Why do M2 50 Cal MGs have muzzle breaks?

[Kaveman]

This isn't something that happens in reality. The barrels weigh about 50 pounds IRL because they HAVE to be that sturdy to continue firing the rounds, they're solid chunks of metal.

The muzzle breaks look like ones you'd find on an M4 or the MK19, but they aren't on 'real' 50 cals.

[Primus Palus]

Where are you seeing this?

[Squike]

the new M2A1 thats beginning to get rolled out to the army i believe has a flash hider/ muzzle break on the end.
http://www.army.mil/article/92130/M2A1_Machine_Gun_features_greater_safety__heightened_lethality/

[The Testiclops]

I have seen 50 cal's with and without muzzle breaks in real life in an actual combat zone so idk what your talking about. Muzzle breaks have two purposes one to help reduce recoil both rising and pushing, & the second most important reason is for Muzzle flash, the muzzle break is designed in such a way to reduce the flash that accurs to a minimum alowing you to not be as noticeable at a certain distances.

[Kaveman]

Originally posted by WAR Primus Palus:

Where are you seeing this?

All the videos, screenshots from the store page

[Kaveman]

Originally posted by Athanos:

I have seen 50 cal's with and without muzzle breaks in real life in an actual combat zone so idk what your talking about. Muzzle breaks have two purposes one to help reduce recoil both rising and pushing, & the second most important reason is for Muzzle flash, the muzzle break is designed in such a way to reduce the flash that accurs to a minimum alowing you to not be as noticeable at a certain distances.

I'm talking about the m2 machine gun, not sniper rifles. It's not just '.50cals',

[Onikenshin]

Originally posted by Kaveman:

Originally posted by Athanos:

I have seen 50 cal's with and without muzzle breaks in real life in an actual combat zone so idk what your talking about. Muzzle breaks have two purposes one to help reduce recoil both rising and pushing, & the second most important reason is for Muzzle flash, the muzzle break is designed in such a way to reduce the flash that accurs to a minimum alowing you to not be as noticeable at a certain distances.

I'm talking about the m2 machine gun, not sniper rifles. It's not just '.50cals',

That's what he is talking about. There is often a muzzle break on M2 .50 cals. Most firearms do have a muzzle break. The military is moving over to newer versions of the M2 and they do have muzzle breaks most of the time. The older versions do not.

The military is starting to use shorter ones with muzzle breaks to control recoil, it also reduces the weight and size. More bullets. Like above mentioned, the M2a1 does use a muzzle break. It is not an uncommon thing to see. You are more likely to see an older M2 without one on Guard units or other reserve units.

[Kaveman]

Originally posted by Squike:

the new M2A1 thats beginning to get rolled out to the army i believe has a flash hider/ muzzle break on the end.
http://www.army.mil/article/92130/M2A1_Machine_Gun_features_greater_safety__heightened_lethality/

I hadn't heard anything about the M2A1. Note they've got me curious how they 'fixed' the headspace and timing. I'll be looking that up. Thanks!

[Kaveman]

Originally posted by EO Onikenshin:

Originally posted by Kaveman:

I'm talking about the m2 machine gun, not sniper rifles. It's not just '.50cals',

That's what he is talking about. There is often a muzzle break on M2 .50 cals. Most firearms do have a muzzle break. The military is moving over to newer versions of the M2 and they do have muzzle breaks most of the time. The older versions do not.

The military is starting to use shorter ones with muzzle breaks to control recoil, it also reduces the weight and size. More bullets. Like above mentioned, the M2a1 does use a muzzle break. It is not an uncommon thing to see. You are more likely to see an older M2 without one on Guard units or other reserve units.

Then that would be the M2A1(which squike informed me about), not the M2. How do you know that's what he was talking about when he was nonspecific?
There was no muzzle break on the M2 prior to the M2A1, period. 'Most rifles'weren't what I asked about, I tried being specific. If I sound snarky, it's because it's bed time for me.