Gun of the Day- The "There's an M-60 in There Somewhere" Edition

The M-60 Machine Gun

Service history

In service 1957–present

Wars

Vietnam War

Cambodian Civil War

Cambodian–Vietnamese War

The Troubles

Gulf War

War in Afghanistan

Iraq War

Cambodian–Thai border stand-off

Colombian armed conflict

various others

Production history

Designed Late 1940s–1957

Manufacturer Saco Defense

U.S. Ordnance

Unit cost $6,000

Produced 1957–present

Specifications

Weight 10.5 kg (23.15 lb)

Length 1,105 mm (43.5 in)

Barrel length 560 mm (22.0 in)

Cartridge 7.62×51mm NATO

Caliber 7.62 mm (0.308 in)

Action Gas-operated, short stroke gas piston[2], open bolt

Rate of fire 500–650 rounds/min (rpm)

Muzzle velocity 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s)

Effective range 1,200 yd (1,100 m)

Feed system Disintegrating belt with M13 Links

Sights Iron sights