2005, Nevada. STS President Dale McClel- NEW LIFE FOR A COMBAT CLASSIC: lan, a former M60 gunner with SEAL Team 8, prepares to test fire a MK43 Mod 1 fitted with the short (17.5 inch), fluted Assault barrel. It is topped with a Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight on the distinctively angular machined feed cover’s US ORDNANCE rock-steady integral rail and a PEQ-2A laser aiming module on the Mod 1’s new Rail In- terface System forearm. He has moved the Tango Down vertical grip to just the right place for his shooting preference. Note on his load MK43 MOD 1 harness the specialized rectangular carrying pouches for belted ammo, available now in MACHINE GUN desert tan from US Ordnance as a sturdy al- ternative to the flimsy GI bandoleers. (Photo courtesy of Vantage Pointe Studios) a special report by ROBERT BRUCE

“The M60E4 is a great weapon and definitely fills the gap between vehicle mounted M240B and dismounted M249 SAW. Scout teams have been taking them out to over- watch and support the snipers, occupying OPs near them and carrying the M60E4 because it is small enough to hump a good distance and has great firepower. Some comments directly from soldiers: The M60E4 is small enough to ma- neuver in tight places, it allows for easy access entering and exiting vehicles and aircraft, can be shoulder fired in short bursts accurately, does not require a complete crew to operate effectively.” Email to US Ordnance from an of- ficer of 101st Airborne Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom

JOURNALABOVE: The tough and rigid machined feed cover with in- hat’s not to like about a real machine gun that’s significantly lighter than a chunky tegral MIL-STD 1913 rail, as well as additional rails on both M240, about the same size as a puny sides and underneath the improved Rail Interface System SAW, pumps out powerful 7.62mm rounds (RIS) forearm, immediately identify this as the new MK43 SMALL ARMS with reliability and accuracy, and has long Mod 1 machine gun from US Ordnance. That’s an ELCAN been a force multiplier in elite Navy SEAL Teams? GIs M145 Machine Gun Optic clamped on top and the RIS is fitted Wwho’ve tried ‘em love ‘em, they’re comparable in price to with an Insight ANPEQ-2A laser aiming module on the side buy and sustain as the FN guns, they’ve been in the logis- plus a Tango Down vertical foregrip underneath. The short, tics and combat doctrine chains for ever, and they’re 100 fluted Assault barrel (17.5 inches) seen here has the E4 ver- percent American designed and built. Slam dunk? Sorry. sion gas cylinder extension that is self-locking. The barrel’s improved “birdcage” flash suppressor is closed on the bottom The “Screaming Eagles” in Iraq only had a few of the to minimize dust dispersion when firing from prone. (Photo newest Sixties, provided free of charge by US Ordnance courtesy of Vantage Pointe Studios) in response to their urgent request while forward deployed for the Global War on Terror. US Ord sent a crate full of and shorter version of the M240. MK43s (M60E4), spare barrels and spare parts to Fort Campbell and the Army delivered it to Iraq. Meanwhile, production of M240s and 249s at FN’s South Carolina plant continues at breakneck pace but there Subsequent use in the unforgiving arena of intense ur- remains a substantial backlog. This necessitates keeping ban combat resulted in a number of enthusiastic responses large numbers of existing M60s in service with all branches leaking out, but any formalized after report has ap- of the US Armed Forces. But these guns are mostly old parently been kept on close hold. We are unaware of any and tired veterans of decades of hard service and victims plans by the Army for further evaluation and PM Soldier of poor maintenance with shoddy and cannibalized parts. Weapons is moving out at double time to develop a lighter What’s going on here?

66 | SPRING 2009 DEFENSESPRING 2009 | 67 Passing a Sputtering Torch Helzer: In 2000, Curtis Debord recog- ers through its mechanical upgrades? nized that there was a business oppor- Prior to its last-ditch effort in the tunity for a small arms manufacturer in Helzer: US Ordnance’s MK43s feature “Upgrade Kit” trials, M60 production acquiring the original tooling, technical twenty-two key improvements. I’ll list had long been the exclusive domain data packages, processes, and proce- them roughly from muzzle to buttstock, of Saco Defense, where a skilled force dures necessary to make a MIL-SPEC not necessarily in order of importance: of dedicated craftsmen had been turn- M60. General Dynamics (GD) was ing out hundreds of thousands of these just completing the purchase of SACO 1. Redesigned flash suppressor. It’s guns in various configurations. But for Defense and recognized that they had shorter, more effective and not prone to some reason the level of quality seems an obligation to ensure the availability breaking like the ‘duck bill’ variant used to have dropped. of spare parts for the M60 for the next in early SEAL team guns. five to ten years. But GD wanted out of 2. Adjustable front sight allows for ze- This is particularly puzzling given the 7.62mm General Purpose Machine roing of spare and primary barrel prior Navy Special Warfare’s apparent satis- Gun business so a licensing agreement to mission operation. The old design faction with their measurably improved between US Ordnance and Saco De- required the gunner during combat to M60E4/MK43s of about the same time fense/GD was a logical conclusion. It remember to adjust the rear sight for frame. ensured the availability of spare parts each barrel change. A small relief cut and ensured that the M60 remained in in the new front sight base decreases It must be left to others to explain the sionary named Curtis Debord. production. Spare parts and complete the chance of losing the front sight in reasons for the abysmal performance of weapon systems would be available, the field. the eighteen guns SACO brought to the We contacted Steve Helzer, Gener- and design improvement work could 3. Bipod moved from barrel to receiv- 19 Feb 1968, South . An team from Charley Company, Army’s gunfight in 1994. Our numerous al Manager of US Ordnance, Inc., locat- continue. er. This has reduced the weight of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division takes cover behind a palm phone calls – with detailed messages ed in Reno, Nevada, to get the straight spare barrel and keeps the receiver tree during Operation Hue City. Note the gunner’s secondary armament, a .45 left for a certain individual who had story on how the M60 was saved from SADJ: We have seen plenty of evi- stable, off the ground away from debris caliber M1911 , and both he and his assistant gunner carry a spare belt of been identified to us as a key player on a lingering but certain death. What fol- dence to convince us that US Ord- and pointed down range during barrel 7.62mm ammunition worn bandoleer style over their flak jackets. The gun’s bipod the industry side of the trials – were not lows is based on telephone conversa- nance’s M60E4 – initially fielded by changes. is deployed for accurate shooting from a prone position. (USMC photo/National returned. tions and email exchanges. Navy Special Warfare as the MK43 Mod 4. Bipod is strengthened and simplified, Archives) 0 and now the Mod 1 – represent signifi- one hand operated and has ambidex- cycle. induction hardened to resist mechanical Market forces being what they are, SADJ: Who is primarily responsible for cant ‘design improvements’ over all pre- trous legs to ease maintenance and 9. Gas tube on the barrel is simplified wear from the forward sling mount. SACO was acquired by defense indus- acquiring the M60 rights from SACO vious versions. Will you take our read- spares. with three fewer parts than the old stan- 15. A new captured pin prevents acci- try giant General Dynamics in 2000. and what was his reason for pursuing 5. Improved forward handguard with dard. dental detachment and loss of the trig- No secret that the Sixty was by then a this? increased heat shielding that protects 10. Both the Mod 0 and Mod 1 come ger group. neglected stepchild as Big Army transi- the operator from barrel heat, plus a for- with an aluminum rail top cover to facili- 16. Improved grip housing that tioned to the M240 and it would have ward pistol grip for better control. tate the mounting of optics. is stronger and redesigned to prevent slowly faded away if it weren’t for a vi- 6. Mod 1 variant has a Rail Interface 11. A new spring JOURNAL loaded feed cam al- trigger pin from being installed back- Handguard with removable/reposition- lows loading of the weapon with the wards in unsafe position. able pistol grip. This accommodates bolt forward (safe position) or rearward 17. Ambidextrous . different sized soldiers and allows (charged) without damaging the feed 18. A trigger guard that hinges down to mounting of the gun to most all existing cam assembly. allow trigger finger access wearing thick SMALL ARMS platforms. Three rails (both sides and 12. A redesigned feed cam, feed pawl winter mitts or NBC protective gloves. underneath) allow mounting of multiple assembly, and retaining pawl 19. Nyloc safety nut on cocking handle items like lasers and aiming devices. for 30% improved belt pull to overcome retainer holds tight despite vibration and 7. Carry handle is mounted on the barrel misaligned ammo and debris. allows for multiple assembly and disas- to facilitate hot barrel change and offset 13. Two sear notches on the operating sembly with no degradation. so it won’t get in the way of the sights. rod help prevent run away gun in ex- 20. The ammunition hanger is now rig- 8. Improved gas system is “soldier treme operating environments. idly mounted to the side of the receiver proof” reversible. The old system was 14. The operating rod tube is now hard – unlike the previous version, where one direction only and if assembled chrome plated for corrosion resistance the hanger was mounted to the feed wrong the gun would fire once and not and to facilitate cleaning. Its fore end is try. Now, when checking the ,

OPPOSITE TOP: 2005, Nevada. Formidable topside armament for a desert camo’d HMMWV, this versatile MK43 Mod 1 machine gun fitted with the distinctively fluted 17.5 inch long Assault barrel and its new type self-locking gas cylinder exten- sion. A Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight is securely clamped on the integral section of MIL STD 1913 rail on the feed cover and the bipod is neatly folded up but instantly ready if needed for dismounted operations. Note also the PEQ-2A laser aiming module on the side and the Tango Down “broomstick” vertical foregrip underneath the Mod 1’s new Rail Interface System forearm. (Photo courtesy of Vantage Pointe Studios)

LEFT: 27 May 2003, Al Hillah, Iraq. Engineering Aide 1st Class Scott Lyerla, of Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 15, mans a MK43 Mod 0 machine gun to provide security for his convoy conducting a road movement during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (US Navy photo by PHM1C Arlo Abrahamson) 68 | SPRING 2009 DEFENSESPRING 2009 | 69 Navy. The M60 family of weapons is still In a recent telephone conversation, Mod 1 was run without incident for sev- very popular around the free world. Lomont told us he has put more than eral thousand rounds in the industry SADJ: What’s the price of the MK43 70,000 rounds of “every kind of ammo” demo and participant live fire opportu- retro-fit parts kit? through his US Ord MK43 with excellent nity at NDIA Small Arms 2006. Then, results. In no uncertain terms he de- in our day on the range with students of Helzer: Anyone with a serviceable M60 clared, “It’s a goddamn good gun! For Navy Center for Security Forces’ Crew receiver can have what amounts to a the first time there’s a Sixty you can bet Served Weapons Instructor Course, no brand-new MK43 for about 60 percent your life on.” problems occurred with either of two US of the cost of a complete new gun. Or, Ord MK43 guns that were hard-used all we’ll be happy to sell them a complete Lomont’s salty and straightforward afternoon by a dozen Sailors. MK43 Mod 1 for $11,200 (domestic endorsement tracks with what we have suggested retail price). That’s less than repeatedly heard from law enforce- Those who are still skeptical are in- commercial price for FN’s M240 and ment and military users. To the point, vited to see for themselves some real tor- significantly less than their MK48 guns. the MK43 has proven itself over recent ture tests of the MK43. A couple different Our MK43s are in stock and ready for years in hard training and combat op- 850 round continuous burst videos are delivery to US Government and law erations by Navy SEALs and other elite linked on the Special Tactical Services’ enforcement pending ATF transfer ap- formations such as the “Screaming Ea- website at www.spectacserv.com. Click proval. gles” in Iraq. VIDEOS on the navigation bar, then se- lect MACHINE GUNS. Plenty more folks SADJ: We know that US Ord used to We have personally observed the have accessed and marveled the one at sell semiauto M60s that were civilian le- situation where one US Ordnance MK43 Blackwater that is posted on YouTube. gal with no special paperwork. But now, the website says resumption of sales is delayed indefinitely. Comment?

Helzer: The Global War on Terror has caused a dramatic impact on the small 29 Mar 2004, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Master-at-Arms Seaman Ray Cowan, assigned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Security, arms industry. As our government or- mans a MK43 Mod 0 machine gun aboard a 28 foot SeaArk patrol boat. (US Navy photo by PHM1C William Goodwin) ders ramped up we pulled our employ- the gunner doesn’t have to lift a belt of chased at least several guns and/or have ongoing programs on both coasts ees from the semi-auto production line heavy ammunition and also risk dump- quantity orders for spares in the last and in with the gulf coast states to arm and converted that area in our shop to ing it out of the bandoleer. couple of years? their various patrol boats with Mk43s. military and law enforcement. This was 21. Improved polymer buttstock that is a difficult decision because of the large lighter and stronger while retaining the Helzer: We have sold to numerous The US Army Tank and Automo- and loyal civilian M60 following but a hinged shoulder rest feature. Sheriff Departments to assist with their tive Command in Rock Island, Illinois necessary one to support the warfighter JOURNAL 22. Overall weapon length (fitted with new role in Homeland Security. Pri- (TACOM-RI) is our largest customer. and our coalition partners. Sales are short barrel) is 5 inches shorter then marily for Maritime Security escort duty TACOM-RI purchases are primarily for still delayed indefinitely. the Standard M60 and almost 4 pounds for tankers carrying oil or LNG (Lique- Foreign Military Sales. We have also lighter fied Natural Gas) in states with ocean received US Government purchase SADJ: How many semiauto US Ord SMALLaccess ports. ARMSWe would prefer not to orders for spare parts from TACOM- Sixties are out there now? 9 Sep 2005, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Expended brass cartridge SADJ: When we interviewed Dale Mc- mention their names as this might be RI, Defense Supply Center Columbus cases and steel links pile up as STS President Dale McClellan hammers away Clellan at STS he said there were some somewhat sensitive. It is safe to say we (DSCC) and Defense Supply Center Helzer: There are more than 150 of with a MK43 Mod 0, nearing the end of another highly convincing demonstration other improvements in the works. Philadelphia (DSCP) for use by our own the M60, M60E3 and a small number of the gun’s ability to sustain a continuous 850 round burst when fitted with US soldiers. These have primarily been (10-20) of factory M60E4/Mk43 Mod 0 Ordnance’s high reliability retrofit kit. (Photo courtesy of Special Tactical Services) Helzer: That’s right. Our improved spare barrels and sub assemblies for and Mod 1 semi autos in civilian hands. short fluted barrel is currently available complete weapons. US Ordnance have resumed semi-auto MK43 MOD 1 TECH SPECS and is based on the ones that STS did sales and now offer a semi-auto M249 the 850 round demos with. Still in the And, we just delivered a small quan- SAW in limited numbers. These are RDT&E (research, development, test tity of complete MK43 Mod 1s to the available from Desert Ordnance (www. CALIBER BARREL OPTIONS and engineering) stages are the im- US Navy. desertord.com) 7.62x51mm NATO Short (16.5 in.) proved cocking handle, bolt with new Assault (17.5 in.) metallurgy, and a modification to the SADJ: What foreign countries have Live Firing the MK43 OPERATION Long (21.5 in.) feed tray. We’re always working to im- gotten guns in quantity over the last two Gas piston with 2-lug turning bolt prove our M60 family of guns and there years? The scope of this feature is not in- CYCLIC RATE are a couple of other things that maybe tended to include a hands-on evaluation WEIGHT 500 to 600 rounds per minute we can talk about in a few months. Helzer: Colombian Navy and Army, of the new Sixties from US Ordnance. 20.5 pounds with short barrel Czech Republic for their 601st Special This has been well done by others, MAX EFFECTIVE RANGE SADJ: What US military/government/ Forces, Philippine Air Force, Spanish Air most notably Kent Lomont, the highly LENGTH 1,100 meters law enforcement entities have pur- Force, Italian Navy, Chilean Air Force, respected tactical small arms guru. 37 inches with short (16.5 in.) barrel , Denmark, Tunisia and Thai 70 | SPRING 2009 DEFENSESPRING 2009 | 71