The first bipod issued with the Model 1918 BAR

[RCS]

The first bipod was standardized on Feb 21, 1935 for the Model 1918A1 BAR, the bipod plus a stock (wooden) for the butt plate with flap and new rear sight leaf for the 30M1 cartridge. These Model 1918A1 BAR's were used during the early years of WW2, I have also posted a photo from Billy Pyle's "The Garand stand Report" which shows the Model 1918A1 in 1942

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[browningautorifle]

The early guns with walnut butt...I had a Marlin Rockwell that had the original and the hole cut for the monopod...a 1918, not an over strike.

[RCS]

Here are some photos of a early walnut stock machined to take the support for the monopod. By 1943 all the BAR 1918A2 stocks were plastic. The monopod was aluminum and any WW2 photos showing a BAR with monopod installed are quite rare. Billy Pyle did send me a photo years ago showing an instructor in the army with a BAR and mon opod. I believe reproduction monopods are available

[browningautorifle]

Yep, that was the one. The gun's markings were still 1918 and hadn't been changed to anything later...

[RCS]

Towards the end of WW1, someone got the idea that a metal cup should be attached to the BAR magazine belt. This metal cup would support the butt stock when firing the weapon while advancing towards the enemy positions. This idea with the metal cup did not work out and after WW1 and before WW2 these belts had the metal cup removed and another additional magazine pocket attached in its place. Collectors can still find the early WW1 BAR belt with the metal cup in almost new condition but the modified BAR belt is not common to find and most show heavy service. Note the early BAR belt with the metal cup also had a magazine pouch for two Colt Model 1911 magazines

[browningautorifle]

I remember when these were still available in the surplus shops along first st Seattle...along with the "New" ones. That was a sticking out hog that would get in the way. Even to slide the butt into it is a feat, I tried and tore mine a bit from the belt.