In the World War I era, the term machine rifle was also used.
The most important factor to bear in mind is that the BAR is a rifle.
Whether light or general purpose, the most effective of these designs featured a quick-change barrel.
His BAR smoking from extended full-auto fire, a Marine gunner engages communist troops from his hilltop position. Image: NARA
Automatic rifles normally do not have an easily removable barrel, and the BAR was no exception.
When the light machine gun concept was in fashion, U.S.
Ordnance added a bipod, carrying handle, shoulder support and flash hider to the BAR.
A BAR gunner with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea during 1952. Image: NARA
Even so, the BAR increased its legend throughout World War II.
Its battlefield performance more than proved the soundness of the automatic rifle concept.
They cannot imagine having to get along without it.
BAR in its World War II-era configuration with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea, January 1951. Image: NARA
Almost invariably, BAR men are exemplary in their conservation of ammunition.
They do not have nervous fingers; they sustain fire only when the situation truly demands it.
During the mop-up, it is the main weapon for neutralizing foxholes.
A Marine BAR man in Seoul, September 27, 1950. Image: NARA
Issues with Reconditioning
The onset of the Korean conflict found America rather unprepared.
The old springs, it was reported, had been cleaned but not replaced.
This could be done without adding an upsetting burden to the company load.
The BAR as an automatic rifle: Marine BAR gunner, his weapon stripped of accessories (except the carrying handle). Image: NARA
TheM14E2 featured an in-line stock and a large pistol gripintended to help control the weapon during full-auto fire.
Even so, the M14E2 was approved for production and issued beginning in 1963.
By 1966 it was redesignated the M14A1 and faded from service as the M14 was replaced by the M16.
Marine BAR gunner firing his weapon in automatic rifle configuration. Image: NARA
All these years later, the BAR is still heavy, intimidatingly so for some.
It is also still accurate and hard-hitting.
Whats more, it is still a legend.
While the BAR was presented as a squad automatic, in practice, most U.S. troops used it in its original role as an automatic rifle. Image: NARA
A Marine defends his ridgeline position with the accurate, hard-hitting BAR. Image: NARA
Even at 19+ pounds, the BAR isn’t the heaviest thing this Marine is carrying. Korea 1952. Image: NARA
Marine BAR gunner with his weapon stripped down to its original 1918 configuration. Image: NARA
The BAR with all the heavy accessories — bipod, flash hider, and carrying handle. Korea, February 1951. Image: NARA
The three men to the right carry the M2 carbine, equipped with 30-round magazines. At the left, the BAR man provides the mobile base of firepower for the patrol. Image: NARA
