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I have been searching thru a couple of reference books and looking on-line trying to learn a bit more about the .303 Hotchkiss Portable / Portative.
I know it feeds from (inverted) stamped steel feed strips, but what really caught my attention is the 50 round segmented belts.
These were for the aircraft & vehicle mounted guns.
I have seen some mention and non-detailed images of the left side mounted cartridge collection bag (looks like chain mail) and a right side mounted "hopper" into which the rolled up 50 round segmented belt was placed.
I have seen nothing about how these attach or good images to show how they were constructed.
I know that something has to be done about clearing the cartridge ejection as the segmented belt will hang down and cause stoppages.
These guns were used thru two World Wars and for a military weapon that served for so long in so many places there isn't much written about them.
They also were used by the Navy, Air Forces and Army / Cavalry of these countries.
And, these guns were fitted into the tanks and armored cars of WWI.
Does anyone have more detailed info about the mounts and feeding of this gun?
I know it feeds from (inverted) stamped steel feed strips, but what really caught my attention is the 50 round segmented belts.
These were for the aircraft & vehicle mounted guns.
I have seen some mention and non-detailed images of the left side mounted cartridge collection bag (looks like chain mail) and a right side mounted "hopper" into which the rolled up 50 round segmented belt was placed.
I have seen nothing about how these attach or good images to show how they were constructed.
I know that something has to be done about clearing the cartridge ejection as the segmented belt will hang down and cause stoppages.
These guns were used thru two World Wars and for a military weapon that served for so long in so many places there isn't much written about them.
They also were used by the Navy, Air Forces and Army / Cavalry of these countries.
And, these guns were fitted into the tanks and armored cars of WWI.
Does anyone have more detailed info about the mounts and feeding of this gun?








