FN Model D: The Last and Best BAR

Published on August 21, 2020
Duration: 19:44

The FN Model D, an evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, features a quick-detach barrel for easier maintenance and a unique mechanical rate reducer for controlled fire. Developed by Dieudonné Saive, it offered improvements over earlier BAR designs, including an improved bipod and adjustable gas system. While lacking a dedicated semi-auto mode, it provided selectable slow (350 rpm) and fast (600 rpm) automatic fire rates.

Quick Summary

The FN Model D, an evolution of the Browning Automatic Rifle, features a quick-detach barrel for easier maintenance and a unique mechanical rate reducer for controlled fire. Developed by Dieudonné Saive, it offered improvements over earlier BAR designs, including an improved bipod and adjustable gas system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FN Model D & BAR History
  2. 01:09FN's Licensing & Early Production
  3. 03:58Dieudonné Saive & Model D Development
  4. 05:20Quick-Detach Barrel Mechanism Explained
  5. 07:09External Features & Improved Bipod
  6. 07:47Magazine, Fire Control & Rate of Fire
  7. 09:47Field Stripping & Internal Mechanics
  8. 13:39The Mechanical Rate Reduction System
  9. 15:41Post-War Production & Calibers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'D' stand for in the FN Model D?

The 'D' in the FN Model D stands for 'demontable,' which means removable. This refers to its key feature: a quick-detach barrel that can be rapidly removed from the firearm without tools.

What were the main improvements of the FN Model D over earlier BARs?

The FN Model D featured a quick-detach barrel, an improved bipod with pivot and rotation, an adjustable gas regulator, and a unique mechanical rate reducer for controlled automatic fire rates.

What were the selectable fire rates on the FN Model D?

The FN Model D's fire control group offered three settings: Safe, Slow (approximately 350 rounds per minute), and Fast (approximately 600 rounds per minute). It did not have a dedicated semi-automatic mode.

Who designed the FN Model D?

The FN Model D was developed under the leadership of Dieudonné Saive, a prominent designer at FN who was a protégé of John Browning and later designed the FN FAL.

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