The First M60 Prototype: FG42 + MG42 = T44

The T44, a 1946 prototype, represents the initial developmental stage of the M60 machine gun. It uniquely combines the receiver and barrel of a German FG42 with the top cover and feed system of an MG42. Key modifications include a roller lug on the bolt for the MG42 feed mechanism and a custom stock, with the receiver altered to accommodate the bolt's travel.

This review details the Krieghoff prototype for the FG42 paratrooper rifle, a unique design that competed against Rheinmetall's winning entry. Key features include a bizarre wire stock for weight reduction and recoil absorption, a gas trap system instead of a traditional gas port, and a cable-operated charging handle. Despite its innovative elements, the Krieghoff design was ultimately not selected for production.

This review of the M60E3 'The Pig' highlights its design lineage from the Lewis gun and MG42, while detailing significant ergonomic and durability flaws. Issues include a difficult barrel change due to the bipod placement, a fragile fire control group, and gas system components prone to unscrewing. Despite these drawbacks, the M60E3 demonstrates controllable firing characteristics on the range.

The M240 Bravo, the US Army's FN MAG variant, replaced the M60. It features a simple cross-bolt safety and a unique top cover mechanism with a spring-loaded roller bearing for reliable cycling. The hydraulic buffer in the stock effectively manages recoil, contributing to its stable operation at a rate of fire around 600 rounds per minute.

This video from Military Arms Channel (MAC) explores the practicality and utility of semi-automatic belt-fed firearms. The host discusses the legal restrictions that led to their prevalence (NFA 1986 ban) and contrasts them with fully automatic counterparts. The video delves into how these semi-auto belt feds function, highlighting potential modifications for reliability. It examines the pros and cons, suggests alternative firearm options, and concludes with the author's opinion on the only truly practical belt-fed firearm, likely referencing a specific model. The description also includes discount codes for various firearms-related companies and calls to action for channel support.

The M60, nicknamed 'The Pig,' was a significant US Army machine gun, though it faced reliability issues, particularly with its bolt and operating rod. Despite these challenges, it proved more accurate than the M249 SAW and offered superior barrel life for sustained fire compared to the M240. Its design, influenced by German WWII weapons, utilized stamped sheet metal for mass production and was surprisingly controllable, even from the hip.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.