In the 1930s, Britain sought to replace the ageing Vickers and Lewis guns in its aircraft arsenal. The trials winner was the Browning .303 but the War Office wanted a number of changes to the offtheshelf weapon, including a substantial increase in the rate of fire. Famously mounted in the Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster bomber, here's the story of Britain's primary air weapon in the Second World War.

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We are the Royal Armouries, the United Kingdom's national collection of arms and armour. Discover what goes on behind the scenes and watch our collection come to life. See combat demonstrations, experience jousting and meet our experts.

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