Colt R75A: The Last Commercial BAR (With Shooting)

Published on March 2, 2018
Duration: 13:52

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides an in-depth review of the Colt R75A, the final commercial variant of the BAR. He details its historical context, licensing disputes between Colt and FN, and unique mechanical features like its quick-change barrel system and dust covers. The R75A is presented as a refined and stable light machine gun, superior to the military 1918A2 in some aspects, despite its late arrival in the BAR's production life.

Quick Summary

The Colt R75A is the last commercial version of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), featuring a .30-06 Springfield caliber, gas-operated action, and a 20-round capacity. It boasts a quick-change barrel system, dust covers, and a stable bipod, making it a highly controllable light machine gun.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Colt R75A Introduction
  2. 01:23Colt vs. FN Licensing
  3. 02:55Receiver Markings & History
  4. 03:36Controls and Magazine
  5. 04:22Dust Covers and Sights
  6. 05:21Bipod and Handguard
  7. 06:27Quick-Change Barrel Mechanism
  8. 09:21Weight and Shooting Performance
  9. 12:19Off-hand Shooting and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt R75A?

The Colt R75A is the final commercial variant of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), manufactured by Colt. It was developed in 1942 and featured improvements like a pistol grip and a quick-change barrel system.

What are the key features of the Colt R75A?

Key features include its gas-operated, open-bolt action, .30-06 Springfield caliber, a 20-round capacity, Safe/Full-Auto/Semi-Auto fire modes, a quick-change barrel mechanism, folding dust covers, and a stable bipod.

How does the Colt R75A's barrel change system work?

The system involves sliding a lever on the gas block to disconnect it from the barrel, prying up a receiver latch, rotating the barrel, and then removing it using a dedicated handle.

Was the Colt R75A considered superior to other BAR models?

Yes, Ian McCollum suggests the R75A was a superior light machine gun compared to the US military's 1918A2 BAR, citing its stability, controllability, and refined design, despite its late introduction.

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