RE: [MV] M2 Machinegun (was Deuce Bumper Numbers)

From: Lee Franklin (lee@wellnesshealth.com)
Date: Tue Jul 06 2004 - 09:31:55 PDT


At 10:26 AM -0500 7/6/04, Ryan Gill wrote:

>>What's a .50 Barret?
>>I'm not familiar with it's use by US troops.
>>The only machinegun in .50 cal I am familiar with is the M2.

>Not a machine gun. Its a sniper rifle. EOD uses them because it's
>easily man portable (that's relative you know). More than just our
>services. Its greatly liked as an anti-material rifle too.

So you know for a fact that EOD now uses these?
(I know for a fact they used to use the M2 as recently as 96-97)

>>I have seen EOD pop unexploded howitzer rounds with a mounted
>>M2 HB Machinegun, carried on a 113, at the firing range in
>>Graffenwohr. Ol Ma Deuce is a very dependable and long used
>>machinegun by not only EOD, but within the entire US Arsenal.

>Granted, but it's a heavy beast.

I've carried one.. no arguement on that.

>smaller.. probably.. don't see why that would matter.

>>More portable.. Once it is on the back of a vehicle.. it's very
>>portable.

>The UXB might not be where the truck can get to it. Or it might be
>inside where the truck is hard to maneuver to view.

True, but with the application I have seen, that is rarely an issue..
and who wants to walk around with a rifle on ground that has been
pounded by artillery for over a century?

>>An M2 HB is pretty much vehicle mount only, and a powerful weapon.
>>I would be suprised if this .50 Barret used the same powerful
>>round as the M2 (.50 BMG), if it is a man portable rifle of some sort.

>Yep. And here's where your experience breaks down a great deal [No
>offence intended btw], "I would be suprised if this .50 Barret used
>the same powerful round as the M2 (.50 BMG)".

*nods*
As I said before at the top, I don't know the rifle.
I have looked it up, and it's still a heavy beast, but suitable for
this application, I suppose. Then again, I have never known EOD
for 'moderation', but they might enjoy the toy.

>The Barretts and other "light-fifties" do in fact use a .50 BMG
>cartridge. SLAP being a problem with muzzle brakes (usually), other
>rounds work just fine. I'm surprised you haven't Seen the
>HCI*cough*VPC's histrionics about the light-50s.

I turn a blind eye to a lot...

well, regardless, I am sure EOD specifies a ring mount on most of
their vehicles "Just in case"

-Lee



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