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. This example is configured for the naval anti-aircraft role, and is installed in a M39 pedestal mount. While World War II would see a transition to heavier ordnance for the point defense role on American vessels, single weapon 50 BMG mounts were common defensive pieces on American ships at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Configured without sights, with a full length heat shield and extra mounting point at the front of the receiver, Ramo markings on the right side, synthetic grips, and a butterfly trigger. The pedestal mount is green painted steel and brass construction, with an armored shield, a pair of adjustable shoulder hooks, canvas suspension belt, viewport for a (not included) A-A sight, and pre-positioned holes for bolting the pedestal to a flat surface.

Excellent, with 95% plus original matte gray finish, showing minor handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. The pedestal has been repainted, showing some wear and flaking overall, with stiff hydraulic and swivel components. 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.