Early US Army light machine gun, the Benet-Mercie was the first automatic rifle adopted by the US Army. Strip-fed, gas-operated. Replaced by the BAR. Semi-auto civilian reproductions rare. Type: Machine Gun Action: Semi-Automatic Caliber: 30-06 Springfield Capacity: 30 Year introduced: 1909, France Weight: 250 oz Overall length: 46.5" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: Military, Collector