The versatile MG 34 was chambered for the full-power 7.92×57mm Mauser rifle cartridge and was arguably the most advanced machine gun in the world at the time of its deployment. Its combination of exceptional mobility – being light enough to be carried by one man – and high rate of fire was unmatched. Nonetheless, the design proved too complex for mass production and was supplemented by the cheaper and simpler MG 42, though both remained in service and production until the end of the war.