Swiss Reibel M31 Tank & Fortress Machine Gun

Published on September 10, 2018
Duration: 9:31

This guide details the field stripping process for the Swiss Reibel M31 machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the back plate, recoil spring, bolt and operating rod assembly, feed block, and sear. The Reibel M31 is a French-designed weapon modified by Switzerland for armored vehicles, featuring a gas-operated tilting bolt action and a 150-round drum magazine.

Quick Summary

The Swiss Reibel M31 is a modified French Chatellerault M1924/29 machine gun, converted to 7.5x55mm Swiss caliber for use in tanks and fortresses. It features a gas-operated, tilting bolt action, full-auto fire, and a 150-round drum magazine. It lacks sights and a buttstock, designed for fixed mounts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Reibel M31
  2. 01:17Swiss Conversion and Caliber
  3. 01:41Mechanical Design and Features
  4. 03:03Magazine and Feeding
  5. 04:08Disassembly and Internal Components
  6. 04:59Bolt Mechanism and Reversibility
  7. 06:51Fire Control and Barrel
  8. 07:57Markings and Testing Tripod

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Swiss Reibel M31 machine gun?

The Swiss Reibel M31 is a modified version of the French Chatellerault M1924/29 light machine gun, adapted by Switzerland for use in tanks and fortresses. It fires the 7.5x55mm Swiss cartridge and features a gas-operated, tilting bolt action.

How was the Reibel M31 adapted for Swiss use?

The Swiss converted the Reibel M31 from the French 7.5x54mm to the 7.5x55mm caliber. These versions are identifiable by Swiss cross markings on the receiver and magazine. It was designed for fixed mounts in armored vehicles or fortifications.

What are the key mechanical features of the Reibel M31?

It's a gas-operated machine gun with a tilting bolt, full-automatic fire only, and a distinctive forward-curving pistol grip. It lacks a buttstock and sights, as these were integrated into its intended mounts. It uses a large 150-round drum magazine.

Can the Reibel M31 be field stripped?

Yes, the Reibel M31 can be field stripped. The process involves removing the back plate, recoil spring, and the bolt and operating rod assembly. The bolt can then be separated from the operating rod, and the feed block and sear removed.

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