The Maxim Model 1910 Machinegun

The 1910 Maxim was the standard medium/heavy machinegun of the Russian Army in the Great War. Most of the nations that went to war in 1914 used a variation of the Maxim and in the Russian Army it remained in front line service until well after the Great Patriotic War.

Determined looking frontoviki prepare to defend their camp with a 1910 Maxim

The Model 1910 replaced the Model 1905 Maxim, many of which served throughout the World War and the Civil War that followed.

Part of the enduring success of the Maxim is the simplicity of the design, relatively easy to manufacture and more importantly easy to maintain in the field. It is belt-fed and employs a recoil system to keep the gun firing (click here for a detailed explanation on how machineguns work) and in Russian service utilised the same 7.62mmX54R cartridge that the Three Line Rifle employed.

The barrel is covered by a fluted steel jacket which encases a water cooling system. The system is filled through a small filler cap at the back of the jacket. After sustained firing the barrel heats up and eventually the water bolis and turns to steam. The steam is drawn through a condensing pipe and runs out through a rubber hose to a waiting receptical (usually an old petrol can) ready to be re-used.

The Russian Maxim used a heavy armoured shield to provide the gunner with a modicum of protection. The gun is heavy, even more so with the shield, and to give it a degree of mobility it is mounted on a wheeled mounting called the Sokolov after its designer.