This gun incorporates most of the features of the Model 92 Heavy Machine Gun, but is smaller and lighter. A total weight saving of 41 pounds in the gun and tripod mount is achieved. The barrel of the new gun is considerably shorter than that of the Model 92; therefore, the muzzle velocity is probably lower.
Both guns feed from 30-round strips, but the 01 (1941) uses rimless ammunition. The new gun incorporates the following modifications:
The barrel of the Model 01 may be quickly removed. The flash hider is screwed onto the muzzle, eliminating the knurled locking collar used on the older gun. The gas regulating system is similar to that of the 7.7 mm Model 99 (1939) Light Machine Gun. A smaller oil reservoir is used. A new method of attaching the ejection port cover allows easier access to the receiver which should aid in clearing stoppages. Minor changes in the metal sights have been made. A crank-shaped safety is fitted through the top of the sear housing with its handle at the left rear of the receiver. The new tripod is lighter and has different type spades. It also has a different mechanism for elevating the pintle support above the tripod base. The receiver of the Model 01 is lighter.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight (total) | 69.9 lbs. | |
| Weight (without mount) | 34 lbs., 2 ozs. | |
| Weight of mount | 37 lbs. | |
| Weight of tripod | 36.3 lbs. | |
| Length (overall w/flash hider) | 42 3/8 ins. | |
| Length (overall w/o flash hider) | 38 ins. | |
| Sight radius | ||
| Principle of operation | Gas, full-automatic | |
| Feeding device | Metal strips | |
| Capacity of feeding device | 30 rounds | |
| Cooling system | ||
| Ammunition types | Model 92 ball, A.P. and tracer (rimless) | |
| Rate of fire (estimated) | 450-500 r.p.m. cyclic 200-250 r.p.m. effective |
|
| Type of sight | Rear, calibrated from 100 to 2,200 meters. | |
| Weight of barrel | 11 lbs., 6 ozs. | |
| Length of barrel | 23 3/16 ins. | |
| Length of rifling | 22 ins. | |
| Rifling | ||
| Twist | R.H. | |
| Form | ||
| No. of lands | 8 | |
| No. of grooves | ||
| Depth of grooves | ||
| Width of grooves | ||
| Muzzle velocity | ||
| Maximum range | ||
| Effective range | ||
| Type of mount | Tripod | |
| Elevation | ||
| Traverse (total—on arc) | 45° |
Japanese: p. 214.2 (June 1, 1945)