The M-2 50 cal. heavy machine gun.

Probably nothing new here to see, but I thought that it was a pretty cool video nevertheless.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=907445432720692

 

It's a remarkable weapon, as are most John browning designs. The one linked (#324) was in service for over 90 years until "modifications in the field" rendered it unserviceable.

The Army found an M2 .50 caliber machine-gun still shooting perfectly after 90 years of service

 

Delivers bigger doses of Freedom than other designs.

 

If you've ever gunned the M2 you'll know what this is, and how to use it.

 

Actually, I had tried to image function on the toolbar, when I previewed the post it didn't display, so I uploaded the picture to the media section here and just used copy and paste (so it the image wouldn't disappear over time). I again previewed, the image worked, but the artifact from the original attempt was not visible. I posted, saw the artifact and removed it, there was never an actual broken link.

But, back to the point. It's a picture of the headspace and timing guage for the M2 .50cal. Knowing how to use it is critical for the gun to operate safely and function properly.

Here's what happens when you do it wrong:



And how to use it:

 

Doesn't the modern version have a quick-change barrel? I remember having to change barrels was a pain due to having to deal with the go/no go gauges.

 

Yes sir, but it's the M2A1. It started as the M2E2 in 2011:

"The M2A1 includes new modern features and design improvements that make it easier and safer to use including a quick change barrel, fixed headspace and timing and a new flash hider that reduces the weapon's signature by 95 percent at night."

 

From the "Gunners Information File", the training manual for AAF gunners
http://www.491st.org/guns.html

 

I have a hard copy, but haven't been able to find the full Gunner's Information File online.

My avatar carried 10 M-2's.

 

Unless it's the water cooled version. Then if it's anything like the .30 water cooled one no issues.

 

Are any new M-2s being manufactured these days, or are we using the ones made during WW2?