M240 Bravo: America Replaces the M60
Forgotten Weapons
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9m 39s
In 1977, the US military adopted the FN MAG as the M240 in vehicular configuration to replace the less-than-successful M73/M219 machine guns. The USMC would get an early start adapting the 240 to ground configuration (the M240G), but it wasn’t until 1995 that the Army formally replaced the M60 with the MAG in M240B layout. The M240B has a number of differences from the standard MAG:
- Single-position gas regulator, giving about 600 RPM
- Picatinny rail on the top cover for mounting optics
- Front heat shield over the barrel to prevent heat mirage
- Top cover can be closed with the bolt either forward or back
The M240B has since been adopted by the Marines as well, and served extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan. It I a quite heavy gun (24+ pounds) but very well liked by its users for being exceptionally rugged, dependable, and accurate. The one we have today is in pristine condition, and one of just 11 transferrable examples registered in the US.
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