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
Review: Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp
Kimber expanded its 2K11 line with the Pro Comp in 2026, providing a Commander-length slide and barrel topped by an integrated compensator.
New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Bolt Pro
North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.
I Have This Old Gun: Model 1854 Lorenz Jägerstutzen
The Austrian Lorenz Jägerstutzen was a unique variant of sharpshooting rifle that made it stateside during the American Civil War.
SHIELD Sights Celebrates 40 Years of Red-Dot Optics Innovation
SHIELD Sights is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of British engineering, innovation and contributions to the evolution of modern red-dot optics.
TX Maxed: The Taurus TXM in 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR
Using its TX series architecture yet again, Taurus is adding the 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR to its chambering options with the new-for-2026 TXM.
Review: Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition
Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak takes a long-range staple even farther.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
