Pre WW2 BAR web belt

[RCS]

Attachment 24334Attachment 24335Attachment 24336Originally designed to fit the buttstock into the cup on the belt, to provide automatic fire while advancing during WW1. Note the M1911 magazine pouch too. The bipod was developed after WW1 and used for a short period of time around 1937

Information

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[Harlan (Deceased)]

Outstanding example RCS.

I have seen those and didn't understand how the metal object was intended to be used. Makes sense.

[browningautorifle]

I had one of those in the 80's and tried to put my 1918A2 butt in the cup. Couldn't figure why it wouldn't go. Then I realised the originals didn't have the same buttplate as the A2s.

[RCS]

The Browning Model 1918 used the Model 1917 buttplate (and rear sight) while the Model 1918A1 introduced the hinged buttplate for prone shooting (and early bipod). During WW2 the hinged buttplate continued only the buttstock was plastic (M1918A2) and a new bipod was designed

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I've learned a lot of new things already from experienced people like you guys, Lloyd and others, and just wanted to thank you for participating so much early on.

I hope this new forum pans out. I really am enjoying learning so much from experienced people and I hope our other members like it too.

~ Harlan

[LimeyCarbineLover]

Glad we could help......RCS is right originally the "walking fire" concept of the Browning Machine Rifle was the intended strategy...where the BAR gunner locked the stock..(originally wooden and no hinged shoulder plate) would fit in the butt cup.....and then this would keep the "Huns" heads down as the troops adavnced.....these belts came in 2 types in WW1 Gunners and Assistant Gunner whos belt had 4 x BAR mag pouches and then 2 x M1903 rifel stripper clip pockets for his own ammo for his riflr...the assistant gunner als was equipped with 2 BAR bandoleers.

Regards

Lloyd

[artu44]

Just to have some reference pic. This is my WWI BAR stuff. Gunner belt, 2nd assistant belt and bandoleers (left&right). Mags are belgian postwar (I couldn't find originals).
Note that most of gunner and assistant belt were converted for WWII use in 6 mag pouches.

[LimeyCarbineLover]

Brilliant ...picture explanation Artu...and welcome to our forum......your expertise will be greatly appreciated here.

Regards

Lloyd

[RCS]

During WW2, Seymour Products (Thompson magazines) developed a special case hardened magazine follower for the BAR magazine. Not sure of the reason, it was thought to extend the life of the follower and improve feeding. I found this one many years ago in the spare parts, as I was an armorer. Note the case color on the followerAttachment 24701

[emmagee1917]

Yep , three man team . Gunner had 4 pockets , 2-1911 pockets and the cup. 1st asst had 5 pockets and 2-1911 pockets ( no cup ) . 2nd asst had 4-pockets and 4 2-1903 stripper pockets ( no cup and no 1911 pockets ). The 1st asst also caried the 2 bandoleers. The gunner also carried the spare parts box in one pocket , so he had only 6-7 mags ( 120-140 rds) . 1st asst had 10 mags in his belt and 12 in his bandoleers for 22 mags or 440 rds. The 2nd caried 8 mags or 160 rds. This came to 720-740 rds , more if the 2nd caried any bandoleers . This soon changed , and I believe there are 2nd asst belts marked 1st asst as tactacts changed.
Chris