BR25240 "Suppressing Fire" 101st Airborne Machine Gun Team Firing .30Cal M1919

The U.S. military wanted to use the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle as its portable squad weapon. It would lay down a base of fire then advance to the next position with the team. While portable, the BAR was not sufficient as a sustained fire weapon due to its fixed barrel and 20-round magazine. The M1919A6 was the attempt at a solution. A 30 cal. M1919 was fitted with a buttstock, a front barrel with a carrying handle, and a bipod similar to that used on the BAR. Unlike the BAR the M1919A6 muzzle device allowed the gun crew to replace the barrel; an improvement, but still an awkward procedure that put the gun out of action for several minutes. Although slow to set up, it was effective, reliable, and popular with the troops.

Scale 1/30.