It’s not uncommon to find a variety of belt-fed, full-auto rental options at gun ranges across the US, but this classic WWI LMG is rare sight.
Combat technology moved forward in leaps and bound throughout the Great War, and the changes came over an incredibly short period of time. One of the most noteworthy new weapons was the influx of light machine guns. The Lewis automatic rifle was used throughout the British Empire and is known for its signature cooling shroud and top mounted carousel magazine. The distinctive weapon remained in service from 1914 through 1953.
The Lewis gun could be chambered in .303 British, .30-06 Springfield, or 7.92×57 Mauser. Firing at 500-600 rounds per minute, the Lewis offered the British forces unprecedented firepower from a one-man weapon. At 28 lbs, the Lewis was merely half the weight of similar machine guns of the WWI era allowing it to me carried and operated by a single soldier.
If you ever have the opportunity to fire one of these, we suggest you take it.