.345 Winchester Self-Loading Explained

.345 Winchester Self-Loading / 8.8x34mm WSL
Origin:United States
Type:Rifle
Designer:Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Case Type:Semi-rimmed, straight
Bullet:.345
Primer:Small rifle

The .345 Winchester Self-Loading (.345 WSL / .345 Winchester Machine Rifle) or 8.8x34mm WSL is a rimless, rifle cartridge in a "cylindrical" shape, created in 1917 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.[1]

It was designed for aircraft use, but there was also an alternate barrel with bayonet attachment for ground use. The rifle was the Winchester-Burton Machine Rifle, also known as the Winchester Model 1917 and was developed by Frank F. Burton.[2] Little documentation on the rifle survives, but it was believed to have been intended for use as an anti-balloon weapon.[1] [3]

History

During the outbreak of the First World War, observation balloons were essential for both sides of the front.[4] These static balloons inflated with hydrogen, became targets for airmen on both sides, and were defended by anti-aircraft batteries and patrol fighters.[5]

To face these balloons, conventional ammunition proved to be inefficient, and other alternatives were sought.[6] In 1916, French officer Yves le Prieur created a rocket system powered by electricity, but its range was limited. In 1917, tracer and incendiary ammunition was being developed to target these balloons.[1] [5]

To meet this need, Frank F. Burton of Winchester, developed the "Burton Light Machine Rifle", a selective fire blowback rifle, with selection of rate of fire to be used in observation and surveillance planes, the first practical version of which was ready in 1917.[7] [8] [9] For this rifle, he adapted the .351 WSL cartridge into a rimless cartridge, firing an incendiary Spitzer bullet, resulting in the .345 Winchester Self-Loading.[1] [10]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 345 Winchester Machine Rifle . cartridgecollector.net . 2021-01-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20230329060254/https://www.cartridgecollector.net/345-winchester-machine-rifle. March 29, 2023 .
  2. https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/139141156104/the-winchester-burton-machine-rifle-the
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20230326162830/https://smallarmsreview.com/americas-first-assault-rifle/ Small Arms Review: America's First Assault Rifle, by James L Ballou. December 2010, 14(3)
  4. https://cartridgecollector.net/cartridge/345-winchester-machine-rifle/
  5. Web site: The Winchester-Burton Machine Rifle . Historical Firearms . 2021-01-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20210208190618/https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/139141156104/the-winchester-burton-machine-rifle-also-used-a. February 8, 2021 .
  6. https://centerofthewest.org/2019/09/03/museum-minute-rifle-ahead-time/
  7. Web site: The Mysterious Burton Machine Rifle ft. Danny Michael of the Cody Firearms Museum. June 4, 2023. The Armourer's Bench. youtube.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20230606164418/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIOIiRSQrvk&themeRefresh=1. June 6, 2023.
  8. Web site: The Mysterious Burton Machine Rifle. June 4, 2023. The Armourer's Bench. https://web.archive.org/web/20230606163426/https://armourersbench.com/2023/06/04/the-mysterious-burton-machine-rifle/. June 6, 2023.
  9. Web site: Burton Light Machine Rifle. October 13, 2019. Recoil Magazine. Hlebinsky. Ashley. https://web.archive.org/web/20230203134054/https://www.recoilweb.com/burton-light-machine-rifle-153579.html. February 3, 2023.
  10. Web site: Forgotten Weapons: The 1917 Burton Light Machine Rifle . Popular Mechanics . 2016-07-01 . 2021-01-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20230501142430/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a21631/forgotten-weapons-americas-first-assault-rifle/. May 1, 2023 .

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