Bergmann MG 15nA
Theodor Bergmann Waffenfabrik · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1916
Also known as: MG 15 n.A., LMG 15 n.A., Bergmann MG 15 neuer Art
Overview
The Bergmann MG 15nA (Maschinengewehr 15 neuer Art) was a German air-cooled light machine gun designed by Louis Schmeisser and produced by Theodor Bergmann Waffenfabrik during World War I. Adopted after the Battle of the Somme exposed the need for a man-portable belt-fed gun, it replaced the heavy water jacket of the Maxim MG08 with a perforated air-cooled barrel shroud and a quick-change barrel, firing the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge from metal link belts via a recoil-operated action with Bergmann's vertical-lock cam mechanism. A swivel bipod, pistol-grip stock and carry handle made it one of the first practical German light machine guns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 12900 g (455.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 726 mm (28.58") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4096 J (3021 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.92x57mm, 8x57mm IS
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt
- Features: Air Cooled, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Quick Change Barrel, Belt Fed, Bipod, Carry Handle, Pistol Grip
Variants
- Bergmann MG 15aA — Earlier Model
Service history
Operators
- German Empire · adopted 1916 · as MG 15 n.A.
- Ottoman Empire
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,000 · Production years: 1916-1919
Approximately 5,000 produced; manufacture ceased in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Louis Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
This is the WWI Bergmann LMG, not the later WWII Rheinmetall MG 15 aircraft gun. Magazine capacity field shows the 200-round belt; 250- and 100-round belts were also used. Muzzle energy derived from standard sS 7.92x57mm data. Prone to overheating after roughly 250 rounds of sustained fire.
Background
By ditching the Maxim's heavy water jacket, the MG 15nA gave German infantry a man-portable, belt-fed air-cooled light machine gun, and it was issued heavily to assault detachments and to the Palestine theater with the German Asia Corps, bridging the gap between the rifle and the cumbersome water-cooled MG08.