A beautiful piece of history. Developed and introduced in 1917, the 30-06 cal Browning Automatic Rifle is regarded as one of the best shoulder-fired automatic weapons of World War I. By original conception, the BAR was to be used by actively maneuvering infantry units, allowing them to provide their own suppressing fire while advancing across no-man's-land and still be capable of aimed single shots. American infantry doctrine did not embrace the "marching fire" concept, instead focusing on the "squad automatic" concept, favoring man-portable weapons firing from fixed positions in support of defense and maneuver, with later variants of the BAR, the 1918A1 and A2, adjusted to better accommodate this style of combat. A relative late-comer for World War I, the BAR made a good impression on users and allies. Retained in government arsenals following the war, the BAR remained a gold standard of small arms firepower, while also gaining infamy for it's desirability to criminals; famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker were among those who raided government stocks for the BAR and used them to great effect in altercations with the police. On entering World War II, the BAR was America's prime light machine gun, and BAR gunners were a key source of firepower for Army and Marine units. While eventually retired in favor of weapons designed explicitly for the Squad Automatic rifle, the BAR served with dignity for many decades, seeing U.S. use as late as the Korean War. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights, with a plain tubular flash hider threaded to the muzzle, "18" dated barrel, and "eagle head" and "flaming bomb" proofs on some components. The top of the receiver bears the 5-line Winchester nomenclature, with the early "F A S" pattern (semi/full/safe) selector mechanism with the spring loaded catch to keep the operator from accidentally putting the rifle on "SAFE" when switching to full-auto operation.
Fitted with a deeply checkered forearm and a smooth pistol grip stock. Included with the lot are 3 magazines, original 1918 cupped ammo belt, BAR oiler and magazine loader. Very good condition. The rifle has been completely reworked by Stan Andrewski and functions flawlessly. The forearm bears a hairline crack and a safe ding on its right side. The stock is in excellent shape without any repairs. Mechanically excellent condition with original internal components bearing a “W” proof mark as shown in the attached photos. This item is restricted as a National Firearms Act (NFA) and is fully transferable. It is also classified as a "Curios or Relic" (C&R) as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11.
Price; $49,500 plus shipping and insurance. First buyer to commit in writing, either by email or text, will have priority to purchase. Full purchase price due with order. The only trade considered is a transferable H&K MP5K-PDW. All NFA rules apply. Questions will be answered in writing via email or text. My email is “BAR at eley.us”. Text number is 614-537-3539.
