Machine Guns

Lewis Mk 1

Manufacturer B.S.A. Company

Calibre .303in

Weight 25.25Ib (with 47 round Magazine)

Rate of Fire 550 rds/min

Active Service Fitted on planes between 1915 - 1916.

Notes At the beginning of the war, most Vickers Machine Guns had been employed by the Army. The RFC and RNAS had to come up with an alternative supply. Fortunately, BSA had just moved its manufacturing base from Liege in Belgium to Birmingham. Here, they set about producing the Lewis Gun for the use of the Allies. The standard Mk1 had a shoulder stock, pistol grip and a 47 round magazine. The gun was often stripped of non-essential components in order to make it lighter. All the officically frowned upon this became standard practice for most pilots.

WW1 MGs | Machine Guns | Armaments

Manufacturer	B.S.A. Company
Calibre	.303in
Weight	25.25Ib (with 47 round Magazine)
Rate of Fire	550 rds/min
Active Service	Fitted on planes between 1915 - 1916.
Notes	At the beginning of the war, most Vickers Machine Guns had been employed by the Army. The RFC and RNAS had to come up with an alternative supply. Fortunately, BSA had just moved its manufacturing base from Liege in Belgium to Birmingham. Here, they set about producing the Lewis Gun for the use of the Allies. The standard Mk1 had a shoulder stock, pistol grip and a 47 round magazine. The gun was often stripped of non-essential components in order to make it lighter. All the officically frowned upon this became standard practice for most pilots.