Yes, this version eliminated the use of a drum magazine, and otherwise tried to simplify the Thompson to make production easier.
It mad the weapon significantly lighter, too. This made it more of an MP overall and more handleable by the troops. (I don't think 'handleable' is the word I'm looking for - help me out!)
Not surprise, the M2 is suppose to have an "effective" range of up to 2 miles and a "max" range of up to 3-4 miles. Didn't know that the Wehmarcht had a 13mm heavy MG, wonder how it compares to the M2. Interesting statistics, the M2 was the most numerically produced machine gun in WWII by all sides? When you consider that all the fighters have 8, the B-17 and B-24 have at least 12 each, and each Sherman have 1 one, and of course the infantries, so it is not really :angry: :angry: surprising.
Don't forget the jeeps, M3A1 halftracks, reconnaissance vehicles, tank destroyers... Virtually all US vehicles had an AA machine gun.
Although it is not the first thing that comes to mind when think of a sniper weapon, but eh M2 did have semi-automatic capability for single shots. Its "effective range" was up to 2 miles, and max range of up to 3 miles.
Something over two million M2s were built during the war, and that doesn't count those manufactured before the war. BTW, only the P-47 Thunderbolt carried eight .50s; the others, save for the P-38 Lightning, carried six.
Repprtedly, Maxim worked for Oliver P. Drake, of Boston, an instrument manufacyturerwho was more interested in selling illuminating gas machine-but after a tri to Lodon toregoganize the MAxim-Weston Co, he developed an interest for fire arms-After several expeiments, he produced a machine gun in 1884 chambered for the ,45 caliber used in British Gattling guns.. This particular model was exported Argentina, where they were nounted aboard naval vessels and distributed to units of the marine corps. . The first British orders did not materialize until 1887. Afterwards, Maxim took his gun to Berlin-and the demnstratin impressed the kaiser s much that it became the standard German machine gun. Similarly, a trip to St. Petesburg.. and the Russians were quite impressed with it..The Maxim firm also exported machine guns mod, 1891 in 7,65mm Mauser to Argentina, which followed with orders for Spandau-made mod. 1989. German made Maxims were also sold to Brazil and in 1902 to Chile, both in 7 mm, and well as to Paraguay (mod 1907) and Bolivia (mod. 1908) both on 7,65mm. Argentina and Brazil would later adopt versions of the Spandau MG 08 as their models 1911 (7,65mm) and Mod. 1908 ( 7 mm) rspectively-The Turks also adopted the Msxim while stranegely enough the U.S. Army did not adopt the Msxim until 1904-This version, in .30 caliber was manufactured initially by Vickers and then by Colt.. Here's a pic of Chileam mod. 1902 in 7 mm at the Aberdeen provoing Grounds Museum.
Reportedly, Maxim worked for Oliver P. Drake, of Boston, an instrument manufacturer interested in selling illuminating gas machineAfter a trip to London to re-organize the Maxim-Weston Co, Maxim developed an interest for fire arms-After several expeiments, he produced a machine gun in 1884 chambered for the .45 caliber used in British Gattling guns.. This particular model was exported Argentina, where they were nounted aboard naval vessels and distributed to units of the marine corps. . The first British orders did not materialize until 1887. Afterwards, Maxim took his gun to Berlin-and the demonstration impressed the Kaiser s much that it became the standard German machine gun. Similarly, a trip to St. Petesburg.. and the Russians were quite impressed with it..The Maxim firm also exported machine guns mod. 1891 in 7,65mm Mauser to Argentina, which followed with orders for Spandau-made mod. 1898 also in 7,65 mm. German made Maxims were also sold to Brazil and in 1902 to Chile, both in 7 mm, and well as to Paraguay (mod 1907) and Bolivia (mod. 1908) both on 7,65mm. Argentina and Brazil would later adopt versions of the Spandau MG 08 as their models 1911 (7,65mm) and Mod. 1908 ( 7 mm) respectively-The Turks also adopted the Msxim while stranegely enough the U.S. Army did not adopt the Maxim until 1904-This version, in .30 caliber was manufactured initially by Vickers and then by Colt. At the reuest of the British govenment, Maxim also developed a 37 mm version of this weapon.This was the Maxim "Pom-Pom", intended for use against light naval vessels, but first deployed in South Africa, against Boer artilery emplacements .Here's a pic of Chileam mod. 1902 in 7 mm at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum.
