How much does an m60 weight?

How Much Does an M60 Weight?

The M60 machine gun is a legendary piece of military hardware that has been used by the United States military for over five decades. It’s known for its reliability, firepower, and versatility, and has seen action in various conflicts around the world. But one of the most common questions about the M60 is how much does it weigh?

Initial Answer:

The M60 machine gun, also known as the U.S. Army M60, weighs approximately 21.5 pounds (9.7 kg) with an empty magazine. This weight includes the barrel, receiver, and most of the accessories. However, this weight can vary depending on the configuration and attachments used.

Breaking Down the Weight

To better understand the weight of the M60, let’s break it down into its individual components.

• Barrel: The M60 barrel is made of steel and weighs around 3.2 pounds (1.5 kg).
• Receiver: The receiver, which houses the action, weighs around 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg).
• Stock: The standard stock weighs around 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg).
• Trigger group: The trigger group, including the trigger, sear, and hammer, weighs around 1.6 pounds (0.7 kg).
• Magazine: A 7.62x51mm NATO magazine weighs around 1.2 pounds (0.5 kg).
• Handguard: The handguard, which protects the gunner’s hand from the heat generated by the barrel, weighs around 2.2 pounds (1 kg).
• Other accessories: This includes items such as the aiming device, sling, and cleaning kit, which add another 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) to the total weight.

Why Does the M60 Weight So Much?

The M60 was designed to be a highly reliable and durable machine gun, capable of withstanding the rigors of heavy use in combat. This meant that it had to be built with robust and heavy components to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Additional factors that contribute to the weight of the M60 include:

• The use of steel in its construction, which is naturally heavier than other materials such as aluminum or polymer.
• The need for heavy-duty components to withstand the stresses of rapid fire and heavy use.
• The inclusion of features such as a folding stock and carrying handle, which add weight but provide additional functionality and convenience.

Differences in Weight between Models

It’s worth noting that there are different models of the M60, each with its own unique characteristics and weight. Some of these models include:

• M60A1: This is the most widely used version of the M60, and weighs 21.5 pounds (9.7 kg).
• M60A3: This is a later version of the M60, designed with improved ergonomics and a lighter weight. The M60A3 weighs 19.5 pounds (8.8 kg).
• M60E3: This is a modified version of the M60, designed for use with a M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). The M60E3 weighs 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the M60 machine gun weighs 21.5 pounds (9.7 kg) with an empty magazine. This weight includes the barrel, receiver, and most of the accessories. Breaking down the weight into individual components helps to understand how the M60’s overall weight is distributed. Despite its weight, the M60 is a highly respected and reliable machine gun, and its weight is a testament to its durability and effectiveness in combat.

I hope this article has answered your question about the weight of the M60 and provided a deeper understanding of this iconic machine gun!