M73 Machine Gun
Springfield Armory (US Government) · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1959
Also known as: M73A1, M219, T197
Overview
The M73 is an American 7.62x51mm NATO machine gun developed by Springfield Armory specifically as a coaxial and bow weapon for armoured fighting vehicles. Unlike conventional designs it uses a laterally sliding breechblock and supports left- or right-hand belt feed for flexible vehicle mounting. Persistent reliability problems led to the improved M73A1 and M219 before the type was replaced in service by the M240.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 14060 g (496.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 889 mm (35.00") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3457 J (2550 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester (commercial equivalent), 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Belt Fed, Left Or Right Hand Feed, Quick Change Barrel, Fixed Headspace, Lateral Sliding Breechblock, Coaxial Vehicle Mount, Solenoid Fired
Variants
- M73A1 Machine Gun — Improved
- M219 Machine Gun — Improved
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1959 · as M73
- United States Marine Corps
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1959-1970s
Produced as the standard US coaxial tank machine gun until superseded by the M240; totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
Intended for vehicle use only; fielded on the M48 and M60 main battle tanks and the M551 Sheridan. Widely criticised for poor reliability, earning it a notorious reputation among tank crews.
Background
Designed to be a compact coaxial tank gun, the M73 was so unreliable that crews nicknamed it 'Mama's Ugly Baby'; the Army cycled through the M73A1 and M219 trying to fix it before giving up and adopting the Belgian-designed M240.