1918 B.A.R. | Tactical Rifleman

Published on February 3, 2023
Duration: 28:55

This video details the World War I Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) and its role in trench warfare. It explains the weapon's development by John Moses Browning, its .30-06 caliber, and its initial use as a 'trench broom' for advancing across No Man's Land using 'walking fire' and then clearing trenches in automatic mode. The evolution of its tactics and features through World War II is also discussed, highlighting its transition to a support-by-fire role.

Quick Summary

The World War I Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) fired the powerful .30-06 Springfield cartridge and was initially designed as a 'trench broom' for advancing across No Man's Land and clearing enemy trenches. Its role evolved by WWII into a vital support-by-fire weapon within the rifle squad, providing mobile suppressive fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Guest Intro
  2. 00:20SF Legend Rick Lamb Joins
  3. 00:47Past Videos & Hobbies
  4. 01:31Focus on WWI/WWII Era Firearms
  5. 01:43Introducing the B.A.R.
  6. 01:50John Moses Browning's Genius
  7. 02:02B.A.R. Origins in WWI
  8. 02:14Pershing's Mexican Expedition Influence
  9. 02:51US Entry into WWI
  10. 03:19Browning Working on B.A.R.
  11. 03:26B.A.R. Technical Specs (WWI)
  12. 03:36Bolt-Action Rifles of the Era
  13. 03:42Pershing & Browning Collaboration
  14. 03:51Browning's Machine Gun Work (1917/1919)
  15. 04:22The 1911 Pistol & .45 ACP
  16. 05:551917 - European Deployment
  17. 06:09Thompson Submachine Gun ('Trench Broom')
  18. 07:03B.A.R. - Automatic Rifle Role
  19. 07:09The .30-06 Springfield Cartridge
  20. 07:24M1903 Springfield vs. M1917 Enfield
  21. 08:10British Enfield Production & US Enfield M1917
  22. 08:51Sergeant York's Rifle
  23. 09:03Museum Visit Advice
  24. 09:52WWI Trench Warfare Tactics
  25. 10:07Actual WWI B.A.R. Demonstration
  26. 10:28Gunner's Belt & Ammunition Loadout
  27. 11:07Assistant Gunner & Ammo Bear Roles
  28. 11:29Three-Man B.A.R. Team Ammunition
  29. 11:38Original B.A.R. Design Features
  30. 11:59Walking Fire Technique
  31. 12:08Trench Clearing with B.A.R.
  32. 12:34B.A.R. Weight & Barrel
  33. 12:49Caliber: .30-06
  34. 13:14Transition to World War II Tactics
  35. 13:54German Blitzkrieg Influence
  36. 14:09AirLand Battle Doctrine
  37. 14:24B.A.R. as Rifle Squad Workhorse
  38. 14:37Rifle Squad Structure (12 Men)
  39. 14:57Scouts & Squad Leader Roles
  40. 15:08Squad Leader Assesses & Deploys B.A.R. Team
  41. 15:15B.A.R. Team Composition
  42. 15:25B.A.R. as Support by Fire Weapon
  43. 16:01Bipod Functionality & Challenges
  44. 16:35Bipod on 1919 A6 Comparison
  45. 16:40Carrying Handle Addition (Late War)
  46. 16:56Back Plate/Spur Functionality
  47. 17:17Three-Man B.A.R. Team in Action
  48. 17:43Late War Squads: Two B.A.R.s
  49. 17:55Modern Squad/Fire Team Structure
  50. 18:08M249 SAW & M203 Grenade Launcher
  51. 18:26Designated Marksman & Scopes
  52. 18:35Evolution Driven by Enemy Tactics & Tech
  53. 18:41Modern Squad Drones
  54. 18:52B.A.R. Sights
  55. 19:05B.A.R. Longevity (1918-Vietnam)
  56. 19:22B.A.R. in Panama (Operation Just Cause)
  57. 19:52Web Gear Changes
  58. 19:57Ammunition Loadout (WWII Era)
  59. 20:35Medic's Harness (8-Bag)
  60. 20:55Weight of Gear
  61. 21:02World War II Uniform Sizing
  62. 21:20Standard Issue Web Belt
  63. 21:40No Bayonet Needed
  64. 21:57Customization & Innovation
  65. 22:09Range Time Preparation
  66. 22:24Shooting the B.A.R.
  67. 22:49Live Fire: B.A.R. at the Range
  68. 22:57Cold Weather Performance
  69. 23:07New Gun, New Mags
  70. 23:14First Shots with the B.A.R.
  71. 23:23Bipod Setup & Steel Targets
  72. 23:44Overwatch & Fire Maneuver Scenario
  73. 24:06Firing the B.A.R. - First Rounds
  74. 24:31First Jam & Clearing
  75. 24:56New Mags & New Gunner Issues
  76. 25:06Continued Firing
  77. 25:32Target Acquisition
  78. 26:03Knocking Down Steel Targets
  79. 26:18Reloading Demonstration
  80. 26:33Speed Reload Attempt
  81. 26:44Press Check & Back in the Fight
  82. 27:03Successful Engagement
  83. 27:09Invitation to Shoot
  84. 27:1510-Round Magazines
  85. 27:50Recoil Impression
  86. 27:54Concluding Thoughts & Thanks
  87. 28:01Encouragement to Watch More Videos
  88. 28:13Future Video Ideas (Sherman Tanks)
  89. 28:30Call to Action: Comments & Subscribe
  90. 28:41Outro & Social Media

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber does the World War I Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) fire?

The World War I Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) fires the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. This round is noted for its power, containing significantly more gunpowder than smaller caliber rounds of the era.

What was the primary tactical role of the B.A.R. in World War I?

In World War I, the B.A.R. was primarily used as a 'trench broom' to help infantry advance across No Man's Land using 'walking fire' and then to clear enemy trenches with automatic fire.

How did the B.A.R.'s role evolve by World War II?

By World War II, the B.A.R.'s role evolved from an assault weapon to a crucial support-by-fire weapon within the rifle squad. It provided mobile suppressive fire to enable squad maneuver.

What were some key design features of the early B.A.R.?

The early World War I B.A.R. featured a 20-round box magazine and a bipod for stability. It was heavy and initially lacked a carrying handle or a dedicated shoulder piece for sustained firing.

Who designed the Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.)?

The Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.) was designed by the prolific American firearms inventor John Moses Browning. His genius extended to many iconic firearms, including the M1911 pistol and various machine guns.

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