Master 1/48 Italian Breda SAFAT Machine Guns
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Overview
The main machine gun manufacturer for Italy during the Second World War was Breda-SAFAT, who built two types of machine guns: a 7.7mm and a 12.7mm. The 7.7mm was similar to the Browning M1919 machine gun, while the 12.7mm was similar to the Browning M2 machine gun. While similar, the 12.7mm Breda actually had the worst power-weight ratio of all aircraft machine guns from the Second World War. Still, the Breda guns could be found on just about every Italian aircraft from the war.
The Sets
Master Model has come out with two sets for the Italian aircraft modeler, providing separate 7.7mm and 12.7mm machine guns. Each size comes in a package of two, and as most Italian aircraft only had two guns, one set should cover all your needs. The basic construction of each is the same, with a turned metal barrel and a separate perforated cooling jacket. Assembly is simple: just slide the cooling jacket over the gun barrel. For both gun sizes, you'll need to drill out a 0.5mm hole to attach the finished gun.
Breda-SAFAT 7.7mm Guns
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Breda-SAFAT 12.7mm Guns
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Conclusion
When it comes to aftermarket replacements, these are right near the top of must-have items. The high quality parts are just so far beyond what can be done in either plastic or resin that, for a realistic gun barrel, there really is no better choice. For your next Italian aircraft, definitely pick these up. My thanks to Master Model for the review samples.