This is an excellent example of a very scarce M60 type medium weight belt fed machine gun as manufactured by the SACO Defense Division of the Maremeont Co. The M60 was develop in the early 1960s to replace the aging M1919A6 and later M14E2 squad automatic rifles. They were used very successfully during the entire Vietnam War as the main squad and platoon level medium machine. They used a disintegrating, metal belt feeding system that fired approximately 700 rounds per minute. This example is currently fitted with a short 18 inch Commando length heavy barrel with six fluted sides. It also features a short birdcage type flash hider similar in design to the standard M16 rifle. These Commando length barrel were far more compact than the standard barrel; however, with the heavier configuration would allow the M60 considerably more sustained full automatic fire. The side of the barrel is marked with "93412 -7269028-6-61-H3350911". It is also stamped with a "P and M" proof mark indicating it was proof fired and magnetic particle inspected to ensure there are no cracks. The top of the receiver ring is marked with "US/MACHINE GUN/7.62-MM M60/SACO DEFENSE ME" and there is a commercial type serial number "SLA-19" on the left side. It is fitted with the standard flip up rear sight graduated 3-11 (300-100 yards) with the fixed standing post front sight. It is fitted with a slim-vertical pistol grip/handguard with an improved end cap/buttplate. It is complete with a black shoulder sling for assault carrying, and approximately 100 disintegrating metal belt links.