HMG

Browning .50cal HMG

The Famous M2 was initially designed in the US as an aircraft gun, but in 1921 it was modernized for ground use, and adopted as Model 1921 machinegun. In 1932 model 1921 MG was modernized again and adopted under designation "M2". Later, after the introduction of a heavier barrel (for increased practical fire rate and number of rounds between barrel change) the gun was named "M2HB". With each M2HB, every barrel replacement must be followed with time-consuming procedure of headspace and timing adjustment, and only recently QCB (Quick Change Barrel) kits were introduced. This kit may be used in any M2HB gun, allowing quick barrel changes under battle conditions. This version may be called M2HB-QCB or M2HQCB.
For todays standards, M2HB is quite a heavy gun, and recently a US based company "Ramo Defence" introduced the M2 lightweight machinegun. M2 Lightweight is a new development weapon, designed as a response both to ground and air force requirement for a reduced wight .50 calibre weapon. Utilizing the M2 Browning's principles and almost 75% parts from the original M2, the weapon has been upgraded to include an adjustable buffer to vary firing rate, a patented quick trigger change lightweight "stellite" lined, chrome bore barrel with flash suppressor, "MAX SAFE" charging system, and trigger safety switch. M2 lightweight weighs only 27 kg (11 kg less than the original M2HB), and has an adjustable rate of fire of 550 - 750 rounds/min.

The M2 is a belt-fed, air-cooled, recoil operated full auto weapon. The M2 operates bia a short moving barrel. It can be used from the M3 tripod (Ground use), M63 Anti-Aircraft mount, in a pintle, turret, or coaxial mounted in combat vehicles and aircraft.
The M2 is manufactures in the US by RAMO Defence, General Dynamics, in Belgium - by FN Herstal and by many other companies. The M2 is used by over 30 countries.

Calibre: .50 calibre (12.7X99mm)
Action: Recoil operated
Overall Length: 1654mm (65.1")
Barrel Length: 1143mm (45.0")
Weight: 38.1 kg (84 lb), 58 kg complete with tripod
Effective Range: 1800m
Rate of Fire: 450 - 565 rounds per minute (cyclic)
Feed: 110-round metal-link belt.
Muzzle Velocity: 884m (2,900 ft) per second.

Brit M2 Vehicle Mount

.50cal Mounted on US M60 MBT