A Forgotten WW1 Machine Gun: The Bergmann MG 15nA with Curatorial Assistant Joe Ford

Published on February 18, 2026
Duration: 32:27

This video provides an in-depth, expert-level guide to disassembling the Bergmann MG 15nA, a World War 1-era light machine gun. Curatorial Assistant Joe Ford meticulously walks through each step, from removing the feed tray cover and buttstock to extracting the bolt, barrel, and locking mechanisms. The guide highlights the unique design features and operational principles of this historically significant firearm, offering valuable insights for gunsmiths and firearms enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The Bergmann MG 15nA is a World War 1 light machine gun featuring a unique recoil-operated feeding system driven by barrel movement. It evolved from earlier Bergmann designs and was adapted for infantry use by removing water cooling and adding a barrel shroud, shoulder stock, and pistol grip.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to the Bergmann MG 15nA
  2. 00:33Origins of the Bergmann Company and Early Designs
  3. 01:52Evolution of Bergmann Machine Guns (1901-1910)
  4. 03:00The Schmeisser Family's Role
  5. 04:15The 1910 Model and its Improvements
  6. 05:05The MG 1915 and its Adoption Challenges
  7. 06:04Conversion to the LMG 15 for WW1
  8. 07:22The 'NA' (New Type) Designation Explained
  9. 08:02Beginning the Disassembly Process
  10. 08:30Muzzle Features: Flash Hider and Front Sight
  11. 09:44Tripod and Mounting Bracket
  12. 10:36Belt Feed Covers and Casing Deflector
  13. 11:30Rear Stock and Cocking Handle
  14. 11:59Pistol Grip and Trigger Group
  15. 12:29Removing the Feed Tray Cover
  16. 13:17The Feed Block and Cartridge Retention
  17. 14:06Feed Mechanism Tied to Barrel Recoil
  18. 15:04Removing the Feed Spring
  19. 17:05Removing the Buttstock
  20. 18:25Bolt and Barrel Extension Operation
  21. 19:12The Bergmann Locking Piece and Accelerator
  22. 20:26Removing the Accelerator
  23. 20:43The Bolt Assembly
  24. 21:58Dropping the Trigger Group
  25. 23:50Removing the Barrel and Barrel Extension
  26. 24:41Barrel and Barrel Extension Details
  27. 25:48The Locking Piece and its Function
  28. 27:10Feed Tray Components: Main Spring and Extractor
  29. 30:20Conclusion and Historical Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bergmann MG 15nA and why is it significant?

The Bergmann MG 15nA is a World War 1-era light machine gun developed by the Bergmann company. It's significant for its unique recoil-operated mechanism, compact design, and its role as a precursor to later German machine gun designs, despite being overshadowed by contemporaries like the MG08/15.

How does the Bergmann MG 15nA feed ammunition?

The MG 15nA uses a belt-fed system where the feeding mechanism is directly operated by the short recoil of the barrel. As the barrel recoils, a stud on a lever pulls a feed pole to grab a new round from the belt.

What are the key differences between the LMG 15 and the LMG 15nA?

The LMG 15nA, or 'Neue Art' (New Type), was a modification of the LMG 15. Initially, the LMG 15 was changed to an open-bolt design for cooling, but this proved unsatisfactory. The LMG 15nA reverted to the original 1910 closed-bolt operation, making it more reliable.

What were the limitations of the Bergmann MG 15nA for aircraft use?

The MG 15nA's short shoulder stock made it awkward to handle in confined aircraft spaces. Additionally, the reciprocating cocking handle made firing from the left shoulder difficult, and the feed system was susceptible to issues during aerobatic maneuvers, leading to its primary use by infantry.

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