POTD: Richard Davis 1919A6 – Commercial Browning with Bipod Mobility

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Richard William Davis manufactured Browning 1919A6 belt-fed machine gun built from a new-made sideplate and military surplus components. The A6 variant was developed during WWII in response to Germany’s MG34 and MG42, giving American troops a support weapon with faster tactical repositioning than tripod-mounted guns.

The late WWI-developed 1919 proved effective but lacked mobility. The A6 added a buttstock, bipod, and lighter barrel configuration, allowing one soldier to carry and operate the gun without a tripod. This addressed the tactical flexibility German MG crews demonstrated throughout the war.

Davis manufactured this commercially using the registered right sideplate marked with nomenclature and address. The “7,62” marked bolt indicates 7.62mm NATO/.308 Winchester compatibility rather than original .30-06. Features include A4 pattern heat shield around the barrel, flip-up blade front and ladder rear sights, checkered pistol grip, and detachable buttstock.

Included is an extra A6 pattern heat shield with swiveling and folding bipod, gauges, and an American Gunsmithing Institute DVD technical manual. Richard Davis built quality transferable machine guns during the period before the 1986 Hughes Amendment closed the registry.

Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!

“Davis 1919A6 Browning, Class III/NFA Machine Gun.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1358/davis-1919a6-browning-class-iiinfa-machine-gun. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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