Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the general purpose machine guns (gpmg) category.
01 / Overview
Breda 38
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1938–1943
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG) · INTERWAR PERIOD
6
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the general purpose machine guns (gpmg) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- Service Entry Year1938
- DesignerBreda Meccanica Bresciana
- Weight (Empty)16.3 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
- Notable UsersItaly; Portugal
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
- Cartridge8×59mm RB Breda; 7.92×57mm Mauser
- Calibre8 mm
- Case Length59 mm
- Calibre Class8mm
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation7MOD.7
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesautomatic
- Select FireNo
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity24
- Cyclic Rate of Fire550
- Practical Rate of Fire350
◇Ballistics2MOD.2
- Muzzle Velocity770 m/s
- Effective Range (point)300 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length600 mm
- Sight Typeoptical (tank); temporary open sights (infantry)
- Optic RailNo
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
▤Construction4MOD.4
- Folding / Collapsing StockNo
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsNo
- Modularityadapted for infantry use with tripod and sights
⬢Features5MOD.5
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start1938
- Production End1943
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1938Production started
- 1939First deployment: World War II
- 1943Production ended
88
years in service
5
years in production
2
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG) RANKING General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) · Interwar Period
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
72GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)6INTERWAR PERIOD · GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)130ITALY · ALL WEAPONS67PERFORMANCE/PRICE · GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)
ⓘ Rankings are within theGeneral Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources