A Light Machine Gun for Independence: The Israeli Dror

Published on February 28, 2018
Duration: 12:48

This video provides an in-depth look at the Israeli Dror light machine gun, detailing its origins, design influences from the Johnson M1944, and its limited service. It highlights the clandestine efforts to produce and supply the Dror to pre-state Israel, its eventual chambering in 8mm Mauser, and its performance issues, particularly in full-automatic fire. The Dror ultimately saw limited use with the Israeli Navy, border patrol units, and for training.

Quick Summary

The Israeli Dror light machine gun, influenced by the Johnson M1944, was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Initially chambered in .303 British, it was later adapted for 8mm Mauser due to surplus availability. While accurate in semi-auto, it had poor full-auto control and reliability issues, seeing limited service with the Israeli Navy and border patrol.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Dror LMG
  2. 00:16Sponsor: Ventura Munitions
  3. 00:25Limited Resources on the Dror
  4. 00:33Recommended Dror Resources
  5. 01:00Bruce Canfield's Johnson Book
  6. 01:42Small Arms Defense Journal Articles
  7. 01:56Meaning of 'Dror'
  8. 02:19Historical Context: Pre-State Israel
  9. 03:09Karl Engdahl and Johnson Automatics
  10. 04:05The Pledge Movement
  11. 04:18Prototype Johnson LMG in New York
  12. 04:44Johnson Automatics Bankruptcy & Dror Production
  13. 05:23Contraband Production in Toronto
  14. 06:00Assembly in Israel
  15. 06:14Type 1 Dror: .303 British Conversion
  16. 06:41Transition to 8mm Mauser
  17. 07:00Magazine Feed and Design Changes
  18. 07:16Barrel Changing Lever
  19. 07:34Semi-Automatic Kit from Ohio Ordnance
  20. 08:15Bipod Differences
  21. 08:28Carrying Handle
  22. 08:39Safety Mechanism
  23. 08:47Rear Sight
  24. 08:52Operating Mechanism: Short Recoil
  25. 09:04Magazine Dust Cover
  26. 09:18Bipod Positions
  27. 09:23Sling Swivel
  28. 09:35Swiveling on Bipod
  29. 09:40Disassembly
  30. 09:53Was the Dror Used in the War of Independence?
  31. 10:28Production Numbers and Service
  32. 10:43Performance Issues: Accuracy vs. Full Auto
  33. 11:16Recoil and Handling
  34. 11:30Reliability Issues
  35. 11:35Who Actually Used the Dror?
  36. 11:38Israeli Navy Usage
  37. 11:47Border Patrol Units
  38. 11:58Training Usage
  39. 12:04Conclusion: A Waste of Time?
  40. 12:14Thank You and Sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Israeli Dror light machine gun?

The Dror light machine gun originated in Israel during the late 1940s and early 1950s, driven by the need for indigenous firearms for defense. Its design was heavily influenced by the American Johnson M1944 light machine gun, with key figures like Karl Engdahl facilitating the transfer of design concepts.

What caliber was the Israeli Dror light machine gun chambered in?

Initially, some Dror prototypes were chambered in .303 British. However, due to the availability of surplus ammunition, the production models were primarily chambered in 8mm Mauser, making them compatible with widely available cartridges.

What were the main performance issues with the Dror light machine gun?

The Dror light machine gun was known for its accuracy in semi-automatic fire. However, in full-automatic mode, it suffered from poor controllability and significant muzzle climb. It also experienced reliability issues, particularly with sand and mud ingress, and was noted for its harsh recoil.

Did the Dror light machine gun see combat in the Israeli War of Independence?

No, the Dror light machine gun did not see combat in the 1948 Israeli War of Independence. Production and service entry for the Dror did not begin until 1951-1952, after the war had concluded. Its primary users were the Israeli Navy, border patrol units, and for training purposes.

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