M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)

My father told me a story about the BAR. He was with the 91st Inf Div and at the end of WWII they were along the Italian/Yugoslav border. They had nothing to do so one day they set up the BAR, aimed it at a tree some distance away, and took turns "target-shooting." The tree was about 12-14 inches across. They were told they had to get rind of all excess ammo so they decided to shoot it up rather than go through the paperwork to turn it in.
Someone wondered aloud if they cut the tree down with the rifle. So, wagers were made as to how long it would take, and each day various soldiers would go over and fire a magazine or two. The BAR was stabilized with sandbags so it would remain zeroed. They had an abundance of ammo.
I forget how long he said it took, and how much ammo was used but eventfully the tree fell.

Bored GIs will do just about anything,,,

BAR, 1917A4, MP-5, M3 Grease Gun, M2HB, I can think of a few that I'd love to own, if I were a rich man.

By all accounts, one of the best military weapons ever developed. Also a favorite of gangsters (including Clyde Barrow). The closest I ever got to it was one carried by a member of a Vietnamese Popular Defense Force. They were sent to provide cover while I surveyed the defensive fire lines for a village near our base camp. With the butt on the ground, the muzzle extended an inch or two above the man's head. He was suitably proud to be entrusted with it and it showed signs from long wear and many hours he spent cleaning it.