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Armor/AFV: Vietnam
All things Vietnam
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solenoid operated .50 M2
dobon68
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England - South East, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 06:00 AM UTC
Hope you can help guys and girls,
I'm building a Mark 56 twin .50cal turret as used in the front of PBR's used during the Vietnam war, these were fired electrically via a solenoid.
My question is how would the guns be charged was there a charging handle the same as on a manual .50 or was it done some other way?
The reason I ask is that in the following photo I can't see any charging handles.
Any info would as always be gratefully received.
Thanks
David
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 06:12 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hope you can help guys and girls,
I'm building a Mark 56 twin .50cal turret as used in the front of PBR's used during the Vietnam war, these were fired electrically via a solenoid.
My question is how would the guns be charged was there a charging handle the same as on a manual .50 or was it done some other way?
The reason I ask is that in the following photo I can't see any charging handles.
Any info would as always be gratefully received.
Thanks
David


would it be similar to what was used on aircraft? I never was around any Navy guys much, so would be no help to you.
gary
metooshelah
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Jerusalem, Israel
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 06:40 AM UTC
hey,
the charging handle is in fact, on the other side.
from my memory, there is also a charge-assisting handle on the left side (the one showing in your image) that does not appear in the image. perhaps it was removed, not existing in that type or added when needed.

in this image, it's more clear to see (it's the black handle protruding from the body)
HeavyArty
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 11:38 AM UTC
Actually, the charging handle can be fitted to either side; just like the rounds can be loaded from either side by swapping a few parts around internally.

Usually, on the Mark 56 turret, the charging handles both faced out; on the left side of the left gun, on the right side of the right gun. The pic may have the charging handle still on the right side since that is usually the standard for a vehicle or ground mount .50 cal, the gun could be a right side gun pressed into service on the left, swapped out, etc.
ALBOWIE
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 11:49 AM UTC
Charging can also be done with a removable cocking stud which just pushes into the side of the bolt carrier like the shorter stud that normal charging handle engages.
We used this setup on the 50 cal in the T 50 turrets. The downside is that if you forget to pull this out it moves back and forward wit hthe bolt and in the confines of a T 50 Turrret will do some damage to the operator i.e. Bruised or Broken ribs, shoulder etc.
CHeers
Spanner
Thatguy
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 01:22 PM UTC
The copy I have of the Operator's Manual for the M2 series, TM 9-1005-213-10 (dated 1996), which includes the Navy fixed types (both right and left hand feeds), shows that they (along with the M48 turret type) can be fitted with the M10 manual charger. This is a pull-chain type charging "handle" similar to those used on the M73/M219 and M85 series. There's nothing to suggest these weapons couldn't also be fitted with the standard charging handle either though.
trickymissfit
Joined: October 03, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 03:13 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Actually, the charging handle can be fitted to either side; just like the rounds can be loaded from either side by swapping a few parts around internally.

Usually, on the Mark 56 turret, the charging handles both faced out; on the left side of the left gun, on the right side of the right gun. The pic may have the charging handle still on the right side since that is usually the standard for a vehicle or ground mount .50 cal, the gun could be a right side gun pressed into service on the left, swapped out, etc.


well I learned something today. I never knew you could swap the innards around like that
gary
dobon68
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England - South East, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 12:17 AM UTC
Thanks for all the replies gents.
I think I'll go with the handles on the outsides, at least I know it's not a glaring error now.
Cheers
David
Removed by original poster on 06/03/10 - 10:59:12 (GMT).
Stefan1580
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Posted: Thursday, June 03, 2010 - 12:01 AM UTC
Hi David,

check out thes site. There are very good details of the weapons and turret. Itīs more for an ELCO but i think it also works for a 50.cal turret in Vietnam.

cal.50 turret

http://www.pt103.com/PT_Boat_Components_Browning_50_Cal_M2_Twin_Mount_Mark_17.html

Greetings

Stefan
dobon68
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Posted: Thursday, June 03, 2010 - 02:29 AM UTC

Quoted Text

check out thes site. There are very good details of the weapons and turret. Itīs more for an ELCO but i think it also works for a 50.cal turret in Vietnam.
cal.50 turret

Stefan,
Thanks for the interesting link.
Cheers
David
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