Lewis Gun at the Range

Published on August 26, 2011
Duration: 13:15

This guide details the disassembly and safety procedures for the Lewis Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It emphasizes the unique aspects of its cooling system, bolt design, and a critical two-cycle clearing procedure. The guide is suitable for advanced users due to the weapon's mechanical complexity.

Quick Summary

The Lewis Gun, chambered in .303 British, features a unique gas-operated rack and pinion system and an air-cooled, aluminum finned shroud. A critical safety procedure involves racking the action twice after magazine removal to clear the feedway. Its bolt design influenced later firearms like the M60.

Chapters

  1. 00:17Introduction and History
  2. 01:17Cooling System Mechanics
  3. 02:18Receiver and Bolt Assembly
  4. 04:12Recoil Spring Design
  5. 05:44Front End Assembly
  6. 07:31Magazine Loading
  7. 09:01Range Demonstration
  8. 10:11Safety and Clearing Procedure
  9. 11:08Performance and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Lewis Gun cooled?

The Lewis Gun features an innovative air-cooling system. Muzzle gases create suction, pulling cool air through a large, aluminum finned shroud that surrounds the barrel, effectively dissipating heat without requiring a quick-change barrel.

What is the unique safety procedure for the Lewis Gun?

A critical safety step involves racking the charging handle twice after removing the magazine. This ensures the feedway is completely clear, as a round can remain lodged even if the chamber appears empty.

What caliber and magazine does the Lewis Gun use?

The Lewis Gun is chambered in .303 British caliber and utilizes a distinctive 47-round pan magazine, which requires a specialized loading tool.

How did the Lewis Gun's design influence later firearms?

The bolt and bolt carrier assembly of the Lewis Gun served as a significant influence for later machine gun designs, including the German FG-42 and the American M60, although these later models omitted the Lewis's specific rack and pinion system.

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