The M2A1 Browning, we just got them, has anyone used them yet?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:31:05 -0400

The M2A1Browning with fixed headspace, how are they? My Guard unit just got some, has anyone come across any issues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrY_E2S54jo

M2A1 Machine Gun .50 Caliber

The M2A1 with Quick Change Barrel (QCB) is an enhancement to the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun offering Soldiers increased performance as well as new features a...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 7:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:37:52 -0400

Chief, these have been in circulation for a while, but they're not too bad. The only problem I have seen is that barrels are not truly universal. Sometimes they don't seat correctly on a different M2.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 4 at 2015 12:20 AM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:20:09 -0400

Yes, one of the best weapons in our arsenal. Deadly, long range accuracy, simple to operate, reliable, and it makes you feel good, when you are in a firefight, and a M2 opens up. We have a lot in the MP Regiment. Quick Change Barrel, and no more Head Space and Timing issues...

Response by SPC James Burkett II made Aug 4 at 2015 6:59 AM

SPC James Burkett II — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 06:59:15 -0400

Not a lot of problems I saw when I was in the Armsroom. I know our Armorment guys hate them. If they are brand new make sure they get cleaned and all packing grease is off them we had one crew decided not to clean them and it malfunctioned cause the barrel didn't sit right at all.

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 4 at 2015 7:10 AM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 07:10:17 -0400

Awesome weapon. We had them in Germany. Buy a Barrett and collect "excess" ammo! LMAO :D

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 8:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 20:42:22 -0400

Yeah they are ok. I prefer setting my own head space and timing personally. I agree with SSG Norman, the barrels may start out as interchangeable, however once they have been used some they tend to adapt to the system that they are with and then they do not really want to be as interchangeable. If it happens, just check another. The way that we fixed the issue was we "married" up two barrels to each .50, gave them the same bumper number as the weapon (31(A), 31(B)) then we always had the spare barrel that way. Other than that, they were fine. I love the system though. They are a Tankers baby for sure.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 4 at 2015 9:51 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:51:29 -0400

Just reminded me of the Difference in Terminology between the Forces. Just thought about the "M1A2" Thermite Grenade that we Navy Spooks used.