blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, a folding bipod, and a lower handguard with Picatinny rail sections on both sides. For collectors, the opportunity to acquire an M240 machine gun is always thrilling, and the one presented in the December 2023 auction made a significant impact, fetching an impressive $381,875.

German Krieghoff FG-42, Type 1 – $316,250 ( Year: May 2021)

The story behind this iconic German gun is fascinating, and Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) had a unique moment of pride—they sold a machine gun that had never been offered before in their halls. Until May 2021, RIAC successfully auctioned several Type 2 versions, but a Type 1 had never been part of their collection. These early models stand out with distinct features like a curved pistol grip and sleek flash hiders.

Setting them apart from later versions, Type 1 models used a forged receiver instead of stamped ones. Even though the scope on this example was a reproduction, the gun itself was an authentic war trophy, supported by proper documentation. The Type 1, accompanied by a 1946-dated Treasury Department Form 6 import application from Captain John Starkweather, became a prized possession. A fortunate collector recognized its value, leading to an impressive sale of $316,250 at the May 2021 Premier Firearms Auction. Let`s read more about the most valuable and exclusively rarest gemstones in the world.

World War II Haenel Manufactured M.Kb.42(H) Assault Rifle – $161,000

The M.Kb.42 is a historic firearm, often known as the “Grandfather of German Assault Rifles”. Developed by the German Army in the 1930s, it was designed to offer a weapon with higher capacity than bolt-action rifles. It has a longer range than any submachine gun and controllable fully automatic fire for short to medium distances. Only 10,700 were produced, many of which were lost on the Eastern front. The M.Kb.42 is considered a rare and desirable weapon, particularly among collectors of WWII German military firearms. In 2016, an example sold for $161,000 at an auction, while another example sold for $149,500 in 2014. The M.Kb.42 is considered a pivotal piece in any advanced WWII German or military assault rifle collection. Read more about the top most valuable companies in the world.

Knight’s Armament Co. Stoner Model 63A Light Machine Gun – $141,000

Eugene Stoner, the renowned American arms designer responsible for creations like the AR10, M16/AR15, and AR-18/180, ventured into the design of the Stoner Model 63 in the early 60s, following his departure from Armalite. This firearm represented a breakthrough in modern weapon systems, aiming for an unprecedented level of customization. The receiver was ingeniously designed to enable rapid understanding of different missions and environments. While modern weapons have since explored similar flexibility, the Stoner Model 63’s capability was exceptional for its time.

In RIAC’s December 2023 Premier Auction, a rare Knight’s Armament Co. Stoner Model 63A light machine gun took the spotlight, fetching an impressive $141,000. Originally developed with a focus on military applications, the 63/63A underwent trial deployments in different configurations with the United States Marine Corps, Navy SEALs, and U.S. Army Special Forces operating in Southeast Asia. This specific example was produced by Knight’s Armament Company in Titusville, Florida, a well-established manufacturer of firearms and arms accessories. Read more about the top most expensive commercials in the world that ever made.

Johnson Automatics M1941 Light Machine Gun – $141,000

Invented by American innovator Melvin Maynard Johnson Jr., the M1941 was envisioned as a versatile squad automatic rifle, adaptable for various battlefield roles, even shoulder-fired when needed. This compact firearm condensed the characteristics of a light machine gun into a shorter frame, utilizing a full-power rifle cartridge.

The Johnson Automatic M1941 is a rare gem for collectors, and in RIAC’s December auction, it commanded an impressive final price of $141,000. Drawing parallels with the German FG42, the M1941 Johnson featured a front-mounted bipod and a side-mounted horizontal box magazine. Both the FG42 and the M1941 employed an open-bolt system in automatic mode and a closed-bolt system in semi-automatic mode. Notably, the U.S. Marine Corps adopted the Johnson Automatic M1941 LMG as a substitute weapon during the early days of World War II due to a shortage of BARs.

World War 2 German “cra” Code MG42 – $129,250

The German MG42, often known as “Hitler’s Buzzsaw” and “Hitler’s Zipper,” was a well-known weapon during World War II, praised for its combination of mobility and damaging firepower. It was capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute, producing a powerful and frightening sound. Unlike Allied soldiers with slower-firing weapons, those facing the MG42 found its rapid rate of fire unsettling.

Introduced in 1942 to replace the more costly MG34, the MG42 was made from affordable parts, proving more reliable and less prone to jamming. Even after the war, West German forces used a version rechambered for NATO-standard cartridges. The MG42 was so formidable that the U.S. War Department produced a film to downplay its psychological impact. This gun even had three extra barrels for different ammunition types.

Early Original Colt Model R80 “Monitor” Fully Automatic Machine Gun – $115,000

This super rare Colt Model R80 Monitor is an early version of the Colt Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) from the 1920s. There weren’t many made, and they were mostly sold to law enforcement agencies, especially in the East. In December 2018, it was auctioned by Rock Island Auction Company for a whopping $115,000.

The R80 Monitor was like an upgraded Browning design, featuring a small pistol grip for better handling instead of a typical buttstock. It had a shorter forend, a slightly shorter 18.5-inch barrel for easier use, and a redesigned gas regulator and muzzle break/flash hider. The unique design and excellent condition made this Colt R80 Monitor a rare find, attracting a high price of $115,000 at the auction.