Chapter 496: The BAR Automatic Rifle
From a purely profit-minded perspective, Charles appeared hesitant about granting authorization for directional mines and landmines.
"This may seem trivial, Your Majesty, but it concerns the survival of France itself," Charles explained, looking apologetically toward King Albert I. "As you know, at Verdun, we rely on these mines to halt the German advances. Should their secrets fall into enemy hands and weaknesses become exposed, Verdun itself would be gravely endangered!"
"I understand fully, General!" Albert replied hastily. "But Belgium is Germany's enemy. We'll strictly adhere to secrecy protocols. We too don't want the Germans discovering these mines' weaknesses."
Charles shook his head with feigned reluctance. "I may not be able to help you—at least, not now."
However, in reality, Charles knew the Germans could dig up and analyze the mines at any time. The mine's only real secret was uncertainty about their location.
Not realizing this, Albert became anxious. "But we desperately need these mines! They can slow the German advance significantly. Directional mines, in particular, are crucial for guerrilla warfare and could greatly reduce casualties and pressure on your French troops as well."
Now Charles understood Albert didn't merely intend to reinforce the "fortress defense system." He also needed mines urgently for guerrilla warfare—or more accurately, for Belgium's poorly trained troops. Indeed, mines were ideal weapons for troops lacking training. A civilian could effectively lay mines after just an hour of instruction.
Still, Charles maintained silence. The greater Belgium's desperation, the stronger Charles's bargaining position.
Boyata made a tempting offer: "General, we could provide greater profits to you—perhaps as much as sixty percent."
Mines were low-margin, high-volume weapons. Even small profits multiplied by vast demand yielded considerable returns. Yet Charles remained unmoved. "My apologies, gentlemen. Sometimes weapons cannot be measured purely by money and profit."
Boyata looked helplessly at Albert, signaling he'd reached his limit. Further concessions meant no profit at all. Albert also showed disappointment.
At that moment, Browning took a step forward. "What if we offered a weapon in exchange, General?"
"Exchange?" Charles glanced curiously at Browning, secretly delighted he'd finally taken the bait.
"Yes," Browning confirmed.
A faint smirk crossed Charles's lips. "Do you have anything worth trading?"
This subtle provocation aimed to prompt Browning into revealing something truly valuable.
"I've been working on a new rifle," Browning explained eagerly, removing a gray notebook from his pocket, flipping through pages rapidly before handing a sketch to Charles. "It's a rifle, yet capable of firing continuously like a machine gun!"
Instantly recognizing the sketch, Charles thought to himself: Ah, the BAR.
(The Browning Automatic Rifle—BAR—developed in 1917 by John Browning, functioned essentially as a lightweight machine gun but was classified as an automatic rifle because true automatic rifles had yet to emerge at the time.)
Examining the sketch deliberately, Charles questioned knowingly, "It looks more like a light machine gun, Mr. Browning."
"You'd be justified in thinking that," Browning acknowledged quickly. "But its intended role is as an infantryman's rifle. I've used a lighter barrel, omitted the bipod, and simplified the design considerably, reducing its weight to approximately 15 pounds."
"This distinguishes it fundamentally from machine guns, which typically require multiple operators. My rifle is designed specifically as a single-soldier weapon!"
(Note: BAR weighed around 14.5 pounds empty, compared to the heavier Chauchat machine gun at 18.2 pounds. Additionally, BAR's use of a 20-round magazine facilitated easier handling by a single soldier, unlike heavier machine guns requiring ammunition bearers.)
From across the room, Tijani, busy discussing Verdun's battles with his staff, overheard Browning's description and suddenly turned, intrigued.
A single-soldier, fully automatic rifle using powerful rifle ammunition?
It was every frontline soldier's—and officer's—dream weapon!
Tijani abandoned his previous conversation, rushing forward to examine the sketch eagerly. "Can this truly be built?" he asked skeptically.
Browning nodded confidently. "I've even built a prototype, Colonel. It won't disappoint you."
"You propose exchanging this rifle for mines?" Tijani pressed.
"Yes, Colonel," Browning confirmed carefully, adding, "And directional mines, anti-tank mines, and bouncing mines."
Tijani gazed expectantly toward Charles, silently pleading, Accept the exchange, General—we desperately need such weapons!
But Charles feigned indifference, challenging Browning further, "Have you considered French ammunition's tapering issues?"
Browning paused, momentarily stunned. Truthfully, he hadn't considered that.
Recovering quickly, Browning responded, "I've heard Saint-Étienne has developed a new, rimless 7.5mm cartridge without such issues—although no new rifle for it yet exists."
This was true; Saint-Étienne had recently developed a small batch of rimless 7.5mm cartridges, based closely on the German Mauser design.
Charles pressed further: "But using a thinner barrel inevitably means poor sustained fire capability—and no easy way to swap barrels in battle."
"Continuous fire also means heavy recoil that average soldiers may struggle with."
"And, despite simplifications, it remains significantly heavier than standard infantry rifles. How will you resolve all these issues?"
Browning stared speechlessly. These were precisely the problems he'd encountered. Charles, having merely glanced briefly, had effortlessly pointed out all BAR's weaknesses.
Charles actually knew the solution: developing an intermediate cartridge and creating a true assault rifle. But naturally, Charles wouldn't reveal this critical insight—otherwise FN, not Saint-Étienne, would produce the world's first assault rifles.
After carefully examining the sketch once more, Charles finally relented, though begrudgingly, "Very well. Despite numerous drawbacks, the battlefield does indeed require such a weapon."
"I'll agree to the exchange—but the rifle must fully satisfy my requirements and meet all your stated capabilities."
Browning nodded vigorously, relieved. "Absolutely, General—I guarantee it!"
Albert visibly relaxed, stepping forward to shake Charles's hand gratefully. "Thank you, General! We're truly grateful!"
Charles sighed inwardly. Such was the fate of small countries—even while being fleeced, they remained sincerely thankful!
(End of Chapter 496)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1