Description
Object description
Fusil Mitrailleur M1924/29 light machinegun, gas operated, replaceable box magazine
Physical description
gun & bipod
barrel plugged, bipod cross-arm broken
Label
The FM24/29 was the standard light machine-gun or, more properly 'machine rifle' (fusil mitrailleur) of the French Army in 1940. It was undoubtedly the best firearm in French use at that period.
Having absorbed the lessons of the First World War, the French Army had started evaluation of new machine-rifles as early as 1921. However the process looked likely to founder when budgetary restrictions excluded the Army's favoured candidate - the American Browning Automatic Rifle. In 1923 however, the government arsenal at Châtellerault developed a locking system which would enable the production of a BAR-like weapon at an affordable price. This was adopted for service as the Fusil Mitrailleur M24.
It was chambered for a new 7.5mm cartridge, which had been developed with automatic weapons in mind, as the standard French 8mm round caused feed problems. Unfortunately this cartridge did not function well in the FM24; occasionally causing breech explosions. This and other problems led to a re-design of the cartridge, and a subsequent modification of the FM24 to accept it.
The resulting weapon, the FM24/29, proved very effective and remained in production until 1957. Its one major drawback was the fact that, unlike most similar weapons of its era, it did not feature a quick-change barrel. This is an important point as the heat generated by automatic fire can greatly accelerate barrel-wear.
1. stamped on right of receiver
2. stamped on top of barrel
1. Mle 1924 M29
2. AEG P M-29-270-N