Breda 38

Breda

Industry	Firearms manufacturing
Products	Machine guns, including Mitragliatrice Breda calibro 8 modello 38

The Mitragliatrice Breda calibro 8 modello 38 per carri armati served as an Italian tank machine gun during the Second World War, being mounted on vehicles such as the Fiat L6/40, Fiat M11/39, and Fiat M13/40. Additionally, it was modified for infantry use. This model derives from the earlier Breda M37. The German military designated the Breda 38 as Kampfwagen-Maschinengewehr 350(i).

Development

File:Breda Mod.38 binate m13.jpg

Hull-mounted twin Breda Mod. 38 in a Fiat M13/40 tank

Besides its role in armored vehicles, the weapon was also converted for infantry deployment. For infantry application, the gun was mounted on a tripod using a specific adapter and equipped with provisional open sights—a rear sight positioned on the right side of the receiver and a front sight near the muzzle on the barrel’s right side—replacing the optical sights used when installed in tanks.

Design details

This firearm operates with air cooling and utilizes a gas-operated mechanism, feeding ammunition from a magazine. It features a barrel designed for rapid replacement. The design emphasizes simplicity and allows for straightforward disassembly or complete field stripping. The barrel’s substantial weight (4.5 kg) supports sustained firing without overheating during rapid bursts.

External links

• Variant of the Breda Model 38