Tank Machine Gun Placement

[jim_mi]

It appears that, in some cases, the .50 caliber machine gun is mounted in such a way as to place the muzzle close to the Commander's hatch. This seems to be most common when the 50 caliber is mounted between the Commander's and Loader's hatches. If the 50 is fired wouldn't the muzzle blast make the Tank Commander's position untenable?

jim

[jim_mi]

Bump

[268th C.A.]

I would certainty think so, I've heard  .30 cals & .50 cals close up. there deafening. Hence I am dependent on a hearing aide.  

[Linedoggie]

On 1/8/2023 at 11:20 AM, jim_mi said:

It appears that, in some cases, the .50 caliber machine gun is mounted in such a way as to place the muzzle close to the Commander's hatch. This seems to be most common when the 50 caliber is mounted between the Commander's and Loader's hatches. If the 50 is fired wouldn't the muzzle blast make the Tank Commander's position untenable?

jim

Depends on the mounting point.

 

Some M4series had a pintle mounted between the Cdr and loaders hatches or even to the rear from the factory (M4 105mm variant). They could and were relocated by crews to suit, some to the front of the Cdr hatch Esp. when the Vision cupola was used as it didn't have the integral Gun mount in the hatch ring.  It was a relatively simple mod of welding a plate to hold the hinged pintle mount where you needed it. there was also a storage pintle for the receiver and mount cradle to the rear on late 75mm and 76mm turrets

 

 

[jim_mi]

Thanks for the replies. The muzzle Blast from an M2 Browning is deafening, and the concussion from that blast is very uncomfortable if you get anywhere near it.