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Chauchat Automatic Rifle 1915

The French Chauchat model 1915 automatic rifle was the most common automatic weapon used by the Allies during World War 1. Over 262,000 were made, the majority chambered for the French Lebel 8×50 cartridge. When the American Expeditionary Forces arrived in France, they were issued with the Chauchat, firing the Lebel cartridge. Later attempts to re-chamber the Chauchat for the U.S. 30-06 cartridge failed mainly due to manufacturing errors.
Although the Chauchat magazine could hold 20 rounds, it was more reliable when loaded with a maximum of 18.

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