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The M60, officially known as the United States Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60, is a general-purpose machine gun that has served as a primary infantry machine gun for the United States military since the late 1950s.

November 15, 2023

The M60, officially known as the United States Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60, is a general-purpose machine gun that has served as a primary infantry machine gun for the United States military since the late 1950s. It was developed to replace the World War II-era M1919A6 and M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).

Key features and characteristics of the M60 machine gun include:

  1. Caliber: The M60 is chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, a powerful and effective round.

  2. Weight: The M60 is a relatively heavy weapon, weighing around 23 pounds (10.4 kg) for the basic infantry version. This weight, along with its size, can make it somewhat challenging to maneuver in the field.

  3. Design: The M60 is a gas-operated, air-cooled machine gun with a belt-fed system. It features a quick-change barrel to prevent overheating during sustained fire.

  4. Rate of Fire: The M60 has a variable rate of fire, typically ranging from 500 to 650 rounds per minute. The rate can be adjusted by the gunner depending on the tactical situation.

  5. Feeding System: It uses disintegrating belts of linked ammunition. The belts are typically held in 100-round boxes.

  6. Versatility: The M60 can be used in various roles, including as a light machine gun when carried by an individual soldier, as a medium machine gun when mounted on a tripod, or as a vehicle-mounted machine gun.

  7. Service History: The M60 has seen extensive service in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it became an iconic symbol of that conflict. It continued to be used in later conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

    VIETNAM WAR USE:

    The M60 machine gun played a significant role during the Vietnam War and became an iconic weapon associated with U.S. infantry forces during that conflict. Here are some key aspects of the M60's use in Vietnam:

    1. Introduction to Vietnam War: The M60 was introduced to U.S. forces in the early 1960s and quickly became the standard light machine gun for infantry squads. It was intended to replace the older M1919A6 and M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).

    2. Versatility in Terrain: The rugged and varied terrain of Vietnam, which included dense jungles, open fields, and urban environments, demanded a versatile and reliable machine gun. The M60's adaptability allowed it to function effectively in different combat scenarios.

    3. Mobile Warfare: The lightweight nature of the M60 made it suitable for mobile warfare, which characterized many engagements in Vietnam. It could be carried by a single soldier or mounted on vehicles.

    4. Squad-Level Weapon: The M60 served as a squad-level weapon, providing sustained firepower to infantry units. Its rate of fire and the ability to deliver a high volume of 7.62mm NATO ammunition made it effective in suppressing enemy positions.

    5. Reliability and Durability: The M60's design incorporated features for quick barrel changes to prevent overheating during prolonged firing. This reliability was crucial in the humid and challenging conditions of the Vietnamese environment.

    6. Use in Helicopter Assaults: The M60 was often employed in helicopter assault tactics, where it could provide suppressive fire during air-mobile operations. This tactic allowed U.S. forces to rapidly deploy and redeploy in different areas.

    7. Iconic Image: The M60 became an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War, featured in numerous photographs and films depicting U.S. soldiers in combat. Its distinctive appearance and firepower contributed to its lasting legacy.

    8. Challenges: Despite its effectiveness, the M60 faced some criticisms, including its weight, which could be burdensome for soldiers on extended patrols. The weapon's reliability in harsh conditions varied, and issues with jamming were reported.

    9. Post-Vietnam Service: While the M60 continued to see service in other conflicts after Vietnam, including the Gulf War, it eventually began to be replaced by more modern machine gun designs such as the M240 in U.S. military service.

    In summary, the M60 left a lasting impact on the Vietnam War, where its adaptability, firepower, and mobility made it a crucial asset for U.S. infantry units engaged in the complex and challenging environment of the conflict.


    Photo Credit: Shooting Illustrated