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M60 Machine Gun
Model: M60A classic piece of American machinery, in spite of its faults the M60 GPMG is one of the most recognizable machine guns of the 20th century. It was first adopted in 1957 as an "improved" version of the German MG42. Ironically, one of the guns that it beat during the trials to replace the M1919A6 and M1918 BAR was the FN MAG, which would later replace it in US service as the M240. The "Pig" almost immediately began showing problems in the jungles of Vietnam; it was light for a 7.62mm machine gun, but still heavier than troops desired. It was easy to jam and unreliable in the humid, dirty jungle warfare, and was even more difficult to clean and maintain than the BAR it replaced. One of the biggest problems was the barrel; not only was it heavy, the bipod was attached directly to the barrel and there was no handle to grab a hot barrel for replacement. Troops were issued asbestos mitts to handle the barrel, which was often lost. Despite these problems, it was a powerful weapon and much lighter than most machine guns of its caliber.In spite of the many complaints, the US Navy Special Operations Forces continued to use and upgrade it for years. A large number of countries, including Australia, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, and Venezuela continue to use it.Several new versions were made across the long history to address complaints. The M60E3 was lighter, attached the bipod to the receiver, a forward pistol grip for added stability when firing from the shoulder, and a carrying handle on the barrel. Unfortunately, the lighter barrel caused it to overheat even faster, and a heavy barrel was often carried if sustained fire was needed. The M60E4 (the Mk 43 Mod 0 in Naval service)has mostly internal changes to make it more reliable. The M60D is a Vietnam-era weapon with spade grips, a large ring sight, and and improved feed system for use as a door gun on aircraft.
Where to find:
Along with the many militaries that use it, including the United States (though slowly being replaced by the M240), extensively-modified semi-auto versions are available for civilian sale at prices ranging from $8000 to $14,000. Fully automatic weapons can cost up to $40,000, not including a $200 tax stamp, and are much more difficult to find.
Complexity:
One of the biggest complaints about the gun is the reliability; while recent improvements have greatly enhanced the reliability of the weapon, it still carries a reputation as a dirty gun that requires a lot of cleaning. Older guns are especially problematic.
Size and weight:
Weight 10.5 kg (23.15 lbs). Barrel length 560mm (22 in.). Total length 1105mm (43.5 in.).
Action:
Gas-operated, open bolt.
Caliber(s):
7.62x51mm NATO
Magazine:
Disintegrating belt with M13 links
Trigger:
Single action
Controls:
The cocking handle is on the right side of the weapon. The safety is on the left side of the trigger group, just behind the trigger; up for FIRE, down for SAFE. The cover latch is on the rear of the feed tray cover. The barrel lock lever is on top of the barrel.
Loading:
1) Point the gun in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges.
2) Push the safety up to put it on FIRE.
3) Pull the cocking handle rearward, then push it forward until it locks.
4) Push the safety down to put it on SAFE.
5) Turn the latch lever and open the cover.
6) Raise the feed tray and check for any stray ammunition.
7) Attach the ammo box to the hanger on the left side of the receiver.
8) Place the ammo belt in the feed tray with the open side of the links down and the first round in the feed groove.
9) Close the cover.
Unloading:
1) Point the gun in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges.
2) Open the cover.
3) Push the safety up to put it on FIRE.
4) Pull the cocking handle rearward, then put it forward until it locks.
5) Push the safety down to put it on SAFE.
6) Remove the ammo belt from the feed tray if it is still in and neatly place it back into the box.
7) Raise the feed tray and check for ammunition.
8) Lower the feed tray and close the cover.
9) Push the safety up to put it on FIRE.
10) Pull the cocking handle rearward, pull the trigger, and move the cocking handle forward.
Field Stripping:
1) Clear the weapon as described in the unloading procedures.
2) Lift the shoulder rest, insert a cleaning rod into the hole on the back of the stock to release the latch, and pull the shoulder stock off the receiver.
3) Turn the latch lever and open the cover.
4) Lightly push on the rear of the hydraulic buffer assembly with your palm. Lift out the buffer retaining yoke and pull out the buffer assembly.
5) Remove the guide assembly and drive spring.
6) Push the safety up to put it on FIRE.
7) Hold the trigger back while pulling the cocking handle assembly rearward. Remove the operating rod assembly and bolt assembly as a unit.
8) Push the operating rod assembly toward the rear of the slot in the bolt assembly and separate them.
9) Use your cleaning rod to unlatch the hook of the hinge pin latch, then remove it and the cover hinge pin.
10) Remove the cover assembly, torsion spring, and hanger and cartridge feed tray assembly.
11) Push in the spring detent and raise the barrel lock. Remove the barrel and bipod assembly.
12) Push in and remove the flat leaf spring on the right side of the trigger housing.
13) Push out the front pin and slide the trigger mechanism grip assembly slightly forward, then pull it out.
14) Insert a cleaning rod or combination wrench through the opening in the bottom of the forearm assembly and push down on the spring.
15) Gently lift and slide the forearm assembly off the gun.
Design Quirks:
A problem with an overheated M60 was a "runaway gun", where it got so hot that it began cooking off rounds in the chamber and firing on its own. Grabbing and roughly twisting the belt to jam the gun and break the links is the only way to stop it.
chitoryu12 |
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12
, Oct 17 2011, 12:09 AM EDT
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Edited by chitoryu12
3 words added 2 words deleted view changes - complete history) |
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