Browning M1895

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Browning M1895
Weapon: Browning M1895
Type: Heavy Machine Gun
Country of Origin: United States
Year Adopted: 1895
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic
Overall Length (mm): 965.0
Overall Length (in): 37.99
Weight (kg): 15.90
Weight (pounds): 35.05
Effective Range (m): 1800 m
Effective Range (yards): 1968.5

The Browning M1895, also known as the "Potato Digger," was one of the first gas-operated machine guns designed by John Browning. Chambered in various calibers, including .30-40 Krag and 7mm Mauser, it was used by several countries, including the United States and Russia, in the early 20th century. Its distinctive gas lever mechanism gave it the nickname "Potato Digger."

Adopted by the U.S. military in the Spanish-American War, the M1895 saw limited use during World War I as well. It was also exported to countries like Russia, where it was used during the Russo-Japanese War. Although it was quickly surpassed by more modern designs, the M1895 was an important step in the development of automatic weapons.

The M1895 is notable for being the first gas-operated machine gun to be adopted by the U.S. military. While its mechanism was eventually deemed too cumbersome for modern warfare, it remains a significant historical firearm and a testament to John Browning's innovative designs.


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