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
I Have This Old Gun: The British Lee-Metford Rifle
In the late 1880s, the British military adopted its first bolt-action rifle chambered for the .303 British cartridge. This is the Lee-Metford, the first step on the way to the iconic Lee-Enfield.
Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program
Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program as part of the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.
Going Pro: Springfield Armory's Echelon Pro Comp
Springfield Armory has expanded its Echelon line of handguns with several new Echelon Pro Comp offerings, bringing a number of what the company calls "performance-oriented enhancements" to the platform.
Steel Yourselves—Metal is Back
These days, it’s safe to say that injection-molded polymer of some sort is the most prevalent material from which to construct a pistol frame, but lately, that trend seems to be reversing. Metal is back.
NRA-ILA Names National Shooting Sports Foundation Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour
This sponsorship through NSSF’s Protect Liberty PAC puts the firearms industry trade association on the road through Election Day.
Ori-gun-i: The ZEV Technologies FDP Carbine
The American art of folding polymer and steel into a working firearm reaches what might be its zenith with the Zev Technologies/Magpul FDP.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
