1918 BAR - Live & Walking Fire Demonstration

Published on January 11, 2019
Duration: 4:53

This demonstration showcases the original 1918 BAR, emphasizing its semi-automatic and full-automatic capabilities and original iron sights, contrasting it with the later A2 version. The video details the fire selector mechanics and demonstrates live fire from the shoulder, highlighting its surprising controllability. A key segment focuses on the WWI 'walking fire' technique using a specialized gunner's belt, though its practical abandonment due to recoil is discussed.

Quick Summary

The original 1918 BAR offers both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes, featuring aperture iron sights. It demonstrates surprising controllability despite its lighter weight compared to the A2 version. The WWI 'walking fire' technique used a specialized belt for hip stabilization but was likely abandoned due to recoil issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 1918 BAR vs A2, Sights
  2. 00:33Safety & Selector Mechanics Explained
  3. 00:56Shoulder-Fired Semi & Full Auto Demo
  4. 01:40Ian McCollum's Assessment & Weight
  5. 02:49WWI Walking Fire Demonstration
  6. 03:46Walking Fire Conclusion & Recoil Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fire modes of the original 1918 BAR?

The original 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) features both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. The selector lever is positioned forward for semi-auto, in the middle for full-auto, and requires a specific button press to engage the safe setting.

How does the 1918 BAR's controllability compare to the A2 version?

Despite being lighter than the M1918A2 BAR, the original 1918 BAR demonstrates surprising controllability during live fire, even when firing in full-automatic mode from the shoulder.

What was the WWI 'walking fire' technique for the BAR?

The WWI 'walking fire' technique involved advancing while firing the BAR from the hip, using a specialized gunner's belt with a metal cup to stabilize the rifle's stock. This allowed for mobile suppressive fire.

Why was the 'walking fire' technique likely abandoned?

The 'walking fire' technique was likely abandoned because the recoil, particularly when using the stabilizing belt cup, actually pushed the shooter backward. This made it difficult to effectively lean into the shots and maintain control.

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