Colt's Unicorn MG: The CMG-3

Published on September 21, 2015
Duration: 27:21

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the rare Colt CMG-3 light machine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers removing the barrel, bolt carrier group, and the unique sliding pistol grip charging mechanism. The video highlights the stamped steel receiver, electron beam welding, and internal components like the hydraulic buffer and symmetrical firing pin.

Quick Summary

The Colt CMG-3 is a rare 7.62x51mm NATO prototype light machine gun developed in the early 1970s. It featured a stamped steel receiver with electron beam welding, a unique sliding pistol grip charging system, and a symmetrical firing pin. However, it failed durability testing due to receiver cracking, preventing its adoption.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and CMG History
  2. 02:06CMG-3 Development and Scarcity
  3. 04:16Durability Issues
  4. 05:43Barrel and Bipod Disassembly
  5. 07:43Feed Mechanism and Sights
  6. 10:18Unique Charging Mechanism
  7. 12:35Receiver and Internal Components
  8. 15:14Bolt and Firing Pin Design
  9. 20:57Drum Magazine and Controls
  10. 23:05Range Testing and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt CMG-3?

The Colt CMG-3 (Colt Machine Gun 3) is an extremely rare 7.62x51mm NATO belt-fed light machine gun prototype developed by Colt in the early 1970s. Only about five units were manufactured, aiming to be lighter than the M60.

Why was the Colt CMG-3 project canceled?

Despite innovative engineering, the Colt CMG-3 failed long-term durability testing. Its receivers tended to crack under high volumes of fire, failing to meet the Navy's requirement of 100,000 rounds service life.

What are the unique features of the Colt CMG-3?

The CMG-3 features a stamped steel receiver with electron beam welding, a sliding pistol grip charging mechanism, a hydraulic buffer, a symmetrical firing pin, and a massive 180-degree extractor engagement on the cartridge rim.

How does the Colt CMG-3 compare to the Stoner 63?

Both were developed as lighter alternatives to the M60. The CMG-3 was the 7.62mm version competing against the Stoner 63. While the CMG-3 had unique features, the Stoner 63 ultimately proved more reliable in trials.

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