Accessories for this weapon are : M1918 Belt-loading Machine, used for the rapid loading of fabric belts, it is intended to be fastened to a table or bench while in use . Blank Ammunition Attachments for use of M1909 ammunition . Fire Control Instrument, such as the M1917 Clinometer with M1917 or M59 Carrying Case . Prismatic and/or Lensatic Compass with Carrying Case . Type EE Field Glass with Carrying Case . M1916 Aiming Circle with G Type Tripod . Firing Tables, Range Finders, such as M1914, M1914M1, M1917 or M1918 80-centimeter base types on R-Type or S-Type Tripods . Ammunition : Ball ammo (M1-M2-M1906), for use against personnel and light materiel targets; Tracer (M1), for observation of fire and incendiary purposes; Armor Piercing (M1-M2-M1922), for use against armored vehicles, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resisting targets; Blank (M1909), for simulated fire and training; Dummy (M1906 corrugated), for training (use of inert cartridges) . Other Accessories used in conjunction with the Browning Heavy Machine Gun : M1918 or M1 Water Chest, Steam Condensing Device, M1923 Flash Hider, Carrying Handle (introduced late war only), Asbestos Mittens, Canvas Gun Cover, Wooden Ammunition Chest (later replaced by metal cans), general Cleaning Brush and Chamber Cleaning Brush, Spare Parts Chest, Carrying Sling . The M1917A1 caliber .30 MG may be used in a flexible or fixed way . It may be mounted for use on either the ground M2 or M1917A1 Tripod, or in armored or unarmored vehicles (with the help of ‘special’ mounts) . An Antiaircraft Elevator Mount is also issued to infantry and engineer units for the purpose of raising the gun to facilitate antiaircraft fire . Of course, firing from either a ground Mount or from a Handcart is also possible …

M1919A4 Light Machine Gun (first adopted as the M1919A1 version in 1921, and following several improvements and modifications, gradually evolving to the M1919A2, the M1919A3, and the M1919A4 version in the mid 1930s, with a total of approximately 389,251 weapons manufactured)

The Browning Machine Gun, caliber .30, M1919A4, is an automatic, recoil-operated, belt-fed, and air-cooled weapon . The gun is equipped with a front barrel plug which, by trapping some of the gas near the muzzle, insures the positive recoil of the barrel and barrel extension . The weapon is provided with a heavy barrel, which is slower to heat up than the lighter barrel of the M1917A1 MG, and thus presents a larger surface to the air . The air circulating between the barrel and its jacket carries some of the heat generated by firing . There is a front sight which can either be kept in an upright position or can be pivoted and folded . The rear sight is adjustable for windage . The weapon’s frame is provided with a bolt latch on the right side . The feed belt is made of woven fabric with loops, and with a metal strip at each end to facilitate loading (some belts have a metal strip at one end only) . Cartridges in metallic link belts can also be used with the M1919A4 and M1919A6 Machine Guns . The weapon is usually mounted on the M2 Tripod .
Accessories for this weapon are : M1918 Belt-filling Machine, for M1917 Fabric Belts,, and M3 Link-loading Machine for M1 Link Belts . Also, Cleaning Brushes, Blank Ammunition for use of M1909 ammo, M1917 Clinometer, Firing Tables, M1 Metal Ammunition Cans, Elevator Mount for Antiaircraft Fire, etc. Ammunition : Ball ammo (with copper-colored gilding metal jacket); Tracer ammo (with red painted bullet nose tip); Armor Piercing ammo (with black painted bullet nose tip); Blank ammo (w/o bullet in cartridge case); Dummy (with 6 longitudinal corrugations and hole in cartridge case) .

Browning Machine Gun, Caliber .30, M1919A4 + Tripod Mount M2

M1919A6 Light Machine Gun (adopted as a possible gap between the M1919A4 version and the M1918A2 BAR, and standardized on February 17, 1943 as the M1919A6 version, a total of 43,479 weapons were produced during WWII)

The Browning Machine Gun, caliber .30, M1919A6, is an automatic, recoil-operated, belt-fed, and air-cooled weapon, and operates in the same manner as the M1919A4 type . The weapon is a substitute for the M1919A4 flexible Machine Gun and is for infantry use only ! A booster cap with stud assembly is furnished with the weapon to speed up the cyclic rate . It is affixed to the front barrel bearing by means of a detachable retaining clip . The booster cap traps some of the gas in the barrel which acts to insure positive recoil action when the gun is fired at angles other than the usual horizontal . There is a bipod leg assembly which is attached to the front barrel bearing and held in place by a lock ring; nevertheless the weapon can still be mounted on either the M1917A1 or M2 tripod mount . The weapon can be easily carried by means of a handle which slides over the barrel jacket . The M1919A6 is further equipped with a shoulder stock which slides over the pistol grip and closes with a wing nut and clamp assembly . The main data as listed for the M191A4 MG also apply to the M1919A6 version except for the following :

Browning Machine Gun, Caliber .30, M1919A6 + Bipod, Shoulder Stock & Carrying Handle

Machine Gun – Personnel and Equipment

M1917A1 caliber .30 MG >
Squad Leader (clinometer – spare barrel – cleaning rod)
No. 1 (tripod)
No. 2 (machine gun – asbestos mittens – canvas gun cover)
No. 3 (1 ammo box – chest of water – 2 ammo bags)
No. 4 (chest of spare parts – 1 ammo box – 2 ammo bags)

M1919A4 caliber .30 MG >
Squad Leader (clinometer – cleaning rod - spare parts chest + spare barrel (only, if there is no ammunition bearer)
No. 1 (tripod – 1 ammo box)
No. 2 (machine gun – asbestos mittens – canvas gun cover – 1 ammo box (only, if there is no ammunition bearer)
No. 3 (1 ammo box – spare parts chest – spare barrel – 2 ammo bags)

M1919A6 caliber .30 MG >
Squad Leader (cleaning rod – 1 ammo box (only, if there is no ammunition bearer)
No. 1 (machine gun – asbestos mittens – canvas gun cover)
No. 2 (1 ammo box – spare parts chest – spare barrel – 2 ammo bags)
No. 3 (2 ammo boxes)
No. 4 (2 ammo boxes)

Machine Gun Mounts & Cradles

	Mount, Tripod, Machine Gun, Caliber .30, M1917A1, illustrating Gun and Cradle Pintle, Elevating & Traversing Wheel, and Elevating Arc, etc (can be used with any MG, Cal. .30,Browning type)
	Mount, Tripod, Machine Gun, Caliber .30, M2, illustrating Tripod Head, tubular Steel Trail Legs, Traversing Bar (for E & T Mechanism), Gun Pintle Latch Lever, and Scale, etc (can be used with MG, Cal. .30, M1919A4 and M1919A6, Browning type)
	Bipod, Machine Gun, Caliber .30, Machine Gun, M1919A6, illustrating Booster Cap Assembly, Lock System, Carrying Handle (early type), and part of Barrel Jacket, etc (for use with MG, Cal. .30, M1919A6, Browning type)

M1919A4 MG position – gunner with assistant gunner at his left, and observer at his right – note various accessories such as, spare barrel cover, asbestos mitten, empty fabric feed belt, empty cartridge cases (RE-E picture taken during “Strictly G.I.” activities in the Bulge, Belgium, February 1998)

Types of Caliber .30 Ammunition

different types of ammunition cans and belts -– wood and metal cans + white and olive-drab fabric belts

different types of ammunition cans – M1917 wooden chest + M1 & M1A1 metal cans

different types of ammunition cans – M1917 olive-drab fabric belt + M1 linked belt, loose metallic links, and three cardboard boxes with 20 spare cartridge links each

Gunner’s position

Normal position > M1917A1 : the gunner sits behind the trail leg shoe with both feet under the trail leg; the knees are raised and turned outward, while the elbows are placed inside the knees . The left hand is placed on the grip, while the right hand is held near, but not touching the traversing handwheel . M1919A4 : the gunner lies in a prone position, legs apart and heels down . The right hand firmly grasps the grip with forefinger on the trigger, while the left hand holds the elevating handwheel . The right cheek is against the buffer tube, and eyes are focused on the target . M1919A6 : the gunner is in a prone position, the shoulder stock rests between neck and right shoulder and decreases lateral movement of the gun while firing . Legs are well separated and feet are flat on the ground . The left hand grasps the shoulder stock, palm down, while the right hands holds the pistol grip with forefinger on the trigger . The eyes are focused on the target thru the peep sight .

Note : there is also a low position for the M1917A1 gunner (with support of the assistant gunner, or No. 2)

Close combat position > M1919A4 : used in emergencies, for quick surprise fire, during infantry assault, at close ranges, usually under 25 yards . Its primary use is principally when advancing in woods, fog, smoke, in street fighting, and in mopping up . The gunner stands upright and faces the target squarely, with left foot slightly forward to offset the recoil . The left hands grasps the barrel jacket, thumb on top (asbestos mitten should preferably be used, if available) and the left arm remains straight and rigid . The right hand holds the grip against the body in front of the right hip, right forefinger on the trigger . The ammo belt is slung over the left arm, over the left shoulder, around the neck and over the right shoulder, or cut into lengths of 35 to 50 rounds, or carried by the assistant gunner (No. 2) .

    

Close Combat position – fighting in Metz (Dec 44), fighting in St. Malo (Aug 44), and RE-E picture taken by “Strictly G.I.” in Feb 1998

A sling, either the Machine Gun-and-Ammunition Carrying Sling (with hooks at both ends), or an improvised version, made from an empty ammo belt, may be used to carry the MG in the ready position . If the fabric belt is used, it is doubled, slipped under the grip, passed around the back of the neck, adjusted to proper length, and tied around the barrel jacket .

Antiaircraft gunnery > M1917A1 : the gunner adjusts the trail leg so that the tripod can be mounted in the highest position, with dial level and front legs inclined slightly outward to maintain stability . The steam condensing device is removed, while the traversing clamp and the cradle clamping handle are loosened (firing can then be executed with the MG free in direction and elevation) . The gunner then kneels on his right knee, with his right buttock resting on his right heel . His upper left leg is parallel to the trail leg, and vertical to the ground . The right hand grasps the pistol grip, while the right arm is held firmly against his body . He then places his left hand on top of the buffer tube, gripping the top and his right hand, with elbow resting on the left knee . The head remains erect with eyes focused on the target . Another possibility is to fire the gun from a Utility Handcart . The ammunition used in the antiaircraft model will be tracer, and/or combined tracer + ball (proportions of 1 tracer and 1 ball cartridge, up to 1 tracer and 3 ball) . The M1917A1 can also be put into action for antiaircraft fire by using the elevator mount . The gunner loosens the traversing clamp and removes the gun and cradle from the tripod; the elevator pintle is then inserted in the cradle pintle socket with elevator clamp to the right, and the traversing clamp is tightened . The gunner then assumes following position; he stands erect with the right foot well to the rear, and the left foot alongside the elevator pintle . Hands are placed as described in the previous position (with use of tripod) and forearms are held close against the body . Small changes in direction are made by pivoting the hips, or by bending the knees, or by simply shifting the entire position . M1919A4 ; although the M2 tripod is not well suited for antiaircraft fire, the following method may be used . The gunner places the tripod head on the assistant gunner’s right knee with the trail leg shoes resting on the ground . No. 2 grasps the tripod front leg with his left hand, while keeping the ammo belt in line with the feedway with his right hand . The gunner releases the traversing slide clamp, secures the elevating mechanism, and kneels on his right knee directly behind the gun, placing his left heel on the left trail leg shoe . buttocks are down, with the right buttock resting on his right heel . The gunner crouches forward, left arm resting on or around the left knee for support . Positions may be changed by twisting the body and pivoting on the right knee and the left foot, so as to follow the target . Another method is to place the front leg of the tripod on the spare parts chest, or a solid wooden box . If the barrel is not too hot, the gunner may also point the gun in the general direction of the target, grasping the barrel jacket with the left hand, which is protected by an asbestos mitten . He then pivots the tripod on the trail leg shoes, raising the gun in the desired position to engage the target . Under varying conditions in battle, expedients such as, resting the barrel jacket in the fork of a tree, or a notch in a wall, or a hard surface, may be useful … M1919A6 : the gunner grasps the carrying handle with the left hand and puts the right hand around the shoulder stock at the pistol grip, with index finger on the trigger, and kneels on his right knee . Buttocks are dropped well down with the right buttock resting on the right heel . The left leg is pointed in the general direction of the target . With body crouched well foreward, the left forearm rests on the left knee, while the right arm is held close to the body . The right hand holds the shoulder stock which firmly rests against the ground, between the legs . The bipod leg tubes should be folded against the barrel jacket . Alternate positions are possible .

Note : the assistant gunner (or No. 2) always sits at the gunner’s left to feed the gun and keep the ammo supply ready

Vehicle position > the majority of the weapons described above, can be mounted for use on armored or unarmored vehicles, or from ground mounts . The Machine Guns are installed in vehicular mounts of several different types, depending upon the type of vehicle and the position in the vehicle in which they are mounted . Basically, the types of mounts used in vehicles are the ball or the pintle and trunnion . They are attached to the vehicle either directly to the frame, the hull, or the turret by bolts or trunnion studs; by means of a pedestal bracketed to the frame, hull or turret; or by blocks operating on a rack or track in the turret . Some of the ball type and the majority of the pintle and trunnion type include a gun cradle – a dual cradle is provided when two different guns are to be fixed in the same mount . The cradles are designed to permit free manipulation within the limits of elevation and deflection of the mounts .

M1919A4 Machine Gun mounted in ¼ Ton vehicle – note pedestal and dual-purpose cradle

M1917A1 Machine Gun mounted in M3A1 Scout Car

Important Accessories

Belt Filling Machines > the M1918 Belt Filling Machine is hand operated and designed for the rapid filling of caliber .30 MG Web Feed Belts . The M3 Link Loading Machine is designed to fill cal. 30 MG Metallic Link Belts .

Packboards > Plywood Packboards are provided for carrying both Light and Heavy Machine Guns (or ammunition cans) . Each Packboard is equipped with two universal attachments and two quick release type 1 straps . It is recommended to carry the Heavy MG (M1917A1 type) in 2 loads; Machine Gun and Tripod Mount separately .

Ammunition Bags > Canvas and Web Bags may be used for carrying the M1 metal ammunition boxes, and both the M1 or M2 types are available . Ammo cans can also be carried by means of the Machine Gun-and-Ammunition Carrying Sling, or any other improvised carrying method …