Chauchat Mle 1915 CSRG

Societe des Cycles Clement-Gladiator · Machine-Gun · Discontinued · 1915

Weight (empty)9070 g (319.9 oz)
Overall Length1143 mm (45.00")
Barrel Length470 mm (18.50")
Height254 mm (10.00")
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Action TypeLong Recoil
Firing MechanismOpen Bolt
Muzzle Velocity630 m/s (2067 fps)
Muzzle Energy2540 J (1873 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 8x50mmR Lebel

The Fusil Mitrailleur Modele 1915 CSRG, universally known as the Chauchat (pronounced 'show-sha'), is a French long-recoil operated automatic rifle that became the most widely produced light machine gun of the First World War. Designed in 1907-1913 by a team comprising Colonel Louis Chauchat, engineer Charles Sutter, ballistician Paul Ribeyrolles, and engineers from the Gladiator bicycle factory (hence the acronym CSRG), it was adopted by the French Army in 1915 as an emergency replacement for t...

Country of Origin: France

Designer: Louis Chauchat, Charles Sutter, Paul Ribeyrolles (with Gladiator factory engineers)