The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

M73 TANK MACHINE-GUN

The M73 Tank Machine-Gun was an American short recoil gas assisted automatic machine-gun designed for use as a coaxial machine-gun in tanks, but also capable of being removed and used outside of the vehicle. The M73 Tank Machine-Gun was chambered for the 7.62 mm x 51 cartridge which it took from a disintegrating link belt fed from either side and fired with a cyclic rate of between 500 and 625 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 854 meters per second to an effective range of 900 meters. The M73 Tank Machine-Gun had a 559 mm long barrel, and was not fitted with sights. In use the M73 Tank Machine-Gun proved unreliable, being prone to jamming and was replaced during the early 1980's.
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