BROWNING MACHINE GUN

machine gun known under the Colt but manufactured under the of Browning. The automatic firing feature of this machine attained by utilizing the energy gases generated by the burning after the projectile has reached maximum velocity, and before it the gun barrel, to eject the cartridge shell, place a fresh in the breech, close the breech block fire the piece. The spent gases are led through small radial slot or vent in the so placed as to be slightly beyond point where the projectile reaches maximum velocity. Thus any which are still expanding in the do no further work on the after it has pa ed the slot. their energy be utilized reducing the efficiency of the gun. pa ing through the slot the gases conducted to a small cylinder in they act on a piston, forcing it against the action of a spring, returns it to its original position the projectile leaves the gun and the pre ure in the barrel cylinder has been released. The actuates a lever, which through mechanism, ejects the discharged ridge, inserts a fresh one and fires The cartridges are fastened to and are fed to the gun automatically. The belts usually hold 250 and come neatly coiled in boxes vent jamming. The gun can be the rate of 300 rounds per minute, 250 rounds per minute is the limit due to time lost in changing Firing at this speed, it is equivalent 40 to 60 riflemen. Without a or mount, a Browning machine (.30 caliber) weighs about 40 pounds.