British BESA Mark III Machine Gun Parts Set Original Items

Original Item: Think massive. This machine gun, adapted from the Czechoslovakian MG 37, was used very widely in World War II by British forces as an AFV (armored fighting vehicle) gun, in both the coaxial and bow-mounted configurations. The bolt and internal action bears a striking resemblance to that used in the famous British BREN light machine gun, also derived from a Czechoslovakian design. Both Czech guns were used in large quantities by the German Wehrmacht during the war.

Although ungainly looking, the BESA was extraordinarily durable, and anyone with an interest in automatic weapons of the WW II era should take a look at it. The massiveness of the gun comes from the receiver, which is one very large, solid machined block of steel. The very massiveness of the gun made is especially suitable for use in armored vehicles. Guns made like this could not be made today, simply because of the huge cost of the metal work involved.

This parts set comes with a demilitarized receiver, barrel, pistol grip group, top cover, and all the internal parts. IMA is also providing a copy of three wartime British Ministry Of Defense manuals that cover operation, stripping, parts identification, and ammunition:

Royal Armoured Corps Military Training Pamphlet No. 35, Part 7: Medium Machine Gun (BESA 7.92 mm) 1940

GUNS MACHINE BESA ILLUSTRATED IDENTIFICATION LIST July 1944

SERVICE INSTRUCTION BOOK, CHURCHILL VII & VIII, Chapter on 7.92 MM BESA MACHINE GUNS MARKS II, II*, III, III*

Unlike most other British rifle-caliber small arms of the war, the BESA was not chambered for the .303 British rimmed cartridge. Instead, it retained the 7.92 x 57 mm caliber of the original Czech design. This eliminated the requirement for extensive redesign. It added an additional caliber to production requirements but also allowed the use of captured German 7.92 ammunition.

In addition to the BESA parts set, IMA is introducing ammunition belts and boxes. The belt is one of the most unusual ever made. See Product No. BB5001 for photographs and a description of this accessory.