Browning AN/M2

In the early 1920’s the Ordnance Board recommended a series of new specifications which essentially produced a “ground up” design. This gun was known as the Model 1922 and was produced by Springfield Armory. Post war budget cuts stopped the production of the M1922 even though there was a need for this gun. Colt Patent Firearms Co. seeing a good thing, picked up the development and production and introduced the aircraft machinegun M2 in 1931. Colt, along with its military production, manufactured a commercial model known as the MG40 that was sold around the world in not only .30-06 but in 7x57mm, and 6.5x55mm. By the time World War II was in full swing, the .30 AN-M2 was actually being phased out, by the increased firepower of the .50. The only places that they were still used were earlier models of B17, A20, P-39 and carrier-based fighters such as the SBD. The British did not feel that way, and used our .30 caliber M2’s and their own model, the MK2, in huge numbers on Spitfires and Hurricanes. US production records show that of the 200,000 guns built during World War II about 70,000 were sent to England.

Specifications

Browning AN/M2 .30 Fixed Gun

Browning AN/M2 .30 Flexible Gun

• Browning AN/M2 Aircraft Machine Gun.
• Caliber: .30
• Length: 39.90 inches
• Barrel Length: 23.90 inches
• Weight:
• :Gun Fixed: 21.5 pounds
• :Gun Flexible: 23 pounds
• :
• Muzzle Velocity: 2800 feet per second
• Cyclic rate of fire: 1000-1350 rounds per minute

The Browning AN/M2 appears in the following movies, TV shows, and video games:

Film

• Used by gunner of Japanese B5N "Kate" torpedo bomber in Pearl Harbor (2001)
• Rambo III (1988)
• The Omega Man (1971)
• Mounted on Iraqi jeeps in Hot Shots! Part Deux

Television

• The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)