IdahoNYer
Posts: 2616
Joined: 9/6/2009 From: NYer living in Boise, ID Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kbfchicago M2 has my vote just from a longevity perspective. From a U.S. only perspective (no personal expose to non-U.S. counterparts) as a tanker on M60A3 and M1s. The M60A3 had the M85 .50 cal (mounted upside down with a backwards feed) in the copula. Being anchored to the tank and hand cranked onto target with integrated day/night sight it was by far more accurate vs. the M1's pintle mounted M2. Most folks hated the M85, bust your knuckles putting it in, loading, and clearing it, I loved it. With a little TLC (and a c#ap load of lube) it would fire all day long and did not have the same timing sensitivity it's bigger M2 cousin had. Much shorter barrel on the M85 so expect the effective range was shorter, too long ago to recall the specifics...but in a tank if it's bigger than a person out past a 1000 meters, put a 105 (or 120) round in it, don't bother with the small stuff. But then... the M60 tank also typically carried a variety of ammo types to include anti-personnel whereas standard load in the M1 was only HEAT and Sabot. Ammo was also a bit more of a challenge, M85 used trays that wrapped around the cupola, so a "quick" reload was not an option, in fact it was a pain in the butt. Much faster with the M2 (standard ammo can and clip up) but the TC is also exposed on the M1 to use it effectively. Anywho...just my 2 cents on experience with the Maa Duce and my first .50 cal love, the usually forgotten M85.. Also a shout out to the M60 machine gun a firearm most references relate directly back to the venerable MG34/42 family of German WWII fame. The M60 is a elegant firearm, minimal parts, great rate of fire. I have not disassembled/assembled one for over 20 years but bet I could still do it, blind folded, it was that easy - considering I can't recall my kids names on most days that saying something. The M249, a minimalist version (no stocks, handles, etc) was the coax gun. Now that hummer would fire for days and throw some serious 7.62 down range...from a turret side bin with 1000s (well a sh#t load, if not 1000s) of rounds at the ready. Tanks, more adrenaline and fun than an adult should be legally allowed to have...thanks CR for bringing back the memories! Kevin I'm in that M85 hater's club Kevin. U-Shaped feed tray around the commander's turret was a bear - only way to manage not to get a round hung up somewhere was too pour half a quart of lube from the feed tray to the last round - go down range with oil dripping on your neck and back! Good times, right! Traverse and elevation was a heck of lot better than the original M1's joystick for its MaDeuce - but that was modified significantly for the better by the M1A1. M2 gets my vote for top spot on this list - nothing sweeter than firing a MaDeuce from an M113 pintle mount!
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