M1918 BAR: America's Walking Fire Assault Rifle
Forgotten Weapons・16 minutes read
The Browning BAR showcased is a rare World War One Model of 1918, designed for semi-automatic or fully-automatic select fire use without a bipod. General Pershing delayed its use until equipping full divisions to prevent the Germans from reverse engineering the rifles due to its innovative design and strategic importance in World War One.
Insights
- The Browning BAR, initially designed for World War One, was intended for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes without a bipod, emphasizing mobility and adaptability in combat situations.
- General Pershing's strategic decision to delay the use of the BAR until full divisions were equipped simultaneously stemmed from a cautious approach to prevent the Germans from reverse engineering the weapon, aligning with a broader strategy of testing new technologies in World War One to develop effective countermeasures and avoid premature exposure.
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Recent questions
What is the Browning BAR?
A World War One firearm designed for select fire.
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Summary
00:00
"Rare World War One Browning BAR"
- The Browning BAR being showcased is a World War One Model of 1918, a rare find due to many being converted to A2 BARs during World War Two.
- The BAR was designed for semi-automatic or fully-automatic select fire use in World War One, without a bipod, intended for firing from the hip and shoulder.
- The tactical concept was to advance on enemy positions firing primarily in semi-automatic mode, switching to full-auto for close combat.
- The BAR's concept was similar to later assault rifles, focusing on precise shots in semi-automatic and high volumes of fire in full-auto.
- Mechanically, the BAR was developed by John Moses Browning, influenced by the Lewis and Chauchat machine guns but more refined and reliable.
- The gas-operated firearm featured an adjustable gas regulator, a conical flash hider, and a sturdy forend for protection.
- The main receiver included a tilting locking bolt, a rear sight from the Model of 1917 Enfield rifle, and a three-position fire selector group.
- The BAR was manufactured by Colt, Winchester, and Marlin-Rockwell, with Winchester producing the majority of the guns.
- The BAR's development process from idea to production took about a year, with the first order placed in July 1917 and substantial production by July 1918.
- John Browning ceded most of his royalty payments for the BAR, proposing a lump sum payment of $1.25 million out of patriotic obligation during World War One.
14:01
BAR Rifle Delayed for Strategic Reasons
- The first assistant gunner's belt had five mag pouches for the primary gunner and a double mag pouch for 1911 pistol magazines, which served as the assistant gunner's secondary weapon. The gunner's belt, on the other hand, featured a metal cup on the right side to hold the gun's butt for firing on the move.
- Despite the availability of 17,000 BAR rifles in France for the American Expeditionary Force by July 1918, combat use was delayed until late September of the same year due to General John Pershing's concern that the Germans could capture and reverse engineer the rifles if used in small numbers.
- General Pershing's decision to delay the use of the BAR until equipping full divisions simultaneously was influenced by the strategic approach of testing new weapons like tanks and poison gas in World War One to avoid premature exposure and allow for the development of effective countermeasures.
