The Browning M-1919-a4 Machine gun.
| This is about my Browning M-1919-a4 machine gun. I am not fortunate enough to own a Class III NFA 1919 (otherwise known as a machine gun) but it is completely legal to own the M-1919-a4 SEMI-automatic. You get all the fun of lugging around a 30lb+ weapon, but with the legal-ness of the semi auto function. FA 1919's are available.. but at $15K+ they are out of reach of most people. It's a shame cause the semi is fun.... the FA would be a blast. |  |
| I originally purchased a 'parts kit' that included everything but the right side plate (RSP). I then sent the kit to Ohio Rapid Fire in Ohio, along with $900 and they sent me back a 1919 semi. I give the gun a 'C'. Several things I have learned since owning the weapon have surfaced and I'll point them out for prospective 1919 owners. |
| First is that ORF didn't include the barrel shroud screw. This is a small countersunk slotted screw that keeps the barrel from coming off. There is a method in which silver solder is used to solder the shroud to the trunion... but I didn't see any signs of solder. |  |
| This picture shows the top cover pivot. This is simply lock wired in place. That is TOTALLY incorrect. There should be either a set screw or a cotter pin. Plenty of cut fingers on this little baby. |  |
| This is the bottom of the weapon. The bolt is the dark part seen through the ejection port. A large, ugly ass BOLT holds the breech lock in place. This in NOT the correct bolt, and even though the correct bolt was supplied, I got back this POS. This is the single largest complaint I have.. the correct bolt was supplied... but this is what I got back. Didn't even park it. Just a big ass shiny bolt. WTF were they thinking???? |  |
Well that's it. I had to set the headspace.. that should not have been needed as ORF says that they test fire each weapon. If the headspace is off the gun will not work, either the bolt will not close properly or won't fire My 1919 needed over 6 clicks to get my ammo to fire (.308, 7.62 NATO). Not sure what they put through it but I doubt they even tested it at all. The headspace was that far off.
For all things 1919-a4 go to www.1919a4.com . This is the site that the really smart 1919 owners hang out at. Buy/sell/trade/discuss anything 1919. |