Maschinengewehr des Standschützen Hellriegel: A WW1 Phantom

Published on May 8, 2018
Duration: 7:37

This entry details the Maschinengewehr des Standschützen Hellriegel, a World War 1 machine gun known primarily through archival photographs and its appearance in the game Battlefield 1. Expert analysis from Forgotten Weapons highlights its probable 9x23mm Steyr chambering, blowback operation, and unique feeding mechanisms, including a 160-round drum magazine. The weapon is presented as a historical curiosity and a potential phantom firearm due to its lack of physical survival.

Quick Summary

The Maschinengewehr des Standschützen Hellriegel is a World War 1 machine gun known from archival photos and Battlefield 1. Experts suggest it was likely a 9x23mm Steyr, blowback-operated, water-cooled weapon with a 160-round drum magazine, possibly intended as a crew-served weapon.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Credits
  2. 00:31A 'Phantom' Firearm
  3. 01:34Technical Hypotheses
  4. 02:39Feeding Mechanisms
  5. 04:07Design Philosophy
  6. 05:46Crew Operations and Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hellriegel machine gun?

The Hellriegel machine gun is a World War 1 firearm known primarily through archival photographs. It gained modern recognition from the video game Battlefield 1 and is considered a 'phantom' firearm due to its rarity and lack of physical examples.

What caliber was the Hellriegel machine gun likely chambered in?

Based on historical context and available research, the Hellriegel machine gun was likely chambered in 9x23mm Steyr, which was the standard pistol cartridge for Austria-Hungary during World War 1.

How did the Hellriegel machine gun operate?

The Hellriegel appears to have been a fully automatic, blowback-operated weapon. It also featured a water-cooling system to manage heat during sustained fire, a common feature for heavy machine guns of the era.

What kind of magazines did the Hellriegel use?

The Hellriegel utilized both stick magazines and a distinctive large drum magazine, estimated to hold around 160 rounds. This drum magazine likely fed via a flexible chute.

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