Videos tagged with Belgian Army

The FN Model 30 represents the first Belgian-made BAR, evolving from Colt's designs with metric retooling for Poland and commercial export. Key improvements include a rate-reducing mechanism for controllable automatic fire (350-600 rpm), an automatic dust cover, and a refined magazine release. While sharing similarities with the M1918, it features enhanced reliability through a reversed gas piston system and was produced in 7.65x53mm Belgian and 8mm Mauser calibers.

The AFN-49 is the selective-fire variant of the FN-49 rifle, with nearly half of its production being automatic. Key features include a selector lever and a specialized locking pin requiring an armorer's tool for full-auto use. Its high rate of fire and fixed 10-round magazine make automatic fire challenging to control, emptying the magazine in about one second.

The FN-DA1 represents the final evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, adapted for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Key modifications include a spacer for FN FAL magazines and updated fire control linkages. External improvements feature a recessed barrel release, aperture rear sight, and a more stable bipod. Production of the BAR lineage concluded in 1967, with its action influencing later designs like the FN MAG.

This video from the Royal Armouries delves into the historical events surrounding Operation Dynamo during the Second World War, specifically the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940. It details how British, French, and Belgian troops were trapped by the German army on the coast of France and Belgium, and the crucial role of the Royal Navy in rescuing stranded soldiers by sea. The description also highlights the Royal Armouries' collection of arms and armor, inviting viewers to explore their museum, website, and social media for more content on military history and weaponry.

The Belgian M1915/27 Chauchat represents a significant improvement over the original French design, particularly in its adoption of the 7.65mm Mauser cartridge for a more reliable magazine. Key enhancements include robust dust covers for all openings, a unique tensioning latch to maintain receiver assembly integrity, and a redesigned, more stable bipod. Despite being officially replaced by the FN BAR, it served with Belgian forces through WWII.

The Marga Trials Rifle was a competitor in late 1880s Belgian Army trials, ultimately losing to the Mauser Model 1889. Its design featured rear locking lugs, a V-spring firing pin, and a tension-based ladder sight, elements that were becoming obsolete with the advent of smokeless powder. While it incorporated a useful magazine cutoff for single-shot firing, its technical shortcomings led to its failure in trials, though its designer later found success in ammunition.

This documentary from C&Rsenal's WWI Primer series delves into the history, function, and live-fire demonstration of the Belgian Nagant Revolvers used in World War I. The video, presented by Othais and Mae, aims to honor the centennial anniversary of the conflict by examining firearms from that era.

This video explores the Belgian 'Trench of Death' on the Yser Front, detailing WWI trench fortifications. It contrasts German bunker construction, noting the use of salvaged railroad tracks, with Belgian defensive features like zig-zag trenches and specialized grenade drop holes. The tour highlights firearm-specific firing ports designed for the 1889 Belgian Mauser and Belgian Maxim machine guns.

This video examines the rare Liegeoise 1888 Trials Rifle, a competitor in Belgian military trials that ultimately lost to the 1889 Mauser. Key features include a unique top-mounted bolt handle, a Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip system, and unusual 'shark fin' locking lugs. The rifle showcases early smokeless powder military rifle design concepts.