Vitali FM 1913

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Fucile Mitragliatore 1913
Automatic Rifle 1913
VitaliFM1913.jpg
TypeAutomatic rifle
Light machine gun
Place of originCacertianEmpireFlag.png Cacertian Empire
Service history
In service1913 - 1924
Used byCacertianEmpireFlag.png Cacertian Empire
WarsDivide War
Production history
Designed1906
ManufacturerVitali Heavy Industries
Produced1913 - 1920
Specifications
Weight9.07 kg
Length1,143 mm
Barrel length470 mm

Cartridge8×50mmR Durante
ActionLong recoil, gas assisted
Rate of fire240 RPM (Rounds per Minute)
Muzzle velocity630 m/s
Effective firing range200 m
Maximum firing range2,000 m
Feed system15-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron sights

The Vitali FM 1913 (Italian: Fucile Mitragliatore 1913; “Automatic Rifle 1913”) was the first machine rifle of the Cacertian Royal Army and saw use during the Divide War. Beginning in 1914, the FM 1913 was placed into regular service with the Cacertian infantry where it earned the nickname “Bouncing Betty” as a result of its long and heavy recoil. Combining a pistol grip, in-line stock, and a detachable magazine, the FM 1913 was one of the first automatic rifle-caliber weapons designed specifically to be carried and fired by a single operator.

The muddy conditions in Syara during the Divide War revealed several weaknesses in the design of the FM. The single-stack box magazines were made of thin metal and were prone to damage, resulting in stoppages and feeding issues. Overheating was a major problem with the FM, with the barrel sleeve jamming and remaining in the retracted position after being used for sustained fire.