FN Model D
Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1932
Also known as: FN D, FN Mle D, FN Type D, FN BAR Model D
Overview
The FN Model D is a Belgian gas-operated, magazine-fed light machine gun developed by Fabrique Nationale as the final and most refined evolution of John M. Browning's Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). Introduced in 1932, the 'D' stands for 'Demontable', referring to its quick-change barrel that allowed sustained fire without overheating, a key improvement over earlier BAR models. It also featured a selectable rate of fire, a finned barrel for cooling, a pistol grip, and a simplified disassembly procedure. Chambered in a range of cartridges including 7.92x57mm Mauser, .30-06 Springfield, and later 7.62x51mm NATO, it served Belgium and several export customers for 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 | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 732 m/s (2402 fps) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 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
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.92x57mm, 8x57mm IS
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Selectable Rate Of Fire, Bipod, Pistol Grip, Carrying Handle
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1932 · as FN D
- Egyptian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1932-1967
Produced by FN Herstal; converted to 7.62x51mm NATO (FN DA1) from 1957
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Fabrique Nationale (based on John M. Browning's BAR)
Discontinued: 1967
Notes
The 'D' designation comes from the French 'Demontable' (detachable), referring to the quick-detachable barrel. Many FN D machine guns were converted to 7.62x51mm NATO from 1957 onward (FN DA1).
Background
The FN Model D is widely regarded as the best and most refined of all the BAR derivatives, fixing the original rifle's biggest weakness, the fixed barrel, with a true quick-change barrel system that turned the automatic rifle into a more capable squad light machine gun.