The FN Model D was the most fully developed variant of the venerable Browning Automatic Rifle. Introduced in 1932 by Fabrique Nationale (with whom Browning had collaborated extensively prior to his death in 1926), the FN-D had a number of significant improvements over the standard BAR. It used a pistol grip instead of a traditional stock, a shorter quick-change barrel, improved rate-reducing mechanism, and simplified disassembly procedure. The locking system of the gun and general receiver design remained identical to the standard BAR.

FN model D light machine gun with bipod
FN model D light machine gun with bipod

One of the main complaints against the BAR in combat was its fixed barrel. The concept of an automatic rifle for walking fire was obsolete virtually as soon as it was introduced, and the BAR in combat tended to be used as a light machine gun. The fixed barrel was easy to overheat, and American armorers were regularly replacing destroyed barrels on front-line BARs. The FN-D addressed this issue by finning the barrel for better heat dispersion and allowing it to be easily changed. In addition, the FN-D mounted its bipod on the end of the gas cylinder instead of the barrel itself. This reduced the weight and bulk of spare barrels (a lesson that would have been wise for the later M60 designers to take note of).

FN-D cutaway showing action and trigger mechanism
FN-D cutaway showing action and trigger mechanism

The FN model D continued the use of the fire control mechanism from the original BAR, with “slow” and “fast” (350 and 600 rounds per minute, respectively) instead of a semiauto and fullauto selector. They were also made in two receiver types, one for .30-06 caliber and one about 1/4 inch shorter for shorter cartridges (primarily the 7×57, 8×57, and 7.62 NATO). The 7.62 NATO variant was designated the FN-DA1, and used the same magazine as FN’s FAL rifle. In addition to factory-made conversions for 7.62mm, the Israeli military also converted many 8mm FN-D machine guns to 7.62 NATO, and these kits can still occasionally be found in the US. Magazines for the 7×57 and 8×57 guns are identical, and both they and the slightly longer .30-06 magazines are distinguished by the large “X” stamped in them.

FN-D and FN-DA1 magazines
FN-D and FN-DA1 magazines

 

Manuals

FN-D Manual (English)
FN-D Manual (English)
FN-D Parts Catalog (1961, French and Dutch)
FN-D Parts Catalog (1961, French and Dutch)

 

5 Comments

  1. Hi Ian,

    I am a big fan (literally!)

    Looking at the Forgotten Weapons merchandise, I noted two items that I would like to have but which are not available. First, plus sizes. I buy 4X tall T-shirts because after many washings they shrink to my size. Same for the bomber jacket, which even a 3X would fit me.
    Second, none of the T-shirts have pockets. This is a must have feature for some of us.

    Love the website and your shows. The Colt Monitor is so cool I wish I could go back in time and buy one. Unfortunately I live in California where short sighted gun fearing liberals rule the land. Still, I have decent arsenal of small arms.

  2. I have a butt plate with the words engraved in it, it appears to be made of wood. It says Browning automatic around the outside and capital FN in the middle when you hold it vertically. Can you tell me did it come off of these guns? Thanks

  3. Today we are heading to Dallas to pick up a pre-sample FN-D in 8mm, 30-06 along with the 7.62 nato conversation.

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