How to Change the Barrel on a M-60

The M60 machine gun entered service at the end of the Korean War. It was the principal machine gun of the United States military until the introduction of the M240 in 1977. Design of the M60's operating action was based on the World War Two German MG42. The gas-operated M60 fires a maximum of 550 7.62 mm rounds per minute in cyclic mode with a muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet per second. In sustained fire mode, the rate of fire is 100 rounds per minute. Ammunition is belt-fed from a box magazine, and effective range is 1,093 yards. Battlefield conditions of continuous fire may overheat its 22-inch barrel. Removal and exchange of an overheated M-60 barrel in the field is possible with a quick procedure and without disassembly of other components. In cyclic fire mode, exchange the barrel every minute; in sustained fire mode, exchange it every 10 minutes.

Instructions

  1. Barrel Removal

    • 1

      Verify that the machine gun is unloaded. If it has been recently fired, make sure the barrel is cool.

    • 2

      Pull out the quick-release pin on top of the receiver and let the gun adapter pivot down.

    • 3

      Push in the spring detent on the right side of the receiver and raise the barrel lock lever.

    • 4

      Pull the barrel assembly forward out of the receiver.

    Barrel Installation

    • 5

      Make sure the barrel lock lever is unlocked and in the up position.

    • 6

      Raise the gun adapter, align the holes on the receiver and insert the quick-release pin.

    • 7

      Insert the barrel assembly into the receiver.

    • 8

      Push the barrel lock lever down into the locked position.