MG38: Colt's Interwar Water-Cooled Machine Gun

Published on May 7, 2025
Duration: 0:58

The Colt MG38, based on the Browning Model 1917, featured significant design improvements like self-contained recoil springs and a higher rate of fire (up to 850 RPM) achieved by lightening the bolt. The 'B' designation in MG38B specifically indicated models sold with spade grips, differentiating them from earlier or standard configurations.

Quick Summary

The Colt MG38, introduced in 1931, is based on the Browning Model 1917. Colt improved it with self-contained recoil springs and increased its rate of fire to about 850 RPM by drilling holes in the bolt. The MG38B designation means it came with spade grips.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt MG38
  2. 00:17MG38 Mechanical Differences & Safety
  3. 00:33Colt's Recoil Spring Improvement
  4. 00:43Rate of Fire Enhancement: Bolt Modification
  5. 00:52MG38B Model Designation Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt MG38 based on?

The Colt MG38 system is fundamentally based on the Browning Model of 1917, which was adopted by the US Army during World War I. Colt made several modifications and improvements to this original design.

What improvements did Colt make to the MG38 over the Browning M1917?

Colt introduced self-contained recoil springs, a significant design simplification. They also modified the bolt by drilling holes to reduce mass, increasing the rate of fire from around 650 RPM to approximately 850 RPM.

What does the 'B' in MG38B signify?

The 'B' in the MG38B model designation specifically indicates that these particular guns were sold by Colt equipped with spade grips, differentiating them from other configurations of the MG38.

What is the rate of fire for the Colt MG38?

The original Browning M1917 design had a rate of fire around 650 RPM. Colt's modifications to the MG38, particularly lightening the bolt, increased this rate of fire to approximately 850 RPM.

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