The Modello 30 featured a front and rear iron sight for some ranged accuracy, these fitted on the receiver. Forward structural support was improved by way of a folding metal bipod though its legs were not adjustable - limiting effectiveness to train the gun on targets at long range. Each barrel was machined with cooling fins though overheating was a noted concern, leading to the installation of a knob to allow for handling of hot barrels. The knob was further rolled in insulating tape to protect the operator during the barrel-changing operation. The barrel was capped by a conical flash suppressor. Overall length of the gun was 48.5-inches using 20.5-inch barrels and weight reached 23lbs.
The Modello 30 was used in anger during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War spanning October of 1935 into May of 1936 which saw an Italian invasion of Ethiopia, resulting in an Italian victory. The Modello 30 then went on to see extensive combat action throughout World War 2 and it was during the North African campaign that the machine gun showcased its shortcomings, proving unreliable, inaccurate, cumbersome and prone to stoppages. The cartridge lubrication process invited sand and dust and cartridge extraction continued its problematic ways despite lubrication. Lacking a carrying handle of any sort, the Modello 30 required either use of both hands to collect for transport or placing the weapon upon the shoulder. The clip-loading system had its obvious disadvantages in the heat of battle and the side-mounted, fixed magazine lent itself well to snagging and incurring physical damage as it sat notably apart from the bulk of the weapon. Modello 30s were used by Italian forces during the invasion of Greece to which some examples fell to the enemy.
Despite the many inherent deficiencies, the Modello 30 remained the standard Italian light machine gun through all of World War 2 where Italian soldiers had to make do with what was issued to them. In comparison to its contemporaries, it stood as one of the poorer light machine gun offerings of the war. A revision in 1938 intended to introduce the more powerful 7.35mm cartridge along with a new barrel though all other facets of the original design were retained - including the noted limitations and deficiencies. Few Modello 38s were issued.
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