Produced in (for the FG 42 lovers, in the eye-watering) 350 thousands of copies historically.
Seeing the Johnson LMG going at under 6 kg, the MG 81 at 6.5 (but without the buttstock and bipod)and the FG 42 at 5 kg - is there any merit in the BAR going the very light path? But not only for the Americans, but also the others, including the countries that were not historical users?
(granted, seems like the recoil mass of the Johnson was allowed to make an abrupt stop before moving forward, making the weapon to have a nasty kick; there was also no muzzle brake, despite it's utility on a light weapon firing a powerful cartridge)
Seeing the Johnson LMG going at under 6 kg, the MG 81 at 6.5 (but without the buttstock and bipod)and the FG 42 at 5 kg - is there any merit in the BAR going the very light path? But not only for the Americans, but also the others, including the countries that were not historical users?
(granted, seems like the recoil mass of the Johnson was allowed to make an abrupt stop before moving forward, making the weapon to have a nasty kick; there was also no muzzle brake, despite it's utility on a light weapon firing a powerful cartridge)