Mendoza RM2

Productos Mendoza S.A. · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1947

Also known as: RM-2, Mendoza RM-2

Overview

The Mendoza RM2 is a Mexican light machine gun chambered in .30-06 Springfield, designed by Rafael Mendoza shortly after World War II. It is a gas-operated, open-bolt weapon fed from a 20-round detachable box magazine, with a quick-detachable, radially finned air-cooled barrel. Roughly 50 prototypes were issued to the Mexican Marines for evaluation, but it never reached large-scale production.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	6300 g (222.2 oz)
Overall Length	1092 mm (42.99")
Barrel Length	609 mm (23.98")
Action Type	Gas Operated Long Stroke
Firing Mechanism	Open Bolt
Magazine Capacity	20 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	838 m/s (2749 fps)
Muzzle Energy	3405 J (2511 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	600 m (656 yd)
Rate of Fire	600 rpm
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Wood
Finish	Blued

Calibers

.30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm, 30 Gov't 06

Features

Firing modes: Full Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
Features: Quick Change Barrel, Finned Air Cooled Barrel, Bipod, Selective Fire Mechanism

Service history

Operators

Mexican Armed Forces · as RM-2

Production

Estimated total produced: 50 · Production years: 1947-1950s

Approximately 50 prototypes built for Mexican Marine evaluation; never mass-produced

Origin

Country of origin: Mexico

Designer: Rafael Mendoza

Notes

Marked the end of the Mendoza line of light machine guns. Mexican export restrictions and the post-war collapse of the American military market prevented commercial success.

Background

Rafael Mendoza built the RM2 to compete for lucrative American WWII machine-gun contracts, but the war ended before he could sell it - and strict Mexican export law then locked the gun out of every foreign market, quietly ending Mexico's homegrown machine-gun dynasty.