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| Burton 1917 LMR | |
|---|---|
| Type | Select-fire automatic rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Frank Burton |
| Designed | c.1917 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.54 kg (10.0 lb) |
| Length | 1,155.7 mm (45.50 in) |
| Barrel length | 635 mm (25.0 in) |
| Cartridge | .345 WSL |
| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire | 800 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 564 m/s (1,850 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 1,400 m (1,500 yd) |
| Feed system | 2×20-round detachable box magazines |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights |
The Winchester-Burton Light Machine Rifle or Burton M1917 LMR is an early automatic rifle designed by Frank Burton to destroy enemy observation balloons during World War I. [1]
History
editDue to the importance of reconnaissance balloons throughout World War I(1914-1918), they were often major targets for various sides of the war, but regular projectiles were often insufficient to destroy them.
In 1917 Frank Burton began developing the LMR, creating a single example. Before it could possibly begin being manufactured, Vickers machine guns chambered in incendiary 11×59mmR Gras were developed, immediately rendering it obsolete in its intended role, and it wasn't developed further.[2]
Design
editThe most prominent feature of the Burton LMR is the twin 20-round box magazines positioned 30° left and right from the rifle's line of sight. The magazines have two locking catches on the front, and one over-travel stop on the back, that allow one magazine to feed whilst placing the other on standby.
The two locking positions used in combination with the Scarff mount would allow the gunner to replenish ammunition without the need to remove a magazine during an attack run, avoiding loose objects in the aircraft.
The only extant example of the LMR has two interchangeable barrels: infantry and airborne. The infantry barrel is equipped with a bayonet lug. Both barrels feature cooling fins similar to later weapons such as the Thompson 1928.[2]
The primary trigger is housed within the trigger guard, and is used to fire in semi-automatic. The LMR utilises an additional trigger located under the trigger guard as the select-fire mechanism. Squeezing the trigger causes the sear to be locked in place, allowing the bolt to return for fully-automatic fire.
It features an open bolt with a blowback to cycle new rounds and eject spent casings downward. The charging handle is also shaped like a trigger and is located on the bottom of the receiver[2]
Interestingly, the Burton LMR meets the requirements needed to be classified as an assault rifle; it is select-fire, magazine fed, chambered in an intermediate cartridge, and can be shoulder-fired.[1][2]
Ammunition
editThe .345 Winchester Self-Loading is a rimless, centerfire cartridge created in 1917 by Frank Burton for the light machine rifle. The cartridge was created by modifying .351 Winchester Self-Loading shells and fitting an spitzer bullet large enough to hold an incendiary component.[3]
In popular culture
edit- The rifle was added to Battlefield 1 in 2018.[4]
See also
edit- .345 Winchester Self-Loading
- Winchester Repeating Arms Company
- Fedorov Avtomat, early automatic rifle
References
edit- ^ a b Ballou, James L. (2 August 2022). "AMERICA'S FIRST ASSAULT RIFLE". Small Arms Review. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d McCollum, Ian (4 July 2016). "America's First Assault Rifle: Burton 1917 LMR". YouTube. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ "345 WINCHESTER MACHINE RIFLE". Cartridgecollector.net. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ "Battlefield 1 Shock Operations Update Notes". Electronic Arts. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2024.