Marine Corps Weapon Systems: M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun

The M2 .50 Caliber machine gun, or "Ma Deuce", is typically a Marine's favorite weapon. It is incredibly powerful and extremely potent. Mounted on a tripod, it provides automatic weapon fire for both offensive and defensive purposes. It can be used against enemy personnel, light armored vehicles, and even low flying aircraft. The .50 Cal can be broken down and carried by various members of a weapons platoon, or it can be mounted on vehicles, even tanks. Marines will become familiar with this weapon while at SOI and even more so upon reporting to their fleet unit.

Characteristics of the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun

Belt fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled, capable of a single shot or automatic firing.

• Primary Function - Infantry weapon that provides powerful automatic suppression
• Length - 65 inches
• Weight - 124 pounds (including tripod)
• Muzzle Velocity - 2,910 FPS
• Maximum Effective Range- 1,829 meters
• Maximum Range- 6,800 meters
• Rate of Fire:
  Cyclic - 550 RPM
  Sustained - 40 RPM

To learn more about the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, please click here...

Reviewed by CH

Marines fire a .50 Caliber machine gun during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Dec. 9, 2014.
—USMC photo by Cpl. Laura Y. Raga