Browning M2
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1933
Also known as: Ma Deuce, M2HB, M2A1, M2 Browning, Cal .50, L1A1 HMG, C15 HMG
Overview
The Browning M2 is a automatic machine gun chambered in .50 BMG, produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems since 1933. Safety features include manual trigger block, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 38150 g (1345.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1650 mm (64.96") |
| Barrel Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic |
| Muzzle Velocity | 887 m/s (2910 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16500 J (12170 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1830 m (2001 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6800 m (7437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- .50 BMG · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 Browning Machine Gun, .50 cal, 12.7x99mm, .50 BMG
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Trigger Block
- Features: Belt Fed, Air Cooled, Quick Change Barrel, Dual Feed Capability, Tripod Mount, Vehicle Mount Capable, Aircraft Mount Capable
Variants
- M2HB — Heavy Barrel
- M2A1 — Quick Change Barrel
- M2A2 — Modernized
- AN/M2 — Aircraft
- M2 Water-Cooled — Water Cooled
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces · adopted 1933 · as M2
- Australian Defence Force · as M2HB-QCB
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1938 · as L1A1
- Canadian Armed Forces · as C15 HMG
- French Armed Forces · as M2HB
- German Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Italian Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Japan Self-Defense Forces · as M2HB
- South Korean Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Israeli Defense Forces · adopted 2012 · as M2-HQCB
- Polish Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Turkish Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Indian Armed Forces · as M2HB
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 2022 · as M2HB
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces · as M2HB
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 3,000,000 · Production years: 1933-present
Over 3 million units manufactured. Currently produced by FN Herstal, General Dynamics, U.S. Ordnance, and Ohio Ordnance Works.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Moses Browning
Notes
The M2 designation refers to the entire family of .50 caliber machine guns. The M2HB ('Heavy Barrel') is the most common variant, featuring a thick barrel that allows for sustained fire without overheating. The M2A1 (adopted 2010) introduced a quick-change barrel system with fixed headspace and timing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing risk of operator error. The M2A2 is a further improved version with enhanced durability. The AN/M2 is a lighter aircraft-mounted variant. The original M2 replaced earlier water-cooled models (M1921 series). The weapon can be mounted on the M3 tripod (44 lbs/20 kg), various vehicle mounts, aircraft, and naval vessels. It accepts both left and right-hand feed configurations. The M2 has been continuously improved throughout its service life while maintaining backwards compatibility with older components. FN Herstal, General Dynamics, U.S. Ordnance, and Ohio Ordnance Works currently manufacture the M2.
Background
The M2 is the longest-serving firearm in the U.S. military inventory, with over 90 years of continuous service. Nicknamed 'Ma Deuce' by American soldiers, it has seen action in every major U.S. conflict since World War II. Legendary sniper Carlos Hathcock used a scoped M2 in Vietnam to achieve a then-record 2,286-meter confirmed kill.