The myth of the easy machine gun

The Star ^ | 5/21/6 | Michael Bowers

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And if I remember correctly, most full auto versions fire from and open bolt configuration where semi-auto's use a closed and locked configuration

It's pretty much unheard of in modern rifle calibers, but some pistol caliber full autos will fire from an open bolt.

Largely to disapproval from the BATF for open-bolt semiauto designs for resale to *civilians*. But the neatest of designs have been open bolt in full-auto, to promote better cooling and prevent *runaway gun* cookoffs of the chambered ammunition, but closed bolt when fired semiauto. The WWII German FG42 was one such, and at least some versions of the Johnson Automatic Rifle.