Figure 2-44.--M60 machine gun: (A) Bipod mounted; (B) Tripod mounted.
The M60 has a front sight permanently affixed to
7.62-MM M60 MACHINE GUN
the barrel. The rear sight leaf is mounted on a spring-
The M60 machine gun (fig. 2-44) is an air-cooled,
type dovetail base (fig. 2-45). It can be folded forward
belt-fed, gas-operated automatic weapon. The machine
to the horizontal when the gun is to be moved. The
gun was originally developed for use by ground troops;
range plate on the sight leaf is marked for each 100
however, it is used on many types and classes of ships,
river patrol craft, and combat helicopters.
meters, from 300 meters to the maximum effective
The essential features of the M60 are as follows:
43.5 in. (110.5 cm)
Length
23 lb (10.4 kg)
Weight
3,725 meters (4,075 yd)
Maximum range
Maximum effective range 1,100 meters (1,200 yd)
7,62-mm ball tracer,
armor-piercing,
incendiary, and dummy
100 rpm
Rates of fire: Sustained
200 rpm
Rapid
550 rpm
Cyclic
Figure 2-45.--M60 rear sight.
2-24
