Fabrique Nationale FN Mle D (BAR)

History of the Fabrique Nationale FN Mle D (BAR)

The original John Browning M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) was introduced to the U.S. Army during the First World War and was used in the Second World War Others serving in the 1960s distribution (sometimes still exist today) were found during the Great War.

Colt eventually produced the BAR version for the commercial market and subsequently adopted the gun overseas. The Belgian company Fabrique Nationale took over the production license for the automatic rifle in 1930 under the "Colt Automatic Machine Rifle Model 1925" offered in 1925 under the name "FN Mle 1930".

Before WWII, Fabrique Nationale started modernizing the Mle 1930 in 1932 to become the "FN Mle D" (or "Type D") as they still needed BAR type weapons, especially light machine guns, to have a role. FN modified its BAR in two different ways - introducing a "quick change" barrel feature and simplifying the receiver design. Of these two initiatives, the Mle D model now provides the operator with the ability to exchange an overheated barrel for a cooling unit without risking the adverse effects (deformation, breakage of the assembly) of an overheated barrel.

This allows the weapon to play a more defined role in suppressing firepower, where firepower is a key quality. The simplification of the receiver and its inner working parts means the weapon is lighter than previous iterations of the BAR and proved to be less expensive to manufacture.

In addition, cleaning, maintenance and repairs are also improved through this initiative. The weapon is produced in three chamber sizes - initially the Belgian 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, and in the postwar years, the .30-06 Springfield 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge.

In the latter (designated "FN Mle DA1"), the gun was fed from an FN FAL type straight box magazine. Belgian BARs differ markedly from their American cousins ??in the use of fins along the barrel - although these are of debatable value.

The Mle 1930 shares other key Belgian-inspired features - a carrying handle, a sturdy barrel and a folding bipod.

The final product yields a sophisticated weapon system that is an improvement over the original BAR iteration. However, the new weapon was still limited by its 20-round detachable magazine, which was not redesigned with this in mind, limiting the Mle D's tactical value as a light machine gun. It's still too heavy and bulky to be used as a battle rifle or assault weapon, and what's worse, the BAR's design has advanced enough over time that the light machine gun role has gotten better on the world stage The product.

World War II interrupted significant armament production in Belgium, and the Mle D was not widely used - it was limited to the Belgian and Egyptian armies, nothing more. The Mle D served longer in Egypt than in Belgium before being replaced by Soviet products.

Specification

Basic

Year of Service

1932

Origins

Belgium

Categories

Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Manufacturer

Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre, Herstal - Belgium

Operator

Belgium; Egypt

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,443 mm

56. 81 inches

Barrel length

508mm

20. 00 at

Cured weight

20.28 lbs

9.20 kg

Attractions

Front and rear iron

Action

Gas powered; tiltable breech block

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

CARTRIDGE & FEED

Caliber(s)*

7. 92x57mm Belgian Mauser; ,30-06 Springfield; 7. 62x51mm NATO

Rounds / Feed

20-round detachable box magazine

PERFORMANCE

Max Eff. Range

2,853 ft

(870 m | 951 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

650

rds/min

Muzzle Velocity

2,400 ft/sec

(732 m/sec)

VARIANTS

Mle D ("Type D") - Base series designation appearing in 1932; based on the preceding Mle 1930. Mle DA1 - Post-WW2 variant chambered for the 7. 62x51mm NATO cartridge; FN FAL-type 20-round magazine.