The M60 is a general-purpose machine gun that was designed in the United States in the late 1950s. It has served as a primary infantry support weapon for various branches of the U.S. military and has also been used by numerous other countries. Here are key features and details about the M60 machine gun:1. **Design and Development**: The M60 was developed in the late 1950s by the Saco Defense division of the Maremont Corporation. It was designed to be a versatile and reliable general-purpose machine gun for infantry use.2. **Chambering**: The M60 is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, the same cartridge used in the M14 rifle.3. **Gas-Operated, Belt-Fed**: The M60 is a gas-operated, belt-fed machine gun. It uses a piston driven by the force of expanding gases to cycle the action. The ammunition is typically fed from a disintegrating metallic link belt.4. **Variants**: Over the years, the M60 has undergone various modifications and improvements, resulting in different variants. One well-known variant is the M60E3, which featured a lighter barrel and other enhancements.5. **Weight and Dimensions**: The M60 is a relatively heavy machine gun, weighing around 23 pounds (10.4 kg) without its tripod. It has a length of approximately 43 inches (109 cm).6. **Cyclic Rate of Fire**: The cyclic rate of fire for the M60 is typically around 500 to 600 rounds per minute.7. **Barrel Changeability**: One of the notable features of the M60 is its quick-change barrel system, allowing the gunner to replace a hot barrel with a cooler one during sustained fire without the need for tools.8. **Bipod and Tripod Mounting**: The M60 can be fired from a bipod or mounted on a tripod for improved stability. It is also compatible with vehicle mounts.9. **Service History**: The M60 has seen extensive service with the U.S. military, including during the Vietnam War, where it was the standard machine gun for infantry units. It continued to be used in later conflicts.10. **Replacement by the M240**: The M60 has largely been replaced by the M240 machine gun (FN MAG) in U.S. military service, although it is still encountered in some roles.11. **Cultural References**: The M60 is often featured in movies, television shows, and video games. Its distinctive appearance and widespread use have contributed to its recognition in popular culture.12. **Exported to Allied Nations**: The M60 has been exported to many allied nations and has seen service in various conflicts around the world.Despite being largely replaced by more modern designs, the M60 remains an important part of military history and has left a lasting impact on the development of machine guns. Its robust design and versatility contributed to its longevity in service.
Measures 42 x 17 x 7.
Wood.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.