Why is it called a Ma Deuce?

The M2 uses the much larger and much more powerful .50 BMG (12.7 mm) cartridge, which was developed alongside and takes its name from the gun itself (BMG standing for Browning machine gun). It has been referred to as “Ma Deuce”, in reference to its M2 nomenclature.

Why is 50 cal called Ma Deuce?

50 Caliber Machine Gun is a heavy machine gun. It was nicknamed Ma Deuce by US troops or simply called “fifty-cal.” due to its caliber. John Moses Browning (1855–1926) of Ogden, Utah, was the inventor. His military arms were considered to be outstanding.

What is grazing fire military?

Grazing fire is a term used in military science and defined by NATO and the US Department Of Defense as “Fire approximately parallel to the ground where the center of the cone of fire does not rise above one meter from the ground.” Grazing fire is often performed by machine guns.

What is the largest caliber machine gun?

M2 . 50 Caliber Machine Gun

• Weight: 84 lbs.
• Length: 65 in.
• Barrel length: 45 in.
• Caliber: .50 BMG.
• Action: short recoil operated.
• Max Rate of Fire: 850 rpm.
• Muzzle velocity: 2,900 ft/s.
• Max Range: 6,800 m.

Can you legally own a 50-cal machine gun?

50 BMG (fifty caliber) rifles are illegal in California. They are prohibited by Penal Code 30610 PC and Penal Code 30600 PC, California’s law on assault weapons. In fact, “BMG” stands for Browning Machine Gun. So as far as California law is concerned, they are a type of assault weapon.

What is the first thing you should do when you handle a weapon?

Whenever you handle a firearm or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. Always keep actions open when not in use. Never assume a gun is unloaded — check for yourself!

Why was the M2 carbine not used on the Sherman tank?

While the M2 on the Shermans was supposed to be for anti-aircraft defense and could prove useful in certain circumstances, tank operators often weren’t happy with where it was mounted due to the disadvantages of the mounting position.

Why was the Browning machine gun on the Sherman tank?

While the scene in Band of Brothers depicts a soldier using the Browning for a ground assault, one of the main reasons the .50 caliber machine guns were mounted on the Shermans was for anti-aircraft purposes. To understand why this was done, one needs to have a look at both the M2 Browning machine gun and the M4 Sherman tank in a little more depth.

Was the M2 Browning machine gun used in WW2?

In WWII the M2 Browning saw extensive use, with American units operating these machine guns in their aircraft, on foot, and, of course, on tanks. The Germans loathed this gun for its effectiveness against their troops and the punch it packed against their lightly-armored vehicles.

Why do weapons make so much noise when fired?

The amount of propellant in the cartridges largely determines how much noise is generated when the weapon is fired. When the weapon is fired, the exploding propellant creates a pressure spike that travels down the barrel of the gun, eventually becoming a spherically expanding shock wave (muzzle blast) after it leaves the weapon.