Browning M1895 Go Back to Heavy Machine Gun Weapon: Browning M1895Type: Heavy Machine GunCountry of Origin: United StatesYear Adopted: 1895Caliber: .30-06 SpringfieldAction: Gas Operated Fully AutomaticOverall Length (mm): 965.0Overall Length (in): 37.99Weight (kg): 15.90Weight (pounds): 35.05Effective Range (m): 1800 mEffective Range (yards): 1968.5The 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.Related Weapons: Browning M1919 Browning M1917 Browning M2 BAR M1918 Winchester M1897 Browning Auto 5 FN M1900 GalleryRelevant Articles: From Grapeshot to BAR'sVideos: The Birth of the Machine Gun and the Genius of John Moses BrowningAlbany 2013 M1895 "Potato digger" belt fed machine gunAmerican Rifleman TV Preview: Colt's Automatic Gun, Model 1895Test firing Colt Digger