M60 machine gun

Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60
M60 machine gun with bipod extended
TypeGeneral-purpose machine gun
Medium machine gun
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1960–present
Used bySee Users
Wars
Production history
Designed1952–1957
Manufacturer
Unit costUS$6,000 (M60E3)
Produced1957–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass10.5 kg (23.15 lb)
Length1,105 mm (43.5 in)
Barrel length560 mm (22.0 in)
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
Caliber7.62 mm (0.308 in)
ActionGas-operated, short-stroke gas piston, opened rotating bolt
Rate of fire550–650 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity2,800 ft/s (853 m/s)
Effective firing range1,200 yd (1,100 m)
Maximum firing range4,073 yd (3,724 m)
Feed systemDisintegrating belt with M13 Links
SightsIron sights

The M60, officially the Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60, is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links. There are several types of ammunition approved for use in the M60, including ball, tracer, and armor-piercing rounds.

It was adopted in 1960 and issued to units beginning in 1960. It has served with every branch of the U.S. military and still serves with the armed forces of other nations. Its manufacture and continued upgrade for military and commercial purchase continues into the 21st century, although it has been replaced or supplemented in most roles by other designs, most notably the M240 machine gun in U.S. service.

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