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The Browning Automatic Rifle

Series: Weapon
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( 31 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Browning Automatic Rifle by Robert R. Hodges Jr. delves into the development and impact of this iconic firearm in military history. The book provides a comprehensive examination of its use from World War I through to different global conflicts, highlighting its significance in shaping military tactics and infantry operations. Through detailed accounts and expert analysis, it brings to life the mechanical and historical importance of the Browning Automatic Rifle.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in military history and firearms technology, especially those used during the 20th century. The exploration of an iconic firearm's development and impact on warfare could offer fascinating insights into both engineering marvels and historical significance.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

For nearly fifty years, the hard-hitting, mobile Browning Automatic Rifle, or BAR, served in US infantry units as a light squad automatic “base of fire” weapon, providing quick bursts of concentrated fire. Designed in World War One, it didn't reach the front until September 1918. In the interwar years, US forces used the BAR across the world, from China to Nicaragua.

It also became a favourite of notorious gangsters like Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, who prized its ability to punch through police armoured cars. At the outset of World War II, the US armed forces decided to adapt the BAR for a light machine gun role. The BAR was not without its flaws; it was heavy and difficult to dismantle and reassemble, and it didn't cope well with sustained fire. Nevertheless, the BAR saw action in every major theatre of World War II and went on to be used in Korea and in the opening stages of the Vietnam War.

Featuring arresting first-hand accounts, specially drawn full-colour artwork, and close-up photographs, many in colour, this lively study offers a vivid portrait of this powerful, long-lived, and innovative weapon that saw service with US and other forces across the world for much of the 20th century.

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    For nearly fifty years, the hard-hitting, mobile Browning Automatic Rifle, or BAR, served in US infantry units as a light squad automatic “base of fire” weapon, providing quick bursts of concentrated fire. Designed in World War One, it didn't reach the front until September 1918. In the interwar years, US forces used the BAR across the world, from China to...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Browning Automatic Rifle is praised for providing an excellent history of the rifle's global use, enriched by first-hand accounts and detailed illustrations. Close-up photographs and colour artwork contribute to a comprehensive documentation of this influential military weapon.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849087612

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 April 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: 25 b/w; 34 col

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Alan Gilliland
  • Illustrated by Johnny Shumate

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 182.0mm

Height: 244.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Robert Hodges was born and raised in the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. A lifelong student of military history, particularly World War II and the American Civil War, he is the author of Elite 171 American Civil War Railroad Tactics. Formally trained in history and philosophy, he has published historical articles in several well-known magazines. He also writes fiction and poetry.

Johnny Shumate works as a freelance illustrator living in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his career in 1987 after graduating from Austin Peay State University. Most of his work is rendered in Adobe Photoshop using a Cintiq monitor. His greatest influences are Angus McBride, Don Troiani, and Edouard Detaille. His interests include karate, running, Bible reading, history, and making English longbows.

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