Video—100 Years of the Browning Automatic Rifle

by
posted on November 11, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
November 11, 2018

Lest We Forget: In memory of the Doughboys who went “Over There” a century ago, Mark Keefe, filming for American Rifleman TV, fires off some rounds of one of the most iconic military rifles of 20th century, the Browning Automatic Rifle.

From Bruce Canfield's "U.S. Model of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle":

By the time of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, a total of 52,238 Browning Automatic Rifles had been delivered to the government; approximately 27,000 by Winchester, 16,000 by Marlin-Rockwell and 9,000 by Colt. Manufacture of the BAR did not cease with the end of the Great War, and continued into early 1919, by which time just over 102,000 had been manufactured.

The Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle was clearly the best automatic rifle developed and fielded during World War I. There was, literally, no other arm of this type equal to John Browning’s automatic rifle.

 




Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.