The question of when the first machine gun was made worries not only weapons historians, but also military equipment enthusiasts. This invention radically changed the course of wars of the 20th century, making burst fire accessible to one soldier. The first prototypes appeared at the end of the 19th century, but it was difficult to call them a full-fledged machine gun due to their bulkiness and unreliability.
The true breakthrough was the appearance of compact models during the First World War, when weapons were needed for assault operations. It was then that engineers were able to combine automatic reloading, pistol cartridge and controllability in one system. From that moment on, an era began where firepower became more important than the accuracy of single shots.
Prerequisites for creating automatic weapons
The development of technology at the end of the 19th century made it possible to create mechanisms that used the energy of powder gases or the recoil of the barrel. Before this, soldiers relied on hand-loading rifles, which severely limited the rate of fire in combat. Engineers were looking for a way to automate this process to increase the density of the fire.
One of the key moments was the emergence of smokeless powder, which polluted the mechanisms less and made it possible to make weapons more compact. The standardization of cartridges also played a role, which simplified logistics and production. Without these factors, creating a reliable automatic weapons it would be impossible.
Early experiments often ended in failure due to overheating of the barrel or jamming of the mechanisms. However, each prototype brought designers closer to understanding how an ideal machine should work. It was a technology race, where the winner was the one who could offer a more reliable solution.
Why were the early machines unsuccessful?
Early examples often weighed more than 10 kg, were extremely difficult to maintain and required frequent cleaning after each burst. In addition, they used rifle cartridges, which made them uncontrollable when firing in bursts.
The first machine gun in the world: models and prototypes
If we talk about when the first machine gun was made, we cannot fail to mention the Italian Beretta M1918 and German Bergmann MP18. It is these samples that are considered the first full-fledged assault rifles to enter service with armies. They appeared at the end of the First World War and showed high efficiency in trench battles.
German MP18 became a role model for many years. He used a blowback and a pistol magazine Luger P08, which made it relatively light and convenient. Soldiers valued it for its ability to create a barrage of fire at short distances, which was critical for assault groups.
- 🔫 MP18 - the first mass-produced machine gun, used by the German army since 1918.
- 🇮🇹 Beretta M1918 - Italian analogue, which had similar characteristics and purpose.
- 💥 The use of a 9x19 mm Parabellum pistol cartridge provided manageable recoil.
- 🛠️ The design allowed for quick replacement of the magazine, which increased the rate of fire.
It is important to note that the term “machine gun” was not yet established, and these samples were often called submachine guns. However, it was they who laid the foundation for all subsequent developments in this category of weapons. Their appearance marked the end of the era of rifles as the main infantry weapon.
World War II assault rifles: design evolution
During World War II, automatic weapons became widespread. If at the beginning of the conflict many armies still relied on rifles, by 1945 the machine gun had become the main weapon of the infantryman. The design was improved, becoming cheaper and more reliable in mass production.
Soviet PPSh-41 and German MP40 became symbols of this era. They were distinguished by their simplicity and effectiveness, making it possible to equip entire divisions with automatic weapons. Metal stamping technologies made it possible to reduce production costs, which was critically important in wartime conditions.
⚠️ Warning: Firing bursts from early models often resulted in rapid overheating of the barrel. Soldiers had to take care of their weapons and let them cool down to avoid jamming.
The Americans also contributed by creating Thompson, which, despite its high cost and weight, had a stopping effect. However, it was the simplicity and manufacturability of Soviet and German models that determined the further vector of development of small arms.
When studying the history of weapons, pay attention to the year the model was adopted into service - this helps to understand the context of its use in specific battles.
Comparative table of the first machines
To better understand the differences between the first samples, it is worth considering their technical characteristics in comparison. This will allow you to see the evolution of engineering and improvement in efficiency indicators.
| Model | Year | Caliber | Weight (kg) | Rate of fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergmann MP18 | 1918 | 9×19 mm | 5.2 | 500 rpm |
| Thompson M1921 | 1921 | 11.43×23 mm | 4.9 | 800 rpm |
| PPSh-41 | 1941 | 7.62×25 mm | 3.6 | 900 rpm |
| MP40 | 1940 | 9×19 mm | 3.9 | 500 rpm |
As can be seen from the table, the weight of the weapon rapidly decreased, and the rate of fire increased. This made the machine guns more mobile and deadly at close ranges. Engineers have learned to balance between cartridge power and weapon controllability.
Technical features of early mechanisms
The operating principle of the first machine guns was based on blowback automatics. This meant that the energy of the shot was used to roll back the bolt, remove the cartridge case and chamber a new cartridge. This scheme was simple, but required a massive shutter to delay its opening.
Later, automatic equipment with the removal of powder gases appeared, which made it possible to use more powerful cartridges. This was a step towards the creation of intermediate cartridges and new generation assault rifles, such as StG 44. It is this technology that forms the basis of modern systems.
- ⚙️ blowback - the simplest scheme where the shutter is not locked at the moment of firing.
- 🔥 Gas removal — part of the gases is discharged through a hole in the barrel to push the piston.
- 🔁 Long piston stroke - The piston and bolt carrier move together, ensuring reliability.
Differences in automation schemes affected the reliability and accuracy of combat. Engineers constantly sought a compromise between the complexity of the mechanism and its survivability in the field.
☑️ Signs of a reliable machine
The influence of machine guns on combat tactics
The advent of automatic weapons forced a rethink of infantry tactics. If previously soldiers acted in deployed formation and relied on volley fire, now the emphasis has shifted to small groups and dashes. The fire became denser and more continuous.
Assault operations became possible thanks to the ability of one soldier to suppress an enemy firing point. This changed the nature of street fighting and battles in wooded areas. Tactical flexibility became more important than numerical superiority.
⚠️ Attention: The high rate of fire of early machine guns often led to rapid consumption of ammunition. Soldiers had to carry additional magazines, which increased the load on their equipment.
This later led to the creation of specialized squads with machine gunners and submachine gunners, where each performed their role. The machine gun has become a symbol of modern warfare, where the speed of reaction and the density of fire decide the outcome of the battle.
The machine gun transformed the infantryman from a marksman making aimed shots into a bearer of heavy fire, capable of controlling the space in front of him.
Modern legacy and development of the concept
Today, assault rifles have come a long way in evolution, having acquired plastic stocks, Picatinny rails and modular systems. However, the basic principles laid down by the first designers remain unchanged. Reliability and simplicity are still a priority.
Modern examples such as AK-12 or M4, are direct descendants of those first models. They use intermediate cartridges and combined automatics, ensuring high accuracy even when firing in bursts.
Interest in the history of weapons does not fade, and the question “when was the first machine gun made” remains popular. Understanding the origins helps to better appreciate the achievements of modern engineering and the sacrifices that have been made for the sake of progress.
Which machine is considered the first in history?
The first full-fledged machine gun (submachine gun) is considered to be German Bergmann MP18, adopted for service in 1918. Although earlier prototypes existed, this was the first to be used en masse in combat.
What is the difference between an assault rifle and a submachine gun?
Historically, an “automatic” in Russia is often called a submachine gun (chambered for a pistol cartridge). A modern machine gun (assault rifle) uses an intermediate or rifle cartridge and has more complex automation.
Why did machine guns become widespread only during World War II?
Mass production required stamping technology and cheap materials, which only became available in the 1930s and 40s. Previously, weapons were too expensive and difficult to manufacture.