Automatic Weapons
Automatic weapons can continue to fire as long as the trigger is pulled and the ammunition doesn't run out. It's a technology that came into its own during the Great War.
Submachine Guns
A revised version of a weapon that appeared too late to have any effect upon the war, the Thompson is now being marketed to civilians and police forces.
Caliber.45 ACPLength32.7" Capacity20/30/50 roundsWeight10.3 lbs. CountryUSA
Produced in 1918 and 1919, the MP 18 was used only in very limited numbers during the war. Many unused guns were released to the Freikorps in the chaotic aftermath and others were looted from arsenals. As a result, there are thousands floating around Europe, largely in the hands of revolutionaries and paramilitary groups.
Caliber9mm ParabellumLength32.75" Capacity32 roundsWeight9.2 lbs. CountryGermany
Light Machine Guns
The Lewis Gun was carried by British troops and those American units that we attached to them, as well as being mounted on aircraft and vehicles. It's immediately identifiable because of the large "pan" magazine on top and the large aluminum cooling shroud around the barrel. In field use, a bipod was attached around the shroud.
Caliber.303Length50.5" Capacity47 roundsWeight28 lbs. CountryUK
The Chauchat is the standard light machine gun for the French army and was used by all attached American units. While it might be harsh to say that it is universally unloved, finding someone who would admit to strong affection is probably too much to ask. It is uniquely equipped with an underslung "banana" clip that is the bane of its crew. The magazine is open on the sides and is spectacularly vulnerable to mud and dirt. The shape of the magazine resulted from the outdated Lebel cartridges and was prone to frequent jams. Normal procedure is to only load 16 to 18 rounds in a 20-round magazine, depending upon how much hubris one is feeling on a given day. Operators are advised that heavy use will cause the mechanism to stick until the barrel cooled down again. These enforced pauses are useful for tightening the screws that will work loose during firing.
Caliber8mm LebelLength45.0" Capacity20-ish roundsWeight20 lbs. CountryFrance
A typical John Moses Browning-design, the BAR is robust and reliable. It has replaced the Chauchat in US service (and for the French as well). American military doctrine calls for it to be fired from the hip when attacking — accurate automatic fire from the shoulder is all but impossible.
Caliber.30-06Length47.0" Capacity20 roundsWeight16 lbs. CountryUSA