Bergmann MG15 nA Gun

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Bergmann MG15
Country	Germany
Inventor	Theodor Bergmann and Louis Schmeisser
Cartridge	7.92x57mm Mauser
Action	short recoil
Rate of fire	500rpm
Muzzle velocity	890mps(2925fps)
Effective range	2000m(6600ft)plus
Weight (unloaded)	12.9 kg (28.5 lbs)
Length	1120mm (44in.)
Barrel length	726mm (28.5in), 4 grooves, right-hand twist
Feed system	200 round metal link belt

The Bergmann MG15 was the World War I production version of a prototype designed in 1910, brainchild of Theodor Bergmann and Louis Schmeisser. It was somewhat ahead of its time, using aluminium. It first used a box magazine before to use a 75 rounds drum with an adaptor allowing its use without transformation of the weapon. It used a lock system patented by Theodor Bergmann in 1901 along with the principle of short recoil operation. Initially water cooled for ground use, it was superseded during the war by the air cooled for aircraft use MG15Na (the previous water jacket was replaced by a slotted metal barrel surround) and featured a pistol grip and trigger, a recoil pad fitted to the rear of the receiver, a tripod mounting. The MG15Na was a fine gun which served into the 1930s, but the dominance of the Maxim '08 during the war meant it never acquired much enthusiasm from military officials. It inspired the Rheinmetall Solothurn MG 30, the precursor of the GPMG MG 34. it was reused as MG 15 machine gun by the Luftwaffe for the bombers after transformation as by Rheinmetall Borsig between 1936 and 1940 to obtain a rate of fire of 1000 RPM instead of 500 RPM. after 1940, they will be converted again for ground use but will retain their high rate of fire. This was a drawback since they were not cooled enough when used in ground use rendering them unable to operate after shooting a few drums.