Deactivated WW2 Battle Of Britain Browning 303 Machine Gun

This is an early 2nd World War British .303 Browning aircraft gun, as seen fitted to most British fighter aircraft of the war, including such iconic types such as the Hurricane and Spitfire, each with up to 4 guns mounted per wing. This gun, with serial number B81383 is one of a batch produced by BSA in England in 1939 (B3582-B112085) with final inspection taking place in early 1940 making it a Battle of Britain contender (10 Jul 1940 – 31 Oct 1940). The gun is presented in "armourer configuration" that is to say that the pneumatic firing mechanism and ancilliaries have been removed. These British produced variants of the Browning were unique in utilising an open bolt firing mechanism, modified from the US closed bolt system as a means to keep the gun cool in operation due to the higher temperatures generated by the British cordite filled .303 ammunition.

The gun is deactivated with a moving bolt under spring tension with manual cocking lever.