Quote:
Originally Posted by TrailerParkJawa
I thought the BAR never got issued in any quantity because someone felt it was too good and couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of the Germans?
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The BAR entered production in September of 1917. The initial production run of 25,000 was completed by Winchester in March of 1918. Full production started in June of 1918 with 4,000 being delivered with another 9,000 in July. By August, Colt and Marlin-Rockwell started production.
The BAR arrived in France in July of 1918 and its first combat uses was on September 13, 1918 by doughboys of the 79th Division. It was used extensively during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Authorized issues was 16 automatic rifles per company, 768 per division.
The BAR proved its superiority early and the British, Belgian and Frence governments were soon placing orders for the BAR. The decision was made by the Americans that it would be inadvisable to divert any of the BARs from American troops until the Spring of 1919, when production capacity would be able to meet the needs of the Allies as well.
The BAR gunner was issued with a magazine belt that held eight 20-rd magazines as well as a metal cup to hold the buttstock for marching fire and two clips for the gunner's pistol. His assistant would carry a bandoleer holding an additional 6 magazines.
Source is "US Infantry Weapons of the First World War"
By the time of the Armistice, some 43,368 BARs had arrived in France. Total production of the M1918 BAR came to 102,125 with Winchester building 47,123, Marlin-Rockwell building 39,002 and Colt building 16,000.