On October 15, PEO Soldier’s Brigadier General Peter N. Fuller Type Classified – Standard the new .50 Caliber M2A1 machine gun marking a new chapter in the life of the Army’s “Ma Deuce.” By spring 2011, all new M2s coming off the assembly lines will be manufactured to M2A1 specifications, a significant upgrade that enables Warfighters to deliver increased volumes of fire at the enemy while enhancing Soldier safety in the operation of the system.
The M2A1 incorporates the following improvements:
- Fixed headspace and timing
- Flash hider to reduce muzzle flash by 95%
- Quick Change Barrel (QCB) with removable carrying handle
- Modified bolt
- Trigger block
The M2A1’s fixed “headspace and timing” enhancement resolves the number one safety issue for Soldiers operating the weapon system. “Headspace” is the distance between the face of the bolt and the base of the cartridge case, fully seated in the chamber. “Timing” is the adjustment of the gun so that firing takes place when the recoiling parts are in the correct position for firing. The current M2 requires Soldiers to manually set headspace and timing before firing, after assembly, and after required barrel changes when the barrel becomes extremely hot from high volumes of fire. Improper adjustment can damage the weapon and cause serious injury to the user. Fixed headspace and timing reduces operator risk and eliminates the need for Soldiers to master and execute this time-consuming procedure.
The upgrade was made possible by a host of organizations across the Army, from Project Manager Soldier Weapons and Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), to Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and contracting centers at Warren and Picatinny. After the first unit is equipped with new M2A1s come summer, M2s in the field will begin to be returned to Anniston Army Depot for refitting with the Quick Change Barrel (QCB) Kit, bringing the M2s up to the new M2A1 standard. Units will receive M2A1s in a one-for-one exchange for their M2s.
“Soldiers love the M2, it’s their weapon of choice,” said Laura Battista, product director, M2/M2A1, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, “We didn’t want to change it. We wanted to enhance it by making it safer and easier to use. Soldiers will love the M2A1 even more.”
Once new production and M2A1 conversion programs are fully under way, more than 750 guns will become available to Army units each month, enough to outfit more than a dozen brigade combat teams in just six months. Fielding priority goes to deployers and redeployers. In time, the Army’s entire fleet of more than 45,000 M2s will receive the upgrade.
“Not only is this weapon safer, but faster to operate as well,” said Bob Sulzbach, lead engineer M2A1 weapons system, ARDEC. “In tests, Soldiers demonstrated they could perform the barrel change in just eight seconds, giving them near continuous firepower and increased lethality. A common Soldier remark was simply, ‘Wow, it’s that easy? I can just shoot now?’”
Soldiers are so surprised by the system’s ease of use because for years they had to endure significant down time as they went through the barrel change routine and adjusted the headspace and timing properly. To change the barrel on the M2A1, a Soldier simply needs to press back on the charging handle slightly, rotate the barrel by its carrying handle, and slide the barrel off the receiver. He then slides the new barrel on and locks it into the J-slot on the barrel support and the gun is ready to fire. It’s that easy. The removable carrying handle also serves to protect Soldiers from the extreme temperatures of heated barrels, no special gloves are needed – one more finishing touch on an outstanding upgrade of a proven performer.
I am with a Combined Support Maintenance Shop with the Army National Guard. I was wondering who will be manufacturing this new version, Sabre, etc. This will enable us to go to a class if they offer one, unless the army produces one, in order to get a jump on the training when the units get them. Thank you.
SGT Haley
TNARNG
I would also like to say this is a long time in coming. I have personnaly spent countless hours learning, teaching, and repairing the M2/M48 series. The hardest ones to break of the bad habits were the old school soldiers who “knew mama”. I believe this new change will save precious training time and the cost of downtime/repairs, although this contradicts my job security as a Small Arms Technician. Long live Ma Duece!
This weapon is living proof of the superior design of a weapon that was developed in the 1930′s. With the new enhancements…tLong live the Ma Deuce!
Chris…When your unit is fielded the M2A1, new equipment training will be conducted. There will also be a maintainers class for your weapons repair specialists and technicians. The NET is mandatory when PEO Soldier/PM Soldier Weapons fields a new system, and it falls under the train the trainer concept.
Dear Ddawson,
Can you please send me an email. I need to ask you a few questions about the flash suppressor. I am with a company that makes the .50 Cal Flash Suppressor for Special Operations Command (75th Rangers, Navy Seals, etc). So I am curious about how this flash suppressor is going to be fielded. Has one already been chosen? If so, what company? Thanks for the help. I hope you can email me so we can dialogue a little better.
Spence
TO ALL
as one of the “old school” soldier who is still. This weapon should not be messed with. I am still a soldier, and this weapon was developed in 1918 and has been used sine the 20s NOT 30s. Don’t mean to sound mean but yall need to know what you are talking about. The government was fixin to not pay us and they want to spend money to fix a weapon that isn’t broken, HOW REDICULOUS IS THAT. Some congressman or woman is going to make millions off of a deal and people sit around and wonder why our country is broke. I understand the job security too, i myself am lining up to retire and start with northrup grumman as an armorer extrordinair. i can do all kinds of stuff to all kinds of weapons, but this is one weapon that as is, strikes fear in to those who hear it. leave this weapon alone.
Wild Bill, I should have been more specific. This is true, but the MA deuce that we know and love, M2HB didn’t come into service until 1933.
wild bill,
old school is fine, but new school soldiers are being maimed due to hs&t issues at rates that warrant revisiting peripheral design issues on the m2. this is exactly the kind of innovation we need more of and well worth my tax dollars if it brings our warfighters home in one peice while making sure our nation’s enemies meet their maker as a fine pink mist.
hoo-ah to all involved.
To wild bill, the new upgrade is whatthe service needs.No headspacing. Not to mention its alot lighter. Im a weapons engineer for the army. Taking headspacing away is a great feat in any operators eyes. Im not sure if you know how much headspace gauges go for when the army buys them but they are quite exspensive. No one likes change but this was for the better.
I witnessed first hand where and how these upgrades are being performed. It is truely amazing how quickly you can swap barrels now. GREAT IDEA, late but better late than never!!