The Hotchkiss Heavy: Shooting the Great War's Modele 1914
Forgotten Weapons
•
4m 34s
The Hotchkiss was the primary heavy machine gun for the French and American forces in World War One, and this 1918-production example was just begging to be given a workout. So we took it out to the range to run a few strips of ammunition through it. Compared to my previous shooting experience with Vickers and Maxim guns, it was rather nice to not have water or seals to deal with...and the tripod made for almost boringly easy shooting. These guns were absolute workhorses, and while they don't get the recognition or respect of the Maxim and its derivatives today, they are fantastic pieces of engineering.
Up Next in Forgotten Weapons
-
The Soviet Jackhammer: Shooting an AV...
Yesterday we looked at the history and mechanics of the Soviet AVS-36 battle rifle, and today we are taking it out to the range. As a light rifle firing full-power 7.62x54R ammunition, this is sure to be an exhilarating experience. I am curious to see how the muzzle brake performs, and if this ri...
-
Shooting the Inglis 8mm Bren Gun
The Bren gun is widely regarded as one of the best light machine guns ever built, but that reputation is based on the British .303 caliber version. How does the design perform in 8mm Mauser? Today I am going to find out, using one of the John Inglis "sterile" 8mm Brens.
-
Italy Modernizes: the Carcano Needlef...
When Prussia and its Dreyse needle fire rifles defeated Austria and its muzzleloaders at Shadow in 1866, much of the world took note. In Italy, the reactive was to immediately begin looking for both a new rifle and also a system for converting existing stockpiles of muzzleloaders into something m...
