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The original design had some interesting features. The straight line layout
allows the operating rod and buffer to run right back into the butt and reduce
some of the overall length. The large forehand grip is most convenient for
carrying at the hip and the folded bipod legs continue the hand protection
almost up to the muzzle. The gun can be striped using a live round as a
tool.
This weapon is the Army's general purpose machine gun which entered the service
in the 50s. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The M-60 is considered to be
a "crew served" weapon which means that it is operated by two soldiers: one the
gunner and one the assistant. It produces a low "grunting" sound and is aptly
called a "pig" by the Rangers.
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Cartridge: 7.62 X 51 mm NATO
Operation: gas, automatic
Locking: rotating bolt
Feed: disintegrating link belt
Weight: 11.1 kg
Length: overall, 1.105 m
Barrel: excl flash hider, 560 mm
Rifling: 43 grooves, rh, 1 twist in 305 mm
Sights: fore, fixed blade; rear, u-notch
Sight radius: 540 mm
Muzzle velocity: 853 m/s
Rate of fire: cyclic, 500-650 rds/min; practical 200 rds/min
Max range: 3,750 m; (effective) bipod, 1,100 m; tripod 1,800 m
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Source(s): Jane's Infantry Weapons, 24th Edition 1998-99; Philadelphia Online:
Blackhawk Down
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