August Coenders' 9x19mm Belt-Fed MG

Published on October 31, 2018
Duration: 13:11

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the rare August Coenders 9x19mm belt-fed machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of major components like the bolt, recoil spring, and barrel. The video highlights the unique design aspects of this historical prototype, emphasizing the importance of careful handling during disassembly.

Quick Summary

The August Coenders 9x19mm Belt-Fed MG is a rare prototype featuring a simple blowback, open-bolt action. Designed by August Coenders, it utilized a non-disintegrating metallic belt and a heavy recoil buffer spring. Captured by US forces, its missing components were later recreated at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Coenders 9x19mm MG
  2. 00:27August Coenders Biography
  3. 01:45Coenders' Military Designs
  4. 04:03Prototype History & Capture
  5. 05:50Technical Mechanism Explained
  6. 07:12Intended Use Case
  7. 08:08Disassembly and Internal Components

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating mechanism of the August Coenders 9x19mm Belt-Fed MG?

The August Coenders 9x19mm Belt-Fed MG operates via a simple blowback, open-bolt mechanism. This design relies on the pressure of expanding gases to cycle the action, ejecting spent casings and chambering new rounds without a complex rotating bolt system.

Who was August Coenders and what were his contributions to firearm design?

August Coenders was a German designer born in 1890. He worked on various projects, including 20mm Oerlikon cannons, and designed an 8mm LMG that competed against the MG42, as well as a Volkssturmgewehr rifle. His independent work led to unique, albeit sometimes unadopted, firearm concepts.

How was the Coenders 9mm prototype's history documented and tested?

The 9mm prototype was captured by US troops. Missing parts were later fabricated at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, using designs inspired by the MG42, to facilitate testing and analysis of the weapon's functionality.

What was the likely intended use for the Coenders 9x19mm belt-fed machine gun?

Given its compact 9mm caliber and belt-fed nature, the Coenders 9x19mm MG was likely intended for vehicle mounts or point defense roles. Its size would be advantageous in confined spaces like armored vehicles.

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