Ohio Ordnance Works
I have had a chance to do a little work with Ohio Ordnance Works. The company makes a plethora of iconic firearms designs in semi-automatic fashion for the domestic market, also fulfilling government contracts. Recently, OOW entered a bid for SOCOM’s new belt-fed machine gun with the REAPR.
Related: Fear the REAPR – Ohio Ordnance’s New .338 Norma Mag SOCOM Machine Gun
While all of that makes Ohio Ordnance an incredible brand, what captivates me is the company’s BAR. As an avid lover of American firearms history, I am saddened that some distinguished designs have fallen out of production and are nearly impossible to find and own. Thankfully, Ohio Ordnance is returning at least one of those designs into production. The dedication to craftsmanship in reviving this design is extremely commendable.
The OOW 1918A3 BAR
So, let’s talk about this faithful reproduction of the Browning Automatic Rifle. Ohio Ordnance Works markets this version of the BAR as a 1918A3, which is notable as there was not an actual A3 designation for the military service BAR. Ohio Ordnance’s A3 designation signifies a post-World War II rifle, with many of the features from the A2.
Related: The Browning M1918 BAR – Walking Fire
The Ohio Ordnance BAR is chambered for .30-06 and weighs 19.4 pounds unloaded. The hefty rifle features a 24-inch barrel and feeds from standard 20-round BAR magazines. The 1918A3 package can includes some accessories that came from the World War II version, such as a muzzle-device-mounted bipod and a barrel-mounted wood carry handle.
The rifle also includes two 20-round magazines, an Otis cleaning kit, and a manual with some patches.
Summary
When I took this rifle out of the box for the first time, I had to pinch myself a little bit. I expect that feeling to continue when I take it to the range. This heavy beast chambered in an all-American caliber deserves a proper review. We will take her to the range, run her through her paces, and show off the good American firearms craftsmanship Ohio Ordnance Works offers.
I will warn you: start saving your money now, because once you watch this BAR in action, you’re going to want one.
