Browning Machine Gun, Cal .30, M2: Aircraft — Fixed and Flexible TM 9-205

6x9", 134 pages                                       

The Model AN/M2 is an aircraft version of the Model 1919A4 Browning .30 caliber machine gun. Designed by legendary gunsmith John M. Browning, this air-cooled variant of the AN/M2 was modified by engineers at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal, Belgium, with a lighter, thinner barrel, bolt and receiver walls than the field version. The final product weighed 2/3rds that of the M1919, could be synchronized to fire through an aircraft propeller, and boasted a rate of fire up to three times higher — up to an astonishing 1,200-1,500 rounds per minute. In addition to aircraft use, the M2 was also utilized as a vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft weapon. Later in the war, U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater used salvaged M2s, modified with improvised handles, as “Stingers” -- with such effectiveness that the weapon was floated as a replacement for the BAR.

The closed bolt, lightweight M2 proved a capable weapon in the early stage of WWII, and was used in both single and twin mounts, and as a fixed wing gun configurations. As the war progressed and aircraft armor improved, it was relegated to a training role and replaced by the larger caliber Browning Cal. .50 M2 machine gun. Some of the aircraft it served aboard include the Dauntless, Liberator and Avenger.

Created by the War Department in 1942, this Technical Manual covers all aspects of the weapon, from mechanics to cleaning, disassembly, ammunition, and more.

134 pages, 6x9" format, softbound, black and white interior and full color covers.