Fiat Mod. 1928
Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT) · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1928
Also known as: Fiat-Revelli Modello 1928, SAFAT Mod. 28, Fiat-SAFAT Mod. 28
Overview
The Fiat Mod. 1928 was an Italian air-cooled light machine gun in the FIAT/SAFAT lineage, developed as a lighter, more mobile successor to the heavy water-cooled Fiat-Revelli M1914. It fired the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge from a detachable box magazine loaded by 20-round stripper clips that shared the quick charger of the Breda Mod. 1924, discarding the M1914's awkward 50-round squirrel-cage clip cassette. Built by SAFAT (Societa Anonima Fabbrica Armi Torino), it was produced only in very small numbers and never became a significant front-line weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 10000 g (352.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1180 mm (46.46") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 650 m/s (2133 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2207 J (1628 ft·lbf) |
| Rate of Fire | 450 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano, 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Features: Air Cooled, Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Breda 1924 Charger Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army
Conflicts
- Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936)
Production
Estimated total produced: 700 · Production years: 1928-1930s
Only about 700 units built; a commercial and military dead-end
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Giuseppe Mascarucci
Notes
Often loosely called Fiat-Revelli Mod. 1928, but sources attribute the design to Giuseppe Mascarucci and a short-recoil action (the M1914/M1924/M1926 were Revelli designs). SAFAT is the more precise maker; mfr id 'fiat' is used per the existing Fiat-Revelli M1914 entry. Barrel length, effective range and exact muzzle energy unconfirmed; muzzle energy derived from the cited 650 m/s figure.
Background
Barely 700 Fiat Mod. 1928 guns were ever made, and it is notable mainly as one of SAFAT's stepping stones: the firm would soon lend its name to the far more famous Breda-SAFAT aircraft machine guns that armed nearly every Italian WWII warplane. It also ditched the M1914's bizarre 50-round squirrel-cage Fiat clip cassette for a conventional box magazine sharing chargers with the Breda Mod. 1924.