MG 11

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	Weapon: MG 11 Type: Heavy Machine Gun Country of Origin: Switzerland Year Adopted: 1911 Overall Length (mm): 1100.0 Overall Length (in): 43.31 Weight (kg): 12.00 Weight (pounds): 26.46

The Swiss MG 11 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed, selective fire machine gun designed by the Swiss arms manufacturer Waffenfabrik Bern. It was introduced in 1911 and became the standard infantry machine gun of the Swiss Army. The design features a distinctive straight-line configuration, making it highly accurate, especially when mounted on a tripod. The MG 11 uses a unique, large-diameter recoil spring system, providing greater stability and reducing recoil during sustained fire. Its robust construction and reliable operation under various conditions have earned it a reputation for longevity.

Approximately 10,000 MG 11s were produced from 1911 to the early 1930s, with the gun seeing widespread use in the Swiss military throughout World War I and into the interwar period. While it did not see combat during World War I, it was actively deployed in Switzerland's defense during the tense years of the interwar period, particularly during the rise of global militarization. The gun's design was influenced by both the successful Swiss infantry tactics and the demand for a flexible, reliable support weapon that could be used in various roles, from mounted to infantry positions.

The MG 11 was gradually replaced by more modern designs, such as the MG 30, in the mid-1930s. Despite this, the MG 11 remains a historically significant weapon, known for its contribution to Swiss military defense during a time of increasing international tension. While not widely known outside of Swiss military circles, it remains notable for its advanced design, precision engineering, and long-lasting service life. The MG 11's distinctive features and role in Swiss military history have made it a subject of interest for firearms enthusiasts and historians alike.