M2 Browning
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Production · 1933
Also known as: Ma Deuce, M2HB, Browning .50 cal, Fifty Cal
Overview
The M2 Browning is an American heavy machine gun chambered in .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO). A recoil-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed crew-served weapon, it was developed by John Moses Browning at the end of World War I and entered service in its heavy-barrel form in 1933. Affectionately nicknamed 'Ma Deuce,' the M2 is mounted on infantry tripods, vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, serving in anti-personnel, anti-aircraft, anti-materiel, and light-armor roles. It remains one of the longest-serving and most widely fielded firearms in history.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 38000 g (1340.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1654 mm (65.12") |
| Barrel Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Manual |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 890 m/s (2920 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16600 J (12244 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 12.7x99mm, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Latch Release
- Features: Air Cooled, Quick Change Barrel, Dual Feed, Tripod Or Vehicle Mounted, Adjustable Headspace And Timing
Variants
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces · adopted 1933 · as M2
- British Armed Forces · as L2A1
- NATO member states
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)
Production
Estimated total produced: 3,000,000 · Production years: 1933-present
Over three million M2 machine guns have been produced; it has served continuously for roughly a century across dozens of nations.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Moses Browning
Notes
The dominant in-service variant is the M2HB (Heavy Barrel). The M2A1 added a fixed-headspace barrel and flash hider to eliminate the manual headspace-and-timing procedure. Rate of fire is roughly 450-600 rpm for ground versions; the aircraft AN/M2 reached 750-850 rpm.
Background
Designed by John Moses Browning during World War I after General Pershing requested a large-caliber machine gun, the M2 entered heavy-barrel service in 1933 and has remained in front-line use ever since, earning the enduring nickname 'Ma Deuce.'