Small Arms of WWI Primer 073: US Browning Automatic Rifle 1918

I don't know that the concept behind the BAR just "went away". The first version of the FG 42 has the grip at a similar crazy angle, suggesting it was first of all meant to be fired from the hip. This makes some sense, as a large part of the inspiration was the experience from the invasion of Crete, where a large number of casualties resulted from being caught in the open during and immediately after the drop. They needed suppressive firepower right away, while they were still marshalling. Later versions had grips at a more conventional angle, and by then it must have been apparent that German paratroops would never be used in a large drop again; they would always fight on the ground.

Randall Vanderende

Hey Othais: a little bird told me Ian got a Chauchat [in the very problematic .30-'06 chambering] that he may be able to loan you for that forthcoming episode...

Bruce Brodnax

An HMG is an area-fire weapon, and that beaten zone is part of the plan...

Bruce Brodnax

At the top of this Community posting , Mae is shown firing a water cooled heavy machine gun (Probably Maxim or Browning) ANYWAY, the muzzle is clearly jumping up and down over an inch which means the bullets are going all over the place doing no good at all. Did you mention this in the video?

You could a very special episode with Karl and Gun Jesus comparing and complaining about the role it was designed for. The both don’t like the WW2 version.

Chairman

I carried a Pig for a year and a half- we always had a short belt (15- 20 rounds) for immediate fire, then the A.G. would bring up a longer belt- so a 20 round mag is kind of useful. Don't think much of walking fire, though.

Matthew Stanchfield

Nonchalant little teaser there with the MP18.

Edward Brush

Fantastic episode! I’ve never been a fan of colt and this episode made me really hate them.

Adam G.

Othias , you go on about Mae having trouble with the BAR. Do not forget, Bonnie Parker could handle the BAR 1918 very well and she only weighed 89 lbs.

So, if I were a BAR Mae would go out with me then? Cause I'm willing to have the surgery.

Aaron Smith

Othais: Fantastic episode in every way. I am dumbfounded at the depth of your productions. If someone hired a commercial production company to produce an episode like this it would easily cost 10X as much and take 10X as long. Bravo. Keep em coming.

Red Marley

Super episode. The BAR looked surprisingly controllable. That look on Mae's face was AWESOME. Although I have to say I'm not used to seeing Mae without her glasses. She looks great. I know I speak for everyone when I say that your hard work really comes through in your presentations. Another home run. Thanks!

An excellent automatic rifle and troublesome light machine gun.

C&Rsenal

Just gotta find a period video

C&Rsenal

Hard to have a comparison. I would have loved some more distance!

C&Rsenal

I am very active with my opinions on my personal accounts. You may see "Othais" share an opinion here and there. But the channel is for arms history.

C&Rsenal

She's a professional amateur

C&Rsenal

That's about how the 1911 got a bad name by the 80's

C&Rsenal

Not entirely intuitive but definitely unique!

C&Rsenal

Courtesy of Mr. Canfield

C&Rsenal

Another most exciting example of edutainment. I have fired the BAR prone. With bi pod. Having been familiar with the M-60 and M-16 the slow rate of fire hang time is worth noting. Can’t forget the line on the beach in Saving Private Ryan. They ask. “where is your BAR?” His reply is priceless. Thanks again for your hard work.

A Pete Bingham

Now isn't that just a gorgeous thing? Aww... what a way to unwind after work.

General Jack Ripper

I think a herd of startled or stampeding animals should be stuck in the "War were declared" video

Great episode. Mae put in a good group off the hip.

Ron Johnson

Hear, hear!

Chris M

Excellent as always guys. Get some sleep, and here's to many more C&Rsenal/Anvil videos to come.

Just a reminder that many of us appreciate not being preached to and enjoy the fact that you aren't going to fill your episodes with politics. Thank you.

Jeff Freeman

Mae vs BAR: BAR - drives Mae one step back. Mae: - takes two steps forward and stay on the berm. Mae wins!

Jason

My dad carried a BAR in WWII in Europe. He had nothing good to say about it. Largely because they took the new one he had used in training stateside away and gave him a worn out one in France. He said he couldn't get it to cycle more than twice without jamming. Apparently, at least as far as the Army is concerned, some things never change.

Nuke Road Warrior

Loved the animation! The way the hammer works is very nice.

Ben Lattner

An original WW1 BAR? A very rare bird indeed.

FrontTowardEnemy

Best comment all week.

C&Rsenal

Sleep now Othias, don't be staying up answering comments

I am happy.

Brett