America's First Assault Rifle: Burton 1917 LMR

Published on July 4, 2016
Duration: 18:57

This guide details the disassembly and barrel replacement procedure for the Burton 1917 Light Machine Rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers removing the fire control group and the barrel, emphasizing the importance of the barrel locking screw for quick changes. The process requires basic tools and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Quick Summary

The Burton 1917 Light Machine Rifle, designed by Frank Burton for Winchester, was an experimental WWI firearm intended for anti-balloon warfare. It featured a unique dual 20-round magazine system for 40-round capacity, a dual-trigger select-fire mechanism, and a blowback-operated action. Its design elements align with the modern definition of an assault rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Purpose
  2. 01:09Designer Background
  3. 02:15Dual Magazine System
  4. 04:10Magazine Operation
  5. 06:46Mechanical Overview
  6. 07:39Unique Trigger Mechanism
  7. 10:02Disassembly and Barrel
  8. 11:26Sights and Ground Use
  9. 12:43Aircraft Mounting and Safety
  10. 14:59Safety Lever and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the Burton 1917 Light Machine Rifle?

The Burton 1917 LMR was designed during WWI primarily for anti-balloon and anti-airship warfare. Its large incendiary projectiles were intended to destroy hydrogen-filled balloons and Zeppelins.

How does the dual magazine system of the Burton 1917 LMR work?

It features two top-mounted 20-round magazines, offering a total capacity of 40 rounds. This 'ready-mag' system ensures a fresh magazine is immediately available for feeding by simply pulling up the empty and pushing down the fresh one.

What makes the trigger mechanism of the Burton 1917 LMR unique?

The Burton 1917 LMR has a dual-trigger system. The front trigger fires semi-automatically, while holding the rear trigger down simultaneously with the front trigger engages full-automatic fire.

Why is the Burton 1917 LMR considered a precursor to modern assault rifles?

Despite never entering production, the Burton 1917 LMR meets the modern definition of an assault rifle due to its select-fire capability, use of an intermediate cartridge, and shoulder-fired design.

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