Marlin Model 1914 (Marlin Gun / M1917)

History

The original Colt-Browning Model 1898 was developed between 1889 and 1895 by prominent American gunmakers John Moses Browning and Matthew S. Browning. Affectionately known as the "Potato Digger," it was one of the first self-operated machine guns in circulation around the world and was first adopted by the U.S. military. From the Spanish-American War (1898) and World War I (1914-1918) to World War II (1939-1945), this weapon saw extensive combat in many wide-ranging local conflicts action.

Some rare examples can still be found on the modern battlefield today.

The Type 1895/14 variant (also known as the "Type 1914") was an evolutionary development of the series and appeared in the 0.30-08 Springfield Chambering, manufactured by Marlin Arms Corporation (Marlin Rockwell) in New Haven, CT . Manufactured and Colt. With Colt's contributions, around 25,000 were eventually built, and its widespread acceptance made it a commercial success at the time.

The weapon was also equipped with a low-profile tripod for prone firing, with secondary tactical flexibility that was lacking in competitive water-cooled designs of the time.

A new version of this weapon was used in time for the fighting in the First World War and was in service with the local cartridges of the British, Canadian, French and Russians. For the British this means the .303 British Rifle Cartridge, for the Russian Empire it is the 7.62x54mmR Rifle Cartridge.

The latter received a total of about 14,800 units before closing.

Internally, the weapon is operated in fully automatic fire mode by a gas shock system, firing over 400 rounds per minute into the target area. Based on Browning's experience with manual lever-action guns for the Winchester Group, the same principles were applied to the function of the machine gun for automatic (hands-off) repetition of internal functions. Additionally, the gun was air-cooled, lighter in weight and less complex than modern water-cooled designs of the time, maximizing portability and simplicity.

The main side effect of all this, however, is the relatively low rate of fire at 400 rpm.

Nonetheless, with the start of World War I in the summer of 1914, there was a greater focus on this weapon as all warring parties searched for all weapons of war. At this point, Colt rejoined production to meet demand and to benefit from the coming year-long war - although their participation would end in 1916, by which time the Marlin line had produced a large part of the demand. The Canadian Army used machine guns.

303 British and their use continued until the more effective Vickers machine guns became available in abundance - the remaining ex-Canadian stocks were reallocated to Allied Belgian Army units for the remainder of the battle. As for the U.S.

Army, which eventually entered the European battlefield in 1917-1918, the 1914 Marlin model was already considered outdated and actively sought out more modern forms.

Over time, the Marlin Model 1895/17 followed the design of the Model 1914, bringing features such as a removable barrel assembly and improved accessibility. Various forms of this version ensued to meet vehicle and aircraft requirements, but the water-cooled Browning M1917 (and the subsequent air-cooled M1919) that competed on the battlefield was a success on the field. The 30 caliber quickly made many operational Marlin guns second-rate or obsolete American frontline solutions.

Nonetheless, some Marlins did come back into service during World War II, with desperate troops trying to shore up the need for a burst weapon system.

Specification

Roles

STRUCTURAL

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS