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the world, the Browning M2 machine gun has seen use in virtually any role where a 223 or 30 caliber machine gun is insufficient, and stands as one of the longest running and most ubiquitous weapons systems of the 20th century. While eventually phased out of the air to air role in favor of heavier cannons and missiles, the M2 still serves with distinction in a variety of ground roles. This example has been fitted out in “HB” configuration, with a short heat shield over the heavyweight barrel,
a set of blade and folding ladder sights on top of the
receiver, right side charging handle and a set of rear
spade grips with a butterfly thumb trigger and rotating
safety mechanism. The Springfield Armory address and
nomenclature are present on the right sideplate, with a
“2” added to the model marking, possibly in the military
maintenance/storage pipeline or at Springfield itself.
Included with the lot are a pintle, T&E mechanism, green
painted folding tripod, and conical flash hider.
CONDITION: Very fine as refitted, with 97% plus arsenal
quality parkerized finish, showing light wear and
handling marks overall. Mechanically needs work, bolt is
locked in rear position. NOTE: This weapon is a National
Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is
registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a “Curios or Relic” as
defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000
LOT 477
U.S. Springfield “M2-AC” 50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun, Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with Tripod - Serial no. 1959420, 50 Cal., 45 inch round bbl., parkerized finish, synthetic grips. Manufactured at Springfield Arsenal, this weapon started life as a M3-AC-Basic aircraft machine gun before being redesignated and registered as an M2 ground machine gun. It is believed that only about 1500 of these were manufactured. One of the most famous heavy machine guns in