FW: 1918 American Chauchat 30-06
- Thread starter diopter
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Chauchaut???? They can actually be quite reliable with good ammo and maintenance. Trench warfare wasn't conducive to either and they were awkward to deploy.
The thing I like about them is how easy they are to build/maintain. I'm surprised enterprising individuals aren't building them in home workshops. May to many readily available factory guns out there to bother. No, not factory Chauchats.
The thing I like about them is how easy they are to build/maintain. I'm surprised enterprising individuals aren't building them in home workshops. May to many readily available factory guns out there to bother. No, not factory Chauchats.
I believe that many of the problems in the field arose from poor tolerances. The guns were produced like popcorn but each one was individually hand-fitted.
It was a great idea, but they just could not (yet) hold tolerances closely enough to make this critter a success.
Still looks neat!
It was a great idea, but they just could not (yet) hold tolerances closely enough to make this critter a success.
Still looks neat!
Fun to watch the mag empty:
https://coub.com/view/13a40k
https://coub.com/view/13a40k
Why would you not take the opportunity to acquire one of the very rarest US military firearms? There are only a handful in existence world-wide. The value of the piece will only continue to rise.
The 8x50R guns are rare, even if deactivated. Functional ones are seldom seen, notwithstanding being offered as surplus, live or dewat for $15-$30 close to 60 years ago.
The CSRG was a key factor in the evolution of infantry tactics still practiced - the squad of riflemen, with an automatic rifle team, and one squad member equipped with a grenade launcher.
It would appear that the most significant problem was the magazine. Lightweight construction, ho hum materials. There were suggestions for improvements, but there was resistance to changing the design and/or manufacture, which would interrupt production.
Mud was also a problem, and the CSRG was not the only WW1 firearm to have this problem. It was kept in a canvas case until use was imminent. If you inspect original photos, you will see SMLE rifles with covers over their breaches and muzzles. There was criticism that the openings in the magazines would allow access for mud. Ever look at a Lewis Gun magazine?
Incidentally, if you look around Ian's site, you will find a video of him demonstrating an 8mm gun.
Mud was also a problem, and the CSRG was not the only WW1 firearm to have this problem. It was kept in a canvas case until use was imminent. If you inspect original photos, you will see SMLE rifles with covers over their breaches and muzzles. There was criticism that the openings in the magazines would allow access for mud. Ever look at a Lewis Gun magazine?
Incidentally, if you look around Ian's site, you will find a video of him demonstrating an 8mm gun.
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I just love the sound of the slow cyclic rate on that gun, especially in 30-06... Chug-chug-chug-chug... It sounds so authoritative.
Of you ever have time, scroll through the videos of a now dormant YouTube account "C2builder" - gives you a sense of the sound profile of many of the older automatics. They all have their own song.
The 1919A4 has a much faster cyclic rate that creates an entirely different effect.
Of you ever have time, scroll through the videos of a now dormant YouTube account "C2builder" - gives you a sense of the sound profile of many of the older automatics. They all have their own song.
The 1919A4 has a much faster cyclic rate that creates an entirely different effect.
