Do either of you fine DAT's know if there is a version of a M977 HEMTT with a .50 BMG mount on the cab roof like some of the 2 1/2 ton's I've seen? Seems to me a rig like that would have some sort of defensive weapon other than an M242 or similarly armed HMMWV escort; I'd like to put one on mine if it's something that we currently have...

Gunner,
In my 11+ years in the Army, I have never seen a HEMTT with a 50 Cal "Ma Duece" mounted on it. You all ways had escort vehicles such as 5 Tons, 2 1/2's, or Hummers with weapons mounted on them.

Thanks Pete, You just saved me the embarrassment of scratchbuilding something not in the US inventory :-)

I've never seen one in my 20 years of service in the heavy forces. That being said, there is a removable section of the roof and the TMs show a ring mount kit for the HEMTT series trucks. It consists of 3 parts, first the operator's platform, second the gun mount (pintle) and third is the ring mount itself. A square panel is removed from the right side of the roof. The ring mount sits above the roof of the cab with 2 supports attaching to the front of the cab. One mounts just above the right headlight and the other right above the grill at the centerline of the windshield. The third support mounts to the rear of the cab.

My TM has a sketch of it on page 2-29 (fig. 2-22) of TM 9-2320-279-10-1 and it states that the TM for the use of the mount is TM 9-1005-245-14.

Again, I've never seen one mounted in all my days, but it is possible.

Thanks Rob... looks like I'll stick to the Hummer with the M242 Bushmaster; Only TM's I have access to right now is 9-2350-255-10 for the M1 and 9-2300-257-10 for the M113

Be adventurous. It doesn't look too difficult. The ring mount is most likely the same one used on the AFV Club M548 or M35A2 kits. Heck, it's probably the same one that is used on the Tamiya 6X6 GMC and included in their Cargo Truck Accessory pack. Use some angle stock from the hobby shop and a piece of styrene for the stand.

Hmmm... that would be a neat add on... Methinks I'll give it a shot thanks

Once again, "THE MOTOR POOL GOD" has come to the rescue!
Actually, Gunner, I dont think the Bushmaster was ever in service either. Hummers now just mount the .50, M60, MK-19 Grenade Launcher, or the SAW machine gun. But like Rob said, go ahead and try it on the HEMTT. That would be very interesting to see. I have never seen one with a gun mount modeled since the kits came out.

We have the HEMTT's in our motorpool(1-12 Cav, MAJ Rob), with the ring mount on them, as well as many of the models we used in Korea. Uses the same basic ring mount found in M35A2 and 5-ton kits, with the rest of the items for mounting made out of angle iron. Someone with more patience than I should have an easier time scratching up the cab mounts. Also, if and when someone ever comes out with a LMTV/FMTV kit, the same ring is used, just mounted directly to the roof. If I get a chance, will get a few photos of the mount

Jed Sargent

I scratch built a M32 mount on my GMC with #7 wrecker set ( see rivet review forum) using a Skybow Dodge 6X6 ring and 50 cal. While not easy it was not difficult.

Remember, they generally traveled with the LOGPAC and the supply deuces had .50 cals mounted. Plus HEMTTs generally carried two items for armor battalions in combat conditions: fuel (M978) and ammo (M977). If under attack, the driver wants to vacate the area by stepping on the gas or, if not possible, dismount and put some distance between himself and the explosion that is going to occur when the cargo is hit. .50 cals are generally not mounted to fuel handling vehicles.

Jed can correct me, but in all my armor/cav battalion days, we rarely had enough personnel to man all the HEMTTs (32-36 in a battalion), let alone have enough to man a .50 in the right hand seat. But I am glad we have the option to mount the weapon if the situation warrants.