Chauchat 1915 Machine Gun 3D Model

This is a scale accurate Chauchat light machine model. The main Lightwave object is built to animate or be taken apart for interior mechanisms. The Chauchat machine rifle was one of the first light, full automatic rifle caliber weapons designed to be carried and fired by a single operator and an assistant, without a heavy tripod or a team of gunners. It set a precedent for several subsequent 20th century firearm projects, being a portable yet full power automatic weapon built inexpensively and in very large numbers. The Chauchat combined a pistol grip, an in-line stock, a detachable magazine, and a selective fire capability in a compact package of manageable weight (20 pounds) for a single soldier. Furthermore, it could be fired from the hip and while walking (marching fire). In shape and intended function the Chauchat, in spite of all its imperfections, may be considered as an early forerunner of the assault rifle concept. Originally made for the 8x50mmR Lebel ammunition, this model comes with one round accurately modeled. The projectile and cartridge are separate layers in the original LW model. Modeled in LW 11.0 there is an OBJ and FBX format version as well. This gun was used by both US and French troops in WWI, called the "Sho-Sho" by US GI's. Using the original 8mm Lebel ammo, it performed well. When the US Army asked for newer versions to be machined for their .30-06 ammo, the results were terrible. Jamming and interrupted extractions were the biggest issues. This model is based on the original 8mm manufaturing specs. This model in non-subdivisable.