The Browning Model 1919, an air-cooled, upgraded version of the water-cooled Model 1917, was the prime machinegun in use by all forces during World War II, and is considered the gun that took the world to final victory over Japanese Imperialism and German Totalitarianism. While some would argue that it is in competition with the Garand, the 1911 and the BAR for the title of most central instrument toward victory during the war, it saw service in more than 20 countries and could be chambered in 10 different cartridges, including .30-06 and 7.62×51 mm NATO. Learn more about this adaptable machinegun, which includes its evolution to variants like the M1919A4 and M1919A6, by watching this “I Have This Old Gun” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
Video: I Have This Old Gun—Browning Model 1919
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary
While the company's initial Model 2020 Waypoint design was intended to be more of a precision platform, Springfield has since come out with several field-ready variants of the Model 2020, including the Boundary.
Standing Guard | The NRA and Freedom’s 250th
A quarter of a millennium ago this July 4, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
The Armed Citizen® June 19, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
The Supreme Court Goes 9-0 on United States v. Hemani
In United States v. Hemani, The Supreme Court decided that the federal statute that prohibits the possession or ownership of firearms by a person who “is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” violates the Second Amendment when applied to regular marijuana users.
FN Improves Iconic MAG Machine Gun
The FN MAG, better known to Americans as the M240 machine gun, has been in U.S. military service since 1976, and this year, the platform has gotten some serious upgrades.
Switching It Up In West Texas: The WTO SwitchLug System
The SwitchLug by WTO is designed for popular rifles, and it’s a modern system that doesn’t require buying new rifle.
Interests
New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- SK Guns Marks America’s 250th With Limited-Run 1911 Commander | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Safariland and Travis Haley Reengineered the Gun Belt From the Buckle Out | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
- Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Adds 300 FPS to a Cartridge You Probably Already Shoot | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
