The M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) is an American select-fire rifle chambered for .30-06 Springfield cartridge and designed by John Browning in 1917 for the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe as a replacement for the Chauchat. Though it is technically not a light machine gun and actually closer to present-day definition of a battle rifle, the BAR was frequently issued for support gunner role.
The weapon is recognizable through its straight 20-round magazine, rectangular one-piece forearm, and a flip up rear sight with a windage knob which is protected by sturdy "ears" on the sides.
This tag also applies to its foreign variants, such as the Polish Browning wz. 28, the French MAS mle 1922 with X-shaped stampings on the magazine, and many others. Notice that most of them have additional pistol grip and fins (vertical ribs) on the barrel to assist cooling.
