General Electric M73E1

[woodsy]

These guns were developed in the 1950's for use in tanks and were not very successful. This one is the first I have seen, and Dolf Goldsmith tells me that he knows of none in private hands in the US. This one was in a NZ auction a couple of weeks ago and I suspect that it may have come from Vietnam. I am fairly sure that it is unique in NZ. Anyway, here are some photos of a seldom seen gun.

[britplumber]

I've seen these before and always thought they looked wrong in comparison to a Browning. It looks like it shouldnt work, I guess it uses somthing other than return springs as there dosnt look like space for recoiling parts and return springs.

Did you buy this one then Rod?

[woodsy]

Chris, I did not buy but I have the chance to get it if I want it. I am still chewing that over. The barrel extension recoils just like the M1919 Browning but there is a lever system on a cam track that flicks the very short bolt back after it has recoiled about 19mm. The two return springs are visible in the photo with cover open. The action works quite smoothly but they gave a lot of trouble in service and were withdrawn in favour of the M240 (MAG).

[Kev]

Thanks for the pics and info Rod,looks very interesting.

ATB Kevin