Browning Message Board (Full Auto Only) Latest Topics

Winchester BAR serial number sequence.

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:25:07 +0000

Whats Serial Number did Winchester start with, When production began on the Browning Automatic Rifle, early 1918. Did they start with number one or number 100000? Does anyone know?

B A R receiver stamp ‘word’ change.

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:28:06 +0000

Looking for info to establish when Browning changed the wording on the receiver on the ‘WW1 manufactured’. B A Rs. I’ve done a little research on Winchester manufactured guns (Colt and Marlin - Rockwell were the other two WW1 manufacturers) and I’ve found that the early guns we’re stamped ‘Browning Machine Rifle’ with the later ones being stamped ‘Browning Automatic Rifle’

Pictured are 2 receiver stamps serial numbers 101417 and 103990 showing the different wording. So the wording changed some time during the manufacture of the next 2573 guns IF they ran sequentially given that Winchester produced 47123 guns with assigned serial numbers 64001 - 200000 so there were gaps. Be really good to know the actual serial number that had the first revised stamp on the Winchester guns. Does anyone know if the Colt and Marlin - Rockwell had similar changes.

Thanks JD

Polish Rkm wz.28

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:40:26 +0000

Does anyone out there have an Rkm wz.28 AKA Polish BAR? Curious how many are on the registry and how many transferables are the early FN / Colt manufactured. This one was taken from a German soldier and bought back from WWII.

Looking to buy this BAR; question on arsenal rebuild

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:43:18 +0000

I was offered this BAR for sale. Colt receiver (pretty early as well, serial 15XXX), barrel is aM-R 5-19 marked. All A2 upgrades present; butt stock, bipod, trigger group etc.

The RA marking on the signifies Rock Island Arsenal, right? But did they not stamp the date for the A2-update, or am I wrong in this?

Maybe a subjective question but how attractive would you say this gun is from a collectibility perspective? Is is priced very high, almost double what BARs go for here, when they show up (Europe). Supply is super limited to I try to get what I can find but this feels rather expensive. I have an original WW2 NESA without arsenal rebuild markings and one RT that was touched up in the sixties so this one would be a nice addition, despite the price.

Anything you can tell me about this is greatly appreciated; I am driving a couple hours to look at it on Wednesday.

BAR information

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:00:11 +0000

In the future, I am looking at diversifying from my usual interest, Thompsons.

So, I have been reading up on this board, about the BAR.

I found the attached BAR, manufactured by Winchester, for sale in the UK, hence it is deactivated.

The A2 being hand stamped, I presume indicates it was an original 1918 that was modified to A2 Specs during WW2. The serial no. leaves me a little confused, 100428. What serial no. did Winchester begin with their initial production?

As well as on the top of the receiver, under the manufacturer's details, are the BAR serial numbers marked elsewhere?

Appreciate any help with this information.

Richard

Manufacturing the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) - ORIGINAL FOOTAGE

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:45:49 +0000

I found this very interesting:

D.S. BAR 1918A2

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:32:28 +0000

Seller on Strum has a D.S. BAR up for 24k. A Google search is rather sparse for information on this. What makes a D.S significantly cheaper than other models hovering around 40?

BARs at auction

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:28:22 +0000

Centurion has 2 in the current auction.

The Winchester Browning Machine Rifle should be self explanatory although the description as an A2 is questionable

https://centurionauctions.hibid.com/lot/277631910/winchester-m1918a2-browning-automatic-rifle

The Chasan BAR needed a little clarification since the receiver reads NESA as well as Chasan. I got an email from Centurion that explained. Chasan built the gun on an unserialized NESA receiver using all GI parts then registered it. It's not a REWAT.

https://centurionauctions.hibid.com/lot/277631909/chasan-m1918a2-browning-automatic-rifle

Swedish Kulspruta M/36 Parts Kit

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:48:09 +0000

I am looking to purchase a Swedish Kulspruta M/36 parts kit or semi auto build. This is the Swedish KSP Browning M1917A1 variant. Caliber does not matter: 8x63, 6.5, 7.62, etc. I would prefer with mount but not required. I am open to shipping, or will drive any distance for pickup if required. Please reach out via PM. Thank you.

Ammo for bar

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:54:33 +0000

Thinking about buying a bar sample. I have no knowledge on them. Will they run any 30-06 ammo? Or are they specific like a m1 garand? is the gas system adjustable ?

Will it run modern 30/06 hunting ammo and m1 garand 30-06 loads?

WTS .308 links for the 1919A4

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:16:13 +0000

Have 500 .308 links for the 1919A all in good condition, no rust. Mostly Isreali, some marked M5, 7.62, M2A3 ect. All .308, NO USGI. These are getting hard to find.

$250 Shipped via USPS Priority Flat Rate Box.

1918a2 30 round mags

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:15:51 +0000

Does the hcar 30 rounders fit in a 1918a2?

are their other 30 round options?

Royal typewriter 1918a2 presample

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:54:20 +0000

Just got it today. Spent 4 hours removing 70 years of cosmo. From dry firing it it appears someone put a 1918 trigger group in it. F is semi and A is full auto.

Gas knob question. I assume tightest position is more gas and loosest position releases more gas ? So testing my ammo I’d want it on the most open position. Looking down on it - counter clockwise furthest spot?

Winchester BAR (BMR) on Gunbroker, C&R with movie history

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 16:38:47 +0000

Not mine - just happened on this on Gunbroker. Penny auction for a Winchester M1918 (marked Machine Rifle) with movie provenance. Shooting alot of blanks can be hard on the barrel so the inside and gas regulator may be in poor condition. The current price is not bad for a C&R gun (REWAT). I find the REWAT status interesting, like most BARs not modified to A2 spec the receiver has crown proofs indicating it was sent to the UK as lend/lease during WW2 and likely used by their Home Guard for homeland defense. In that case it would likely not be a bring back.

TRANSFERABLE Winchester 1918 BAR REWAT Browning 30-06 Movie Gun C&R eForm-3 - Machine Guns at GunBroker.com : 1113579468

BAR receiver steel

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:22:56 +0000

Does anyone know what grade/alloy of steel was used for M1918 and M1918A2 BAR receivers?

I know that later the A2 receivers were machined malleable iron castings, and also some were

fabricated using "Armasteel" but I am looking for the original steel alloy. The BAR receivers

I have tested were not hardened anywhere at all. Plus the gun was first designed and manufactured

(1918) before alloy steels (4130, 4140, 8620, etc.) existed. The bolt supports are quite hard, but they

were probably case hardened back then, and they are separate parts riveted into the receiver. Any

help is appreciated.

Bob

Bonnie and Clyde NRA wall art

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 12:20:27 +0000

I have a unique item that I’m trying to get a base for pricing on for a friend. It’s one of the NRA wall art sets that has a fired case and bullet from a Clyde Barrow BAR. They only did 150 of these and this one is number 92. Can anyone help with value on it? Its brand new, in the box, never put on a wall.

Looking for extra BAR magazines

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:58:22 +0000

I stored away all my mags and I need to send some off with a BAR I sold. I need to find 10-12 magazines in good condition. PM me if your can help.

Thanks - Chappy

The Colt 1924 water cooled…runs well!!

Sun, 18 May 2025 12:31:42 +0000

This past Friday, I brought out the 1924 Colt Commercial water cooled from Sing-Sing prison and for the first time in 65+ years, put water in the jacket and let it rip….we put 1,000 rds of Greek HXP through the gun with zero stoppages….the gun runs great, looks and sounds amazing as well. Now it’s time to clean it all up and put it in my office to rest for awhile. It’s not one I will take out and shoot all the time.

WTS - Twin Mounted Browning AN-M2 30 Cal Machine Guns (Transferable) - $58,500

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:17:23 +0000

This sale is for the following:

Two AN-M2 30 caliber Browning machine guns that are fully transferbable. One is Buffalo Arms, the other is Savage Arms. They are currently going through a Form 4 transfer to my FFL from the estate of the previous owner. Once the Form 4 is complete, they will be available via a Form 3 or Form 4 transfer.

This also includes the twin mount they are attached to. This mount appears to mostly match the Douglas Dauntless twin rear gunner mount with some modifications around the trigger mechanism.

Any photos or videos you see with them on a tripod, please note the tripod is not included in the sale.

The general history on the firearms is unknown. The Buffalo Arms unit was received from Collectors Corner in Chardon, Ohio in 1988 and the Savage Arms one from the same place in 1987. Unfortunately the owner didn't pass on any information to his family before passing.

They were both broken down, cleaned and reviewed. I conducted testing on both guns individually and together in the mount. No issue with firing or cycling. The firearms are sold as is.

If you have any questions, please message me here or contact me at sales@malicoindustries.com.

Detailed photos here - AN-M2 Photos

Video of test firing here - AN-M2 Test Videos

Need a shot out/Grade II BAR barrel

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 03:03:22 +0000

Need a shot out or Grade II BAR barrel. If you have one available let me know.

Thanks

Bob

Genuine 1918 BAR ammobelt?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:55:59 +0000

I have a BAR ammobelt with the buttstock cup. I am offering it for sale to a friend but he feels it is a repro and not original 1918 vintage. The condition is too good according to him.

I only have one pic (the belt is at my friends' for review so not able to take more pics now). What do you think? I do not really care if it is a a repro but would prefer not to sell if for a repro price if is genuine after all.

Looking at similar belts for sale mine looks identical in my opinion, incl the LONG X-18 stamps (mine is 5-18). So are these genuine 1918 vintage or repros in your expert opinions?

https://shop.joesalter.com/Original-U-S-WWI-1918A2-BAR-Ammo-Web-Belt-By-Long-Dated-1918

https://www.ima-usa.com/products/original-u-s-wwi-1918a2-bar-browning-automatic-rifleman-belt-by-long-dated-june-1918?variant=29470614650949

https://www.gunstar.co.uk/ww1-1918-u-s-army-ammunition-pouch-carrier-belt-for-m1918-br/Accessories/1637732

https://www.saracenexports.com/product/browning-automatic-rifle-bar-belt-1918-dated/

Monitor/BAR Commercial Belt

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:06:22 +0000

Good evening! With Dalberts permission I wanted to make a quick post. I have a commercial BAR belt and while I love all things Thompson and BAR I am really hunting for an Australian made reverse lend lease Thompson 5 cell pouch for 20rnd magazines. So that had me thinking. If anyone has a said Thompson pouch would you be interested in a trade? If not, I am open to selling said belt. Not really sure on a price. I have attached a few photos of the belt in my possession and the last two photos are of the specific type of TSMG pouch I am looking for. Thank you all for your time and have a good one!

WTB Browning 1918 BAR parts kit

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 02:46:13 +0000

Looking for a complete parts kit for a post sample build please let me know if you have one for sale. Thanks

BAR furniture

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:07:00 +0000

Looking to buy new or excellent condition BAR furniture for my NESA. If you can help by finding one or selling. I would greatly appreciate it.

Chappy

The Sing-Sing 1924 Colt lives

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:09:57 +0000

Many of you knew Mike Wank was the care taker of one of the Sing-Sing Prison 1924 Colt Commercial belt fed machine guns. I am now the care taker of this beautiful firearm and its history. I picked it up yesterday afternoon and took it out today to set a baseline for how it runs before I repair the “DEWAT pin hole” in the trunnion.

I installed a barrel, set the headspace, checked the timing, and ran shorts bursts while letting it cool for awhile after roughly 50 rounds per shooting session (so it didn’t get too hot with no water)

Now that I know it works, I can set to the task of repairing the drilled hole in the trunnion that was used to fix a pin through the welded/plugged barrel. I am humble to be able ti have this in my collection and it will be enjoyed for a long time. I am also working on gathering information on this weapon and its life at Sing-Sing to try and put together its life story.