Marlin M1917
Marlin Rockwell Corporation · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1917
Also known as: Marlin Gun, Marlin Tank Gun, Marlin Aircraft Gun, M1918
Overview
The Marlin M1917 is an American gas-operated, belt-fed machine gun chambered in .30-06 Springfield. It was a redesign of the Colt M1895 'potato digger', replacing the original down-swinging gas lever with a conventional linear gas piston running parallel to and below the barrel. Manufactured by the Marlin Rockwell Corporation, it served as a tank and aircraft machine gun during World War I, where its synchronized aircraft variant became one of the most widely produced American aviation guns of the conflict.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 10400 g (366.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 250 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Effective Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3200 m (3500 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Cloth Belt
- Features: Linear Gas Piston, Aluminum Radiator Jacket, Synchronization Gear Compatible, Cloth Belt Feed
Variants
- Marlin M1918 — Aircraft Model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1917 · as M1917
- United States Army Air Service · adopted 1918 · as M1918
Conflicts
- World War I (1917-1918)
Production
Estimated total produced: 38,000 · Production years: 1917-1918
Tens of thousands produced by Marlin Rockwell for tank, aircraft and ground use during WWI before being superseded by the Browning machine gun
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Carl Gustave Swebilius
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
The aircraft version (often designated M1918) was fitted with an aluminum radiator jacket and was compatible with propeller synchronization gear, making it the principal U.S. fighter-mounted machine gun of late WWI.
Background
The Marlin M1917 traced its lineage to John Browning's Colt M1895, the original gas-operated machine gun nicknamed the 'potato digger' for the way its swinging operating lever flailed beneath the gun; designer Carl Swebilius reworked that mechanism into a flat linear piston so the weapon could be mounted inside tanks and on aircraft.