The BAR M1918A3 by Ohio Ordnance - Shooting and Mechanism

Published on July 13, 2014
Duration: 24:22

This guide details the field stripping process for the Ohio Ordnance M1918A3 BAR, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the removal of the buttstock, bolt carrier, bolt, trigger group, and barrel, highlighting the differences from original military versions, particularly the semi-automatic, closed-bolt, hammer-fired system. The video emphasizes the quality of the reproduction and its use of original parts where possible.

Quick Summary

The M1918A3 BAR by Ohio Ordnance Works is a semi-automatic reproduction of the Browning Automatic Rifle, featuring a closed-bolt, hammer-fired system. Expert Ian McCollum discusses its history, mechanism, shooting characteristics, and disassembly, noting its high-quality construction and use of original parts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M1918A3
  2. 01:10Walking Fire Tactics
  3. 03:10Weight and Modernization
  4. 05:25European Variants and Ergonomics
  5. 08:00Sights and Bipod Critique
  6. 11:51Magazine and Shooting Demo
  7. 15:31Field Stripping and Internal Mechanism
  8. 18:14Locking Mechanism Detail
  9. 21:14Legacy and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M1918A3 BAR by Ohio Ordnance Works?

The M1918A3 BAR is a semi-automatic reproduction of the iconic Browning Automatic Rifle, produced by Ohio Ordnance Works. It features a closed-bolt, hammer-fired system for modern compliance and improved accuracy, distinguishing it from original military select-fire versions.

What were the original combat tactics for the Browning Automatic Rifle?

The BAR was initially designed for 'walking fire' tactics during WWI, where soldiers would fire from the hip while advancing to suppress enemy trenches. However, this method proved largely ineffective against well-defended machine gun nests.

How does the M1918A3 BAR's mechanism differ from the original military BAR?

The M1918A3 BAR operates as a semi-automatic, closed-bolt, hammer-fired firearm. Original military BARs typically fired from an open bolt, a design modified for the reproduction to meet legal requirements and enhance safety and accuracy.

What are the key criticisms of the original BAR's design?

Criticisms often include the cumbersome and fragile bipod design, which used slow adjustment screws, and the sights, which featured a thin front post and a small rear notch making rapid target acquisition difficult in combat.

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