The St Etienne Mle 1907: France's Domestic Heavy Machine Gun

Published on October 19, 2017
Duration: 29:38

This guide details the operation and mounting of the St Etienne Mle 1907 heavy machine gun, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the unique gas-operated system with a forward-moving piston, the rack-and-pinion mechanism, and the adjustable rate of fire. The guide also addresses mounting on the 1915 Omnibus tripod and its anti-aircraft capabilities.

Quick Summary

The St Etienne Mle 1907 was a French heavy machine gun notable for its gas-operated system with a forward-moving piston and rack-and-pinion mechanism. It featured an adjustable rate of fire from 8 to 600 RPM via a hydraulic reducer and was mounted on the versatile 1915 Omnibus tripod.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 01:15Puteaux Mle 1905 Design
  3. 03:01St Etienne Mle 1907 Design Evolution
  4. 06:32Internal Mechanics & Rack-and-Pinion
  5. 08:31Rate Reducer Mechanism
  6. 09:28Muzzle Device & Flash Hider
  7. 12:59The 1915 Omnibus Tripod
  8. 15:12Combat Performance and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the St Etienne Mle 1907?

The St Etienne Mle 1907 was a French heavy machine gun developed for domestic infantry use, featuring a unique gas-operated system with a forward-moving piston and a complex rack-and-pinion mechanism.

How does the St Etienne Mle 1907's rate of fire work?

It utilizes a hydraulic rate reducer, allowing the operator to adjust the rate of fire from a very slow 8 rounds per minute up to a maximum of 600 rounds per minute.

What tripod was used with the St Etienne Mle 1907?

The St Etienne Mle 1907 was typically mounted on the 1915 Omnibus tripod, which provided stable support, precise aiming adjustments, and a reversible mount for anti-aircraft use.

Why was the St Etienne Mle 1907 replaced?

Despite its advanced engineering, the St Etienne Mle 1907 was considered too delicate for the harsh conditions of WWI trench warfare and was eventually replaced by the simpler and more reliable Hotchkiss Mle 1914.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →