M1915 CSRG Chauchat Blank Gun

[36thTom]

New to this forum so I thought I would share my project. After 5 years of work, I finally got a working prototype of the (In)Famous WWI Chauchat. Developed with the WWI reenactor in mind, this replica uses bolt, magazine and barrel trunion from a CETME squeezed into the new made shell in the shape of the original gun. The prototype was sent off to the ATF Technology Branch for approval (which has been received).

The (Blank Fire Only) Non-Gun Is very close to the original dimensions in profile (based on measurements of originals), but the cross section needed considerable "Creative Engineering" to accommodate the double stack CETME Magazine into what was originally designed to take a single stack magazine. The result is something that few who haven't owned an original Chauchat can tell the difference between.

Disclaimer: No original Chauchat parts were harmed (or used) in the creation of this replica.

The original Chauchat was much maligned (largely due to the disastrous attempt to change to American .30-06), but considering how quickly the design was rushed into production, it is amazing that it worked as well as it did. Few without a background in production engineering can really appreciate what an accomplishment that was. Once the gun's limitation were recognized and understood, it served the French (an American Armies) through the First World War with over a quarter of a million produced.

[hawksnest]

Nicely done!

[Blanksguy]

What Blanks are you using for your Blank-Firing Chauchat (?).

Have you thought about making magazines for this yet (?).......with the possibility of using a magazine that would fit inside the Chauchat magazine (?).

Will you be making copies of these to sell (?).......price (?).....and I am interested in one.

[StrangeRanger]

It would probably be every bit as effective in combat as a live one

[1gewehr]

21 hours ago, StrangeRanger said:

It would probably be every bit as effective in combat as a live one

Find something better to fill the automatic rifle role in WW1.  Keep in mind that the BAR did not see combat until October, 1918.  Other options were worse than the Chauchat!

There are photos of German troops carrying captured Chauchats and Lewis guns.  They did not have anything comparable.

[StrangeRanger]

The Lewis gun was the opposite end of the spectrum from the Chauchat. It was reliable, controllable and deadly accurate - and because of its virtues still in use through WWII

[36thTom]

23 hours ago, Blanksguy said:

What Blanks are you using for your Blank-Firing Chauchat (?).

Have you thought about making magazines for this yet (?).......with the possibility of using a magazine that would fit inside the Chauchat magazine (?).

Will you be making copies of these to sell (?).......price (?).....and I am interested in one.

It uses .302 Blanks. Basically a short crimped .308/7.62mm. It uses CETME Magazines with a 3d printed Faux Magazine to give it that "look". I'm not a het metal guy, so making/repro-ing the magazines is not a practical option for me (at this time). Yes I am making copes to sell @ 6.5k each.

[johnsonlmg41]

On 3/3/2024 at 9:56 AM, StrangeRanger said:

It would probably be every bit as effective in combat as a live one

serious lack of knowledge of a JMB design and a mass production firearm.

36thTom, my serious thanks for not using any original parts!  Looks really nice!

[Ivan]

"The Lewis gun was the opposite end of the spectrum from the Chauchat. It was reliable, controllable and deadly accurate - and because of its virtues still in use through WWII "

Yes. But you forgot to mention the LEWIS is a Light Machine Gun that weighs about 28 pounds ! 

The Sho- Sho is a Machine Rifle that weighs in under 20 pounds. A Machine Rifle is a different beast than a LMG.

Remember every Chauchat on the range today is OVER 100 years old. For a 1915 rush job the Chauchat was OK. When the guns were new from the factory they would work.

Usually.

Biggest problem was the magazines. As long as the mags were properly loaded and the piece was reasonably clean it would work. Just do not fire more than 300 rounds in a short time. Yes, they are very clumsy and uncomfortable to shoot. The only other thing close to it in 1915 was the Madsen LMG. But that is another story. 

I have shot every one of the Machine Rifles and LMGs from the Great War. 

Back to OP. Your blank only Faux Sho looks pretty good. Am sure it can be tweaked to satisfy those at Neuville.

Edited March 16, 2024 by Ivan

[StrangeRanger]

Light Machinegun vs. Machine Rifle is a distinction without a difference.  Both fill exactly the same tactical role.  The Chauchat was a hack job from day one and has not improved with age. It functions as an exemplar of how not to do things