For our UK friends, a challenge...

[cvairwerks]

How would I go about finding out what UK company was involved in manufacturing the British version of the AN-M2 .30 cal machine gun? I'm searching for a number of AN-M2 .30 drawings and just ran across an IPB that lists the British part numbers. Another reference stated that the UK built a large number of the guns, but modified them to use the .303 round. I'd like to find copies of a number of the prints to use in building a replica of the AN-M2. I've got a full set of prints for the 1919A4, which is the basis for the AN-M2, but there are a few specific exterior parts that have different dimensions. I have query going for a couple of sight drawings on the 1919A4 board, and even the experts over there have not ever found any AN-M2 drawings.

 

[Snautzer01]

[email protected] might have a clue.
Big fan of his programs. Very knowledgeable. Very.

 

[ThomasP]

According to my notes:

The British .303 cal Browning Mk I thru II were license manufactured versions based on the Colt MG40 (I think). NOTE that the British made weapons were chambered for the .303 cal round from the beginning of series production.

Along with other minor modifications, there were 2 major modifications to the design:
1. The mechanism was modified to fire from an open bolt, vs the closed bolt operation of the original US pattern.
2. In order to increase the ROF, increase the belt-pulling forces, and prevent decreased ROF and/or increased stoppage due to build-up of powder residue in the mechanism, the British aircraft gun pattern used a recoil booster mounted on the end of the barrel.

For manufacturers I have BSA and Vickers as the major manufacturers in England, along with John Inglis and Co. of Canada. I do not know which of the aircraft and/or ground variants John Inglis manufactured.

 

[cvairwerks]

ThomasP: Any suggestions where I might start digging on maybe find some build drawings? I'm mainly interested in barrel shroud and barrel nut areas, as the exterior of the 1919 should be the same.

 

[ThomasP]

Not directly, sorry.

However, somewhere on the internet - a number of years ago - I ran across a digitized manual on the Colt MG40. I do no remember if it was only for the US pattern Colt MG40 or if it covered other nation's versions as well. I think it was from FN and was in Belgian(?). It had pictures, exploded views, and part numbers/lists.