The Chauchat LMG is a powerful but unconventional light machine gun introduced in Battlefield 1’s They Shall Not Pass DLC. It features high damage, a slow fire rate, and significant recoil, making it a unique option for players who prefer accuracy and firepower over speed.

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Weapon Overview

The Chauchat Mle 1915 CSRG was designed to be a portable light machine gun for the French Army, capable of firing 8mm Lebel ammunition. It was developed between 1903 and 1910 and saw extensive use during World War I.

Pros:

✅ Highest damage LMG in Battlefield 1 (35 max damage per shot) ✅ 3-shot kill up to 12m, 5-shot kill at long range ✅ Low first-shot multiplier, making tap-firing effective ✅ Effective mid-range weapon with controlled bursts ✅ Bipod allows for stable long-range engagements

Cons:

❌ Slowest fire rate of any support LMG (360 RPM) ❌ High vertical recoil (0.55) ❌ Small magazine size (20 rounds) ❌ Low muzzle velocity (700 m/s), requiring more lead on moving targets ❌ Not ideal for sustained firefights without cover

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Unlock Requirements

There are two Chauchat LMG variants in Battlefield 1, each requiring specific challenges to unlock.

Chauchat Low Weight

• Get 50 kills with the Lewis Gun Suppressive
• Perform 75 resupplies with ammo pouches/crates

Chauchat Telescopic

• Get 15 kills with the Benét-Mercié Telescopic in one round
• Kill 10 players with the Mortar

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Stats Breakdown

Stat	Value
Max Damage	35 (0-10m)
Min Damage	23 (40m+)
Bullets to Kill	3 (close range), 5 (long range)
Fire Rate	360 RPM
Muzzle Velocity	700 m/s
Magazine Size	20 rounds
Reload Time	3.9s (tactical), 4.3s (empty)
Vertical Recoil	0.55
Horizontal Recoil	0.22

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Best Playstyle & Loadout

Close to Mid-Range Combat

The Chauchat LMG is not a run-and-gun weapon. Instead, it excels when used for methodical, well-aimed shots.

Tips for Using the Chauchat Effectively:

1. Fire in bursts or tap fire – The low first-shot multiplier (1.2) makes it effective for precise bursts.
2. Use the bipod for stability – Reduces recoil and increases effectiveness at long range.
3. Position yourself carefully – Engage from cover and reload before entering fights.
4. Watch your magazine – 20 rounds can disappear fast; don’t get caught reloading in a fight.
5. Compensate for recoil – Pull down slightly while firing to keep shots on target.
6. Avoid prolonged fights – The slow fire rate means SMGs and faster LMGs can outgun you in CQC.

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Variants Comparison

Low Weight Variant

• Pros: Faster recoil recovery, better for burst fire.
• Cons: No optical sight for ranged engagements.

Telescopic Variant

• Pros: Comes with a telescopic scope, making mid-to-long range suppression easier.
• Cons: Less maneuverable than the Low Weight version.

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Best Situations for the Chauchat LMG

✅ Holding down mid-range objectives – Use cover and bipod for control. ✅ Suppressing enemy positions from range – High damage makes it effective against dug-in enemies. ✅ Engaging snipers – The damage model allows for effective counter-sniping with precise bursts. ✅ Defending choke points – Positioning yourself well will maximize the gun’s effectiveness.

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Final Thoughts

The Chauchat LMG is a high-risk, high-reward weapon. If used correctly, it can dominate mid-range combat with its high damage output. However, its slow fire rate and small magazine size require careful positioning and trigger discipline.

Who Should Use This Gun?

✅ Players who prefer a slower, more methodical playstyle ✅ Support mains who value damage over fire rate ✅ Those who like tap-firing and bipod use for precision

If you can master its quirks, the Chauchat LMG is one of the most rewarding and powerful LMGs in Battlefield 1.