Replica Browning M2HB .50 Cal Machine Gun in Australia

 

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The M2 Machine Gun or Browning .50 Cal Machine Gun is a famous heavy machine gun designed John Browning at the end of the First World War. 

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It appears similar in design to his earlier M1919 Browning MG in 30.06, but uses the larger and much more powerful .50 BMG cartridge.  The round actually  takes its name from the gun (BMG standing for Browning Machine Gun).

 

Also nicknamed "Ma Deuce" by US Forces based on its M2 nomenclature. It has proven to be a highly effective weapon against infantry, un-armored and lightly armored vehicles, fortifications and low-flying aircraft.

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The Browning .50 cal has been used as a vehicle mounted weapon, ship mounted, aircraft armament and on its tripod with dismounted units since WW2 to the present day. 

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Its combat service includes World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Falklands War, Soviet–Afghan War, Gulf War, Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan in the 2000s and 2010s. It remains a primary heavy machine gun of many NATO countries, and also many other countries.

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Statistics of the M2HB .50 Cal Machine Gun

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Overall Length: 1654 mm

 

Barrel Length: 1143 mm

 

Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 NATO)

 

Action: Short recoil operated

 

Rate of Fire: 450 – 600 rounds per minute

 

Muzzle velocity: 890 metres per second

 

Effective range: 1800 metres

 

Maximum range: 7400 metres

 

Feed system: Belt fed disintegrating link

 

 

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