How Much Does an M60 Weight?
The M60 is a iconic machine gun that has been used by the United States military since the 1950s. It is a 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, gas-operated, belt-fed, and air-cooled machine gun. The M60 has been used in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. In this article, we will explore the weight of the M60 machine gun and its variations.
Direct Answer
The standard M60 machine gun weighs approximately 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) without a tripod or other accessories. However, the total weight of the M60 can vary depending on the specific configuration and accessories attached.
Variations and Weights
There have been several variations of the M60 machine gun over the years, each with its own unique characteristics and weight. Here are some examples:
- M60: The standard M60 machine gun weighs 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) without a tripod or other accessories.
- M60A1: The M60A1 is an upgraded version of the M60 with a more reliable feeding system and improved accuracy. It weighs approximately 21.5 pounds (9.8 kg) without a tripod or other accessories.
- M60E3: The M60E3 is a variant of the M60 designed for use with a helicopter. It has a reduced weight of 15.5 pounds (7 kg) and is more compact than the standard M60.
- M60E4: The M60E4 is another variant of the M60 designed for use with a helicopter. It weighs approximately 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg) and has a longer barrel than the M60E3.
Comparison to Other Machine Guns
To put the weight of the M60 into perspective, here is a comparison with other machine guns:
| Machine Gun | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| M60 | 20.5 |
| M249 SAW | 22.4 |
| M240 | 25.7 |
| M2 Browning | 83.8 |
Breakdown of the M60’s Weight
The M60 machine gun is comprised of several components, each with its own weight. Here is a breakdown of the M60’s weight:
- Barrel: 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg)
- Action: 4.5 pounds (2 kg)
- Receiver: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
- Stock: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
- Handguard: 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg)
- Bipod: 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg)
- Other components: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the M60 machine gun weighs approximately 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) without a tripod or other accessories. However, the total weight of the M60 can vary depending on the specific configuration and accessories attached. There have been several variations of the M60 machine gun over the years, each with its own unique characteristics and weight. Understanding the weight of the M60 can be important for soldiers and military personnel who use the machine gun in combat.
