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BAR M1918A2
The BAR M1918A2 is an upgraded version of the Browning light machine gun, adopted by the US Army in 1938 as a response to the shortcomings of the original M1918. The main innovation was the dual-mode rate of fire: 300-450 rpm (slow mode for accuracy) and 500-650 rpm (fast for fire density). The machine gun lost its single—fire mode - now it fired only in bursts, which emphasized its role as a support weapon. Removable bipods (attached to the barrel casing) and a shoulder rest have been added to stabilize shooting, but the bayonet has been removed. The barrel received enhanced cooling (ribbed casing), although the problem of overheating during prolonged firing remained. The magazine remained 20-charged, which in World War II was considered a clear disadvantage against the German MG 34/42. The M1918A2 weighed 8.8 kg (with bipods) — 1.5 kg heavier than the original, which complicated its use in the offensive. It became the main light machine gun of the US Infantry in 1941-1945. It was especially appreciated in the Pacific jungle for its reliability. Soldiers often modified A2: they removed bipods (to make it easier to carry), and some illegally restored the single-fire mode. Despite the obsolescence of the concept, the BAR M1918A2 remained in service until the 1950s, becoming the last version of the legendary Browning.
Photo of the constructor:
Main Features:
Main Features:
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield (7.62×63 mm).
Barrel length: 610 mm.
Total length: 1214 mm.
Weight: 8.8 kg (without cartridges), about 10.4 kg (with a full magazine and bipods).
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds (box magazine).
Rate of fire:
Slow mode: 300-450 rounds per minute.
Fast mode: 500-650 rounds per minute.
Aiming range:
Effective range: 600 meters.
Maximum range: up to 3000 meters.
Type of automation: discharge of powder gases, locking by misalignment of the shutter.
Shooting modes: Automatic fire only (single mode has been removed).
Other features (modifications compared to the original BAR M1918):
Dual-mode firing rate: Added a tempo retarder to increase accuracy (slow mode) or increase fire density (fast mode).
Removable bipods: New folding bipods were attached to the muzzle, improving shooting stability.
Shoulder rest: Adjustable shoulder rest with rubber pad for shooter comfort.
Simplified trigger mechanism: Single fire mode has been removed — automatic firing only.
Modified flame suppressor: Reduced the unmasking effect when firing.
Produced: 700,000-800,000 units.
Advantages:
Two firing rates (~300-450 rpm for accuracy and a fast rate of ~500-650 rpm for dense fire) made it possible to adapt to the combat situation.
Bipods and a shoulder rest increased accuracy.
It has retained the strength of the original BAR, withstanding harsh operating conditions.
It remained light enough to be carried by one fighter.
Disadvantages:
A small 20-round magazine was not enough for a machine gun, which forced frequent reloading.
Overheating and the lack of a replaceable barrel limited the duration of automatic fire.
The BAR was heavy for a light machine gun, especially with a full magazine.
It was difficult to maintain, because the rate-of-fire retarder required careful adjustment.
Interesting facts:
The BAR debuted at the end of the First World War, but was already widely used in the Second World War.
Removable bipods were added, but they were attached to the barrel, which prevented quick replacement in case of overheating.
In the Pacific Theater of Operations, Marines often removed the bipod to make it easier.
The BAR occupied an intermediate position between a machine gun and a rifle (it had too small a magazine for a machine gun and too much weight for a rifle)
Separate units of the US Army used BAR even in Vietnam (mainly South Vietnamese troops).
Photo:
U.S. Army Private E. Knappenberger cleans the barrel of a BAR light machine gun in Italy, 1944
American soldiers relax in the woods during the fighting in Belgium, 1944
A soldier during the Korean War stands behind an M4 Sherman tank with a Browning M1918A2 in his hands, 1951
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