Breda 38

Breda Modello 38
Type Tank Machine Gun
Place of origin Kingdom of Italy
Service history
In service 1938-1943
Used by Kingdom of Italy
Wars World War II
Production history
Manufacturer Breda Meccanica Bresciana
Specifications
Weight 33⅞ lbs
Length 35½ in
Barrel length 23 in

Cartridge 8x59mm RB Breda
Caliber 8 mm
Action Gas operated
Rate of fire 600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 792 m/s (2,600 ft/s)
Maximum firing range 1000 m
Feed system 24-round vertical box magazine

The Breda 38 was an Italian tank-pattern machine gun used in World War II. It was able to fit on the available tanks: the Fiat L6/40, the Fiat M11/39, and the Fiat M13/40. It was also adapted as infantry machine gun.

Development

Hull-mounted double Breda Mod. 38 in a Fiat M13/40 tank

The Italians have also adapted it for use as an infantry machine gun. For this purpose the gun is mounted on a machine-gun tripod by means of an adapter, and is fitted with a temporary rear sight on the right of the body and a temporary front sight on the right of the barrel at the muzzle. These temporary open sights take the place of the optical sight used when the gun is tank-mounted.

Design details

The gun is air-cooled, gas-operated, and magazine-fed, and has a quick-change barrel. Its operational features are simple, and it is extremely easy to field-strip or disassemble completely. The barrel is sufficiently heavy (9⅞ pounds) to enable it to fire a large number of rounds in quick succession without overheating.

External links

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