Just how badass is the Browning M1917 and M1919?

[adamsredlines]

"As the U.S Army ramped up its small-arms complement for World War I, it sought submissions for a machine gun. A May 1917 test at Springfield Armory arranged by John Browning saw an example of his M1917 design fire 39,500 rounds before experiencing any parts breakage. A later production model underwent another rigorous test, firing more than 21,000 rounds in a continuous burst that lasted 48 minutes and 12 seconds."

For those who dont know, the M1919 is the air-cooled version of the water-cooled M1917. Same action, just different barrel setups.

M1919 shown below:

 

[conditionzero]

How cool would it be to see a belt of 20k+ rounds being continually fed through one of those? Even pics would be cool to see.

 

[Boehlertaught]

If you read Hatcher's Notebook you'll find out that they were real badass. And General Hatcher was there witnessing their development and use.

 

[adamsredlines]

Wish I could find some photos from the test...I'll keep looking.

Here's one of John Browning with a prototype M1917. Such a badass.

 

[forindooruseonly]

Family member has one. When set up as a .308, it works really well on metal links, but not so hot on the cloth belts. When switched back to 30-06, it will eat anything. We took it to Knob Creek one year and shot a few thousand rounds through it. Still ran, wasn't fun to clean. I miss the days of cheaper ammo and easily found surplus stuff.

His is set up with a spade grip rather than the pistol grip, but I always wanted the A6 version with the bipod and buttstock.

On a sad note, Knob Creek is going away after this last October shoot.