FN BAR Model D
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1932
Also known as: FN Model D, FN Type D, FN Mle 1930, FN BAR Type D
Overview
The FN BAR Model D is a Belgian gas-operated, magazine-fed automatic rifle and squad light machine gun built by FN Herstal as an improved derivative of John Browning's M1918 Automatic Rifle. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield and other military calibers, the Model D (Type D) added a quick-change barrel, a pistol grip, a redesigned receiver for easier maintenance, and a dual-rate fire selector for slow and fast cyclic rates. Fed from a 20-round detachable box magazine and supported on a bipod, it served Belgian forces and was exported widely from the 1930s through the post-war decades.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9200 g (324.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1145 mm (45.08") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3595 J (2652 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Pistol Grip, Dual Rate Selector, Bipod, Carrying Handle
Production
Production years: 1932-1967
Produced by FN Herstal in Belgium across several military calibers for domestic and export use.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1967
Notes
The Model D (Type D) was FN Herstal's most refined BAR variant, distinguished from the American M1918 by its quick-change barrel and modular receiver. FN produced BARs in several chamberings including .30-06 Springfield, 7.92x57mm Mauser, and 7.65x53mm for various export customers.
Background
Where the American BAR stayed largely unchanged, FN Herstal kept refining Browning's design. The Model D's quick-change barrel let gunners sustain fire without cooking off a fixed barrel, and its dual-rate selector gave squads a slow setting for controllable bursts. FN BARs soldiered on with Belgian and export forces well into the Cold War.