Colt's Model 1915 Vickers Gun in .30-06

Published on April 12, 2021
Duration: 13:09

This entry details the Colt-manufactured Model 1915 Vickers Gun, adopted by the U.S. Army as its standard heavy machine gun in 1915. It covers its historical adoption, significant production costs, unique technical features like its complex rear sight and water-cooled barrel jacket, and its service history, including initial shortages and later conversions. The information is presented with the authority of a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun, adopted by the U.S. Army in 1915, was a .30-06 Springfield caliber, water-cooled heavy machine gun. Despite its adoption, production delays meant few were available initially. It featured a complex rear sight up to 2,600 yards and cost approximately $1,893 in 1915.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Adoption
  2. 01:53Production and Cost
  3. 03:55Technical Features and Sights
  4. 07:10Tripod and Markings
  5. 09:14Service History and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun?

The Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun featured in this video is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a standard U.S. rifle cartridge adopted around the same period.

How much did the Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun cost in 1915?

The original contract price for a Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun in 1915 was approximately $1,893 USD, making it a very expensive weapon for its time.

What were the key technical features of the U.S. Vickers gun?

The U.S. Vickers gun featured a recoil-operated, belt-fed, water-cooled action, a complex rear sight graduated to 2,600 yards, a corrugated steel water jacket, and gutta-percha grip handles.

When was the Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun adopted by the U.S. Army?

The Colt Model 1915 Vickers Gun was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1915 as its standard heavy machine gun, though initial production delays impacted its widespread availability early in WWI.

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