Chapter 496 BAR Automatic Rifle

Out of consideration for "fleecing the sheep", Charles was hesitant about the authorization of directional mines and land mines.

"This may not seem like a big deal, but it concerns the survival of France, Your Majesty." Charles looked at Albert I with a sincere apology on his face: "You know, we relied on these mines to stop the German attack in Verdun. Once the secret is leaked and the Germans discover the weakness, which endangers the safety of Verdun, the consequences will be disastrous!"

"I know, Brigadier General!" Albert I replied quickly, "But we are the enemy of the Germans. We will strictly abide by its confidentiality regulations. We also don't want the Germans to discover the weaknesses of the mines."

Ciel shook his head in embarrassment: "I may not be able to help you, or at least not now."

Although he said this, he was thinking in his heart: the Germans can dig up a few and take them back for research at any time, so there is actually no secret about it. The biggest secret of landmines is that we are not sure where they are buried.

Albert I, who didn't know what was going on, was anxious: "But we urgently need it. Mines can slow down the German attack, and directional mines can kill the enemy in large numbers, which is very useful for the guerrillas."

Then he added: "If the guerrillas can win, it will also reduce the casualties and pressure on the French army, Brigadier General."

Charles then realized that Albert I needed these things not only to build a "fortress defense system", but also for the guerrillas or for Belgium's poorly trained army.

This is a good idea. Landmines do not require high military quality. A civilian who knows nothing can also carry out mine warfare after one hour of training.

However, Charles remained silent. The more you need it, the more bargaining chips I have.

Boyata proposed an attractive condition: "We are willing to give you more profits, Brigadier General, for example, you can get 60% of the profits."

Landmines are a "small profit but quick turnover" business. Even if the profit is pitifully small, it will still generate considerable profits due to the huge demand.

But Ciel remained unmoved: "Sorry, sometimes equipment cannot be measured by money and profit."

Boyata looked at Albert I helplessly. He had done his best and would not make any money if he continued to give in.

There was also a hint of disappointment in Albert I's eyes.

Browning then took a small step forward and said, "What if we had equipment to trade with you, Brigadier General?"

"Exchange?" Charles turned to Browning, puzzled.

I was secretly happy that this guy finally took the bait.

"Yes." Browning nodded.

A hint of sarcasm hung on Charles's lips: "Do you have anything worth exchanging with us?"

Charles was trying to provoke Browning into taking out his most valuable possession.

"I've been researching a gun recently." Browning took out a gray notebook from his pocket and opened it. He quickly found a page and handed it to Charles: "This is a rifle, but it can fire continuously like a machine gun!"

It turned out to be BAR. Charles understood it instantly after looking at the sketch.

(The picture above shows the M1918 automatic rifle developed by Browning in 1917, referred to as BAR. It looks like an automatic rifle but is actually a light machine gun. It was only used as an automatic rifle in an era when there were no automatic rifles.)

Charles looked at the sketch and asked knowingly, "It looks more like a light machine gun, Mr. Browning."

"Yes, you have reason to think so," Browning explained:

"But its function is a rifle. I plan to use a thin barrel, remove the bipod, and make a series of simplifications. I estimate that the weight is only about 15 kilograms."

"That makes it fundamentally different from a machine gun."

"We all know that a machine gun must be operated by two or more people, and it is a single-soldier weapon in the hands of infantrymen!"

(Note: The BAR weighs 14.5 pounds when empty, while the rotary machine gun weighs 18.2 pounds. The difference is even greater if the magazine is included, because the BAR is fed by a 20-round magazine, which makes it easier for a single soldier to operate without the need for a loader)

Hearing this, Tijani, who was discussing the progress of the Verdun war with his staff a few meters away, was attracted.

A single-soldier rifle that can fire continuously?

And they use rifle bullets with long range and great power?

This is the dream of almost all frontline soldiers, and officers as well!

Tijani unconsciously put down what he was doing, walked over quickly to stare at the sketch, and asked Browning half-doubtfully: "Can it really be realized?"

Browning nodded confidently: "I even produced a prototype, General, and I believe it will not fail you."

Tijani then asked, "Are you going to exchange this gun for mines?"

"Yes, General," Browning replied, but then added, "And directional mines, anti-tank mines, and jumping mines."

This is the necessary rigor for an arms dealer, otherwise it is easy for others to take advantage of loopholes.

Tijani turned his gaze to Charles, his eyes burning with passion, as if to say, Switch it, Brigadier General, what are you waiting for? We need this equipment!

But Charles was calm. He asked Browning: "Have you ever thought about the taper of French ammunition, sir?"

Browning was stunned. He really hadn't thought about it.

But he quickly calmed down: "I heard that the 'Saint-Etienne' Arsenal has successfully developed a new type of ammunition, an ammunition without the taper problem, but 'Saint-Etienne' did not have time to develop a new gun."

This is a fact. It is a 7.5MM rimless rifle bullet copied from the Mauser rifle bullet. The "Saint-Etienne" Arsenal has already produced it in small batches and is developing a new rifle.

Charles continued to find fault:

"But the problem with a thin barrel is that the firepower is not sustainable. If a single soldier is fighting, he cannot replace the barrel."

"And the recoil during continuous shooting is too great, and ordinary soldiers may not be able to bear it."

"There is also the issue of weight. 15 catties is still much heavier than an ordinary rifle. How do you solve these problems?"

Browning was speechless when asked this question. He had also been troubled by these questions, but he did not expect that Charles could easily answer them with just one look at the sketch.

Charles knew the solution, which was to develop intermediate-power bullets and produce a true assault rifle.

But of course, Charles would not point it out, otherwise it would not be "Saint-Etienne" but FN that produced the assault rifle.

After staring at the sketch for a while, Ciel answered reluctantly:

"Well, although it has many shortcomings, the battlefield may indeed need this gun."

"I agree to the exchange, but it must satisfy me, at least to the performance you described."

Browning nodded repeatedly: "Of course, Brigadier General, I promise!"

Albert I breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward to shake Charles' hand: "Thank you, Brigadier General, thank you very much!"

Charles sighed in his heart, this is the fate of a small country, being fleeced but still having to be grateful!

(End of this chapter)