Page 337 - 4093-BOOK1

335
LOT 382
Desirable Ramo M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun, Class III/NFA Fully Transferable Machine Gun, with MK123
Lightweight Aircraft Grade Aluminum “Airborne” M3 Tripod with P.T.&E. - Serial no. 003597, 50 BMG cal., 45
inch round bbl., matte gray phosphate finish, synthetic grips. Manufactured by Ramo of Nashville, Tennessee, the M2
Browning Machine Gun is the definitive Western heavy machine gun of the 20th century. A descendant of Browning’s
1917 HMG, the development of the M2 was first prompted by the emergence of armored aircraft among German
forces in World War I, calling for a greater level of firepower to bring down enemy aircraft. Development
continued after Browning’s passing in 1926, and in 1933 it was adopted by the U.S. armed forces. In
service to this day, the air-cooled “HB” variant of the M2 has been used in a wide spectrum of roles
on sea, air and land, from as fundamental as an infantry heavy machine gun, as rarified as the
main armament of top of the line fighter aircraft, to as oddball as being used as a sniper
rifle; the famed Carlos Hathcock used a scoped M2 to set a confirmed kill record in
Vietnam that wouldn’t be beaten until the War on Terror, and still holds a spot
on the top 10 as of this writing. Hooded blade front and folding ladder
peep sights, with the six-line Ramo legend and serial number on the
right side plate, over the Ramo “elephant head” logo, a short vented
barrel shroud, and a heavyweight barrel. The cocking handle and spade
grips are both plastic construction, with a sliding safety on the back plate.
Included with the lot are a folding tripod and a traverse & elevation mechanism.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, showing little use with 99% plus original matte gray phosphate finish, showing
some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Tripod and PT&E are in fine order. The modern MK123 Aircraft
Aluminum Tripod included is of far better construction materials and manufacturing quality with S/S and bronze
hardware. It was a welcomed addition by ground troops as a much lighter component of a Crew Served Weapon
System weighing less than 20 lbs. compared to the 44 lb. weight of the older M3 steel version. 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) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000