M2 Browning .50 cal

[@MrHVHVHV]

I just love the fact that when firing the fifty in the (I assume) sand quarry, we can see a truck driving along and some people milling around on the opposite side of the pit. Like it is a normal occurrence that there is a masked guy with a heavy machine gun blasting away. In grand scheme of things it is absolutely horrific that Russians started a war that makes something like this look "normal".

[@jeredhersh789]

I'm a full time armorer for the state national guard here in the US. The M2A1 is one of the weapons I barely see in my shop, simply because its very uncommon for one to break. On the rare occasion they do, its almost always something user related, such as running it without oil for too long or dropping it and breaking something. In my opinion, the M2 is one of the finest heavy machine guns ever implemented.

[@dennisyoung4631]

What sort of oil do these like? “LSA oil?” (Bought some surplus many years ago to use in regular rifles.)

[@megumin1054]

​@@dennisyoung4631 LSA or Motor oil

[@RedVRCC]

That's pretty neat. The M2 really is one hell of a design, a truly timeless classic. We'll probably still see it in use in the 2050s because it just works and it's so reliable. Why fix something that isn't broken?

[@nathan-ls8yw]

@@dennisyoung4631 rooster blood mix

[@macnorman]

I remember reading a story about a Browning receiver in a US National Guard armory that was from the 1920's and still completely within spec, in service, and accurate AF. Good hunting from a former US Marine machinegunner!

[@Grafvollundr]

The gun on my truck was a '39 in 2/7

[@johnkeo358]

We had some from 1934-1937 ran like a champ

[@berendxd2641]

Don't slap the top cover like that when not in combat - It will eventually cause malfunctions on the top cover locking mechanism, as the spring will deform!

[@valgear5525]

Roger!

[@berendxd2641]

@@valgear5525 Been yelled at too many times to not let others know by now. And seen an M2 QCB malfunction by that exact error.

[@jik294]

wut? anything's possible, I've just never seen it. I used to slam that the top cover all the time. Training or not. Never had an Issue with my old girl(originally made in 1944, first refurb:1966, second refurb and new S/N: 2006). As long as I kept her drenched, and treated her like the 2$ "Lady of the Evening" on a Friday night, she kept me and quite a few others safe. Remember, She was built to be abused(seriously, If you treat it anything less, It'll cause nothing but problems for you), treat her as such and keep her WELL LUBED, and she'll bring everyone home. The main issues I ever saw with the M2 was Operator error, poor refurb, or supremely old age(it's been a long time since it's been refurb'd or has seen extensive use without a refurb), and in that order. I still have my Gauges from back then.

[@berendxd2641]

@@jik294 Seen it plenty of times that the spring on the top cover of the QCB got tired from people slamming the thing. No need to replace parts on the regular if you can prevent it. Treat your weapon well, and it will treat you well. Same goes for smaller calibers ✌️

[@sirave6017]

Holy fuck...this kind of interaction is stimulating@@berendxd2641

[@militantcapitalist4606]

For the people wondering; no, the barels are not replaced after 200 rounds as in thrown away, they are switched with eachother to cool down.

[@ra-ge]

Really, you think people are wondering about that?

[@pixellordm8780]

@@ra-geyeah because people are fucking dumb

[@Wetnapkin69]

Yeah numb nuts​@@ra-ge

[@roymarshall_]

@@ra-ge I was

[@ra-ge]

@@roymarshall_ 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@sodapop9mm562]

I’ve been watching your videos since the FAL asmr video, and I’m so happy how the videos have evolved. This information you provide is so so valuable, because YOU are explaining the use, the why and the how, not a “history guy” talking about a photo 30 years from now. Thank you so much, I pray for you often, God bless you

[@girthbrooks39]

A 'history guy' that possesses the ability to see 3 decades into the future and is willing to talk about it seems like a pretty interesting guy to me. A history guy like that ought to be listened to, bud, might be kinda important.

[@ľőŵďǒpė86]

i don’t think you read the guys comment correctly lol. you okay bro? need a hug?

[@girthbrooks39]

@86sather I KNOW you did not read the guys comment CORRECTLY. Stop offering me hugs. Instead of having all the feverish daydreams of 'hugging' dudes, you ought to learn how to read correctly.

[@ľőŵďǒpė86]

lol angry and homophobic or did my offer make your prostate quiver with anticipation, as it has so many other times before with so many other men? and you refuse to admit you were wrong by and were sure you’d convince me otherwise by putting words in caps, huh? well done.

[@cemkurt420]

"I’m so happy how the videos have evolved" I know this sentence is a genuine comment but imagining it as if you are just trying to gloss over the fact that the dudes country got invaded made me chuckle xd.

[@Augustusgloop1994]

A century-old design, still being used in conflicts throughout the world.

[@cadetrenew]

Don't fix what ain't broke. I imagine it will be in use for the foreseeable future. Its just that simple and good.

[@fridrekr7510]

Besides it being a good design in the first place, I imagine it's due to the weight constraints inherent to the cartridge. The MG42/MG3 is also still effective despite being an 80 year-old design, but they are being replaced because they're too heavy for infantry patrols etc. But if you're not going to lug around a .50 cal HMG anyway, you might as well stick with the M2.

[@notthecia4486]

Gunesis 12:75 and so John browning came down from heaven to give us the colt 1911 and the m2 Machine gun, amen

[@Kaz0s10]

Just think old tech being combined with 2023 optics making something insane

[@mantalissdev]

Same design since World War 2. Much better than Soviet DSHK, and NSV.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

When the first colonial war happens on Mars, hover tanks will still be armed with M2s.

[@AnAppealToHate]

space is fake dude

[@weeeeelp]

NEW Valgear just dropped, don't sleep on it

[@sandman6045]

Yup yup

[@WasatchGarandMan]

My grandpa used the M2 during his time in Korea from 51 to 53. It was his favorite of the three Browning belt feds. Said they just never stopped working

[@dennisyoung4631]

Dale spoke of using this weapon for “sniping”. He said he’d fire it (one shot) and then pick up his binoculars to watch. Note: this was in Korea. He’d also fought in the Pacific during WW2.

[@glennhynes5263]

You are a fine soldier Val. Fight the good fight.

[@shemfarris3471]

They really taught you well. I wanna add a safety that was not mentioned if permitted. When you open the feeding tray cover, it is recommended to look away from it to protect your face your ACH as the shield.

[@ElegantMessTechPC]

Absolute legends, each and every one of you! As always, with all my respect and support from the US. Slava Ukraine !!!

[@muellermartin9661]

I love the fact, that you don't have to mess with the "fire-no fire" gauge, setting the fuzing time, when changing the barrel. Stay safe, Val!

[@orangesodakiller7096]

Headspacing! yeah super nice not having to do that.

[@xeonpai]

by far the best firearms related channel, always a pleasure to see new videos

[@RedVRCC]

Hell yeah always great to see good ol Ma Deuce in action. A truly timeless design that will probably still be in service in 2124.

[@MechanizedGhost17]

Long gone are the days of having to stack sand bags on the tripod legs to keep the M2 from jumping around. Great video, stay safe

[@ľőŵďǒpė86]

try not to slap the top cover. like one other commenter said; it will effect the locking mechanism and can also do small but significant damage to the feed-tray cover. i’m glad you were sent the newest variant where you don’t have to manually do headspace & timing with the gauges.that Trijicon sure is a dandy, too. also, be sure have at least two members of weapons squad carry little spray bottles with CLP. the M2 is an oil-hungry girl and she will let you know when you haven’t kept her wet enough. while you’re at it; give some love to those barrels and oil them, too. they’re not supposed to be that color lol.

[@BrokenBritainz]

Loving the sound of that .50 singing!!! Sounds like freedom 2 me!!………)

[@RunnJake]

I love that you said "latest and greatest" even though the gun was designed and fielded for the first time over a hundred years ago. Love .50 BMG, John Moses Browning was a smart man.

[@Sion_Revan]

The infamous Browning 50, turning cover into concealment for over 100 years. If you're on the pointy end of one of these, you made poor life choices.

[@dphitch]

Not having to set headspace and timing is huge quick change barrel also awesome. I've never used this version, I got out in 2008 and we were still using the older version GAU/M2 .

[@kane357lynch]

Airforce?😊

[@stevenveltrie1868]

Great to see the quick change barrel!! HUGE improvements !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SashaFoxfort]

Good video as always. Also it's funny a bit. "Hey guys do mind if i take 50 cal with me so i can make a youtube video?". "Yeah sure just bring it back". Usually in military you can't take anything without NCO breathing down your neck all the time. You're gold man.

[@EEProductionsEJW]

A faster method the US Navy is taught is side loading instead of top loading (due to people breaking the extractor/de-linker lol) . You can shove the belt into the side of the weapon until you hear a click, rack it twice, and start firing. glory to Ukraine!

[@cemkurt420]

This just took over the no.1 spot on the list of the hottest reloads I've seen.

[@xusmico187]

love the recoil reduction, old head space, no guage, screw in back out 2 clicks

[@AquaTeenHungerForce_4_Life]

Now the class knows why it is considered a crew served weapon. 😁

[@fritzhaber3994]

In before the vatniks. Thank you Val :)

[@johnnywishbone831]

It's always good to get home from a long days work, crack and beer and find a fresh Valgear breakdown ! Cheers from Australia brother.

[@Sion_Revan]

G'day from Qld

[@wit7777]

Did not check for obstruction in the barel I am afraid :)

[@valgear5525]

Correct, not in the last one, drills are absolutely essential in my opinion, it's just that I don't have a time or a reason to practice drills constantly, since MGs are not my primary role, thank you for watching!

[@wit7777]

I admire your professional mindset, stay safe.

[@oglordbrandon]

The sound when it fires is outstanding.

[@ZZizitt]

I'm surprised he didn't make an accidental shot during all this demonstration with live rounds. A good coordination, to say the least.

[@nathanz7205]

Your videos never disappoint! Thank you for taking the time to make these. I didnt expect a .50 video but im super glad when i saw it.

[@arthurcrime]

Interesting watching you change barrels on that mother, my uncle Jack was a bren gunner in North Africa, specifically at Tobruk. He had no fingerprints from changing red hot bren barrels. Good luck man, really enjoying your work.

[@21sanooj]

If you could go back in time, how would you prepare for combat and war in general? Buy specific gear, train something more, be in better shape? Asking as a reservist.

[@fridrekr7510]

You look so happy sitting in the turret.

[@canada9169]

what a power full weapon, stay safe out there valgear

[@SuperLaplander]

Very good video, easy to follow. Thank you sir!

[@UkrainianBasementRat]

What a fantastic package of M2 you have + i´m jealous how much ammo you have for training, you god damn special forces 🙂for working stationary on tripod it´s shame there´so much artillery and fpv drones these days on the front :/ also have you tried Kord on the bipod ? How´d you compare this M2 to DShK or NSV, controllable isnt it ?

[@TansJahman]

Pourrais tu me faire un comparatif entre le M2 Browning ainsi que le NSV et DSHK s'il te plaît? Personnellement je trouve cette configuration relativement pertinente sur des petites unités, deux hommes bien entraînés peuvent la transporter et faire acquérir une forte puissance de feu au groupe, couplés avec des mortiers de 60mm et RPG-7 ou Carl Gustaf en plus de GP-25 et le groupes devient très puissant en matière de puissance de feu...'

[@mixtapeWA]

glad to see youre still around

[@valgear5525]

Glad to watch your music videos!

[@mixtapeWA]

@valgear5525 much love my friend, keep up the good fight.

[@АлексейЯрцев-ш8й]

Дуже м'який ход та ледь відчутнна віддача кулемету завдяки Англійській soft mount. На мою думку, цей вариант краще за МК93.

[@kiereluurs1243]

As often with Valgear, first time I see such a complete instruction. Handy when I order one. Ehh...

[@carlsonjeffrey2006]

Fucking professional. Certified .50 Cent.

[@borisbadinov7757]

I get a check every month for the hearing loss that thing gave me. Well worth it I say. Could have lost it in a nightclub, but i lost it blasting.

[@FlintF]

15:49 People in the back: "'Hey let's go see what he's shooting!"

[@turbofox23]

God bless you Valgear

[@grenmoyo3968]

A century old in design and still to date, one of the best pieces of "F-YOU!!!" at a soldiers disposal.

[@Albatross88-1]

Lol I still have my head space and timing tool. Also have my m249 cleaning tool and front sight post tool. Been out 10 years now damn I miss the army

[@kurttate9446]

The Browning firing from a closed bolt allows it also to be used as a defensive sniper rifle. I don't know if it's still true but in "olden days" it could be set to fire semi-automatic. My father used it as such in Korea before they had Barretts and the like.

[@joebloggs8785]

Hi Val I'm a video game nerd. Would love to see a video on AGS-17 or AGS-30 if you are ever using these weapons.

[@evanguillen6805]

Great video from USA 🇺🇸 respect 🫡

[@Godvana_]

If there is one thing you could improve on the M2, what would it be?

[@gjnezat]

Weight is definetly the biggest drawback

[@irregularguy6465]

@@gjnezatare you sure you would want fully automatic .50 BMG to be lighter though?

[@mantalissdev]

@@gjnezatif it was lighter, the recoil would be worse on the operator.

[@gjnezat]

Definetly it would add more recoil. In WWII they were humped by infantry..

[@valgear5525]

Make the disassembly procedure easier, but iam very familiar with JM Browning designes, and that's just his style, reflecting not only genius design choices, but also time of their creation 120y ago...

[@battlefieldfriend1419]

Good to see that you are still alive :)

[@wekker090]

The quick change barrel made such a difference... and yes try not to slam the lid.

[@warwickmilne3149]

great video! lol at the guys walking into your ark at 16:00

[@notthecia4486]

Val idk if thats the m2a2 but for us we trained to not open the top cover and sideload because the teeth inside are more fragile than the regular m2, just a thought for you too investigate, i would want thos teeth to snap off in combat, great guns either way powerful reliable

[@paulcrusse7800]

Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@wes11bravo]

There's a scene in The Irishman where there's a weapons transfer and a guy is carrying an assembled alleged M2 and anyone who knows better sees that and says, "yeah, no you didnt". The prop is obviously plastic resin. Just carrying the receiver group without the barrel from the arms room to your track is a ball buster!

[@Collateral0]

The greatest creation of John Moses Browning, the Ma Duece.

[@firepower01]

Stay safe out there!

[@koalathebeast995]

6:12 I wouldn’t recommend loading the M2 like that cause it can be time consuming if you are under pressure. However some may disagree with my comment cause loading like that would skip the half load. The machine gun can be loaded with the top cover closed or open.

[@VioletPrism]

Amazing video super educational thanks for all your work. I would love to see more launcher systems!

[@drshroomy1384]

Best HMG hands down

[@thomasc7783]

The tripod so interesting with its stock like attachment. I can see it being extremally useful in keeping the gun on target.

[@fbi2522]

Sensei's, we've come to witness what the hell that girl was shooting 15:49

[@homeymcdutch1759]

Very well done! Thank your for this great video.

[@MrTewaka2]

The soft mount makes it easy to use(:-)

[@enterthekraken]

Is there no assistant gunner, or were you just performing both roles here?

[@polsha115]

Could you do a video on coldweather gear? Clothing items and how you would change your kit during the cold months

[@Godvana_]

Yeee, do the MG3 next!

[@fogellmclovin3740]

RIP to the BTR-4's at the beginning :(

[@Acute.]

Do you learn all of this or some or most of how the weapon system works in English btw? Perfect explanation even on the nuanced stuff and really appreciate it hearing personal stuff you add as well and explaining why you don’t need unnecessary help things. Again amazing video keep it up and stay strong/safe brother

[@ľőŵďǒpė86]

i was US Airborne Infantry for 10 years. he basically ran down the standard way of handling, loading and clearing the M2 as the standard of the 101st and 82nd Airborne. he was trained by NATO, most definitely lol. 🇺🇸 🔱 🇺🇦

[@ra-ge]

It's not rocket science you know, you just need to see it a few times and do it a few times, also English became a second language for a big part of the world, especially in Europe.

[@NorroTaku]

That was very in-depth thank you very much! keep up the good fight! can you switch the shoulder brace to the right side as well? it looks like it's hindering movement at times or would the right side be a strain on your shooting side?

[@thomasknudsen3686]

Load the gun by placing the belt up against the extractor in stead of strugling with getting the extractor tap in between the number on and two round in the belt. Instead put the first round outside/left of the extractor, and just charge the HMG twice, be aware that the MG ejects a link on the right side of the weapon.

[@solobushcraft1]

Thanks for a great video Val. Happy Christmas and stay safe. See you in the next one

[@christianhamiltonskinner]

I would love to see a video on the dushka.

[@orangesodakiller7096]

Man the 50 has changed a little since I last used it in Iraq, Was a 0331 Machine Gunner in the Marine Corps. Those barrel changes are niiiice! We used to have to reset the headspace everytime we used to change them. Do you still have to set the timing of the gun, or is that also not needed on the newer model? Would be awesome to shoot it in the soft mount and see how lethal it can be without that intense recoil.

[@flailingelbows7073]

Newer models do not need HST set when you slide the new barrel in My opinion they’re a hit or miss but the few experiences I had with one of the newer ones back in 2015 Was they didn’t run too well. Granted, 8 years later they probably fixed the issues

[@marcusborderlands6177]

@@flailingelbows7073 the initial ones had some teething issues, but they are still miles better than the attempted replacement, the m85. that was a POS

[@franklinwilliams1165]

interesting to see your sop is to put the claw into the first round when i was let to shoot a M2 the instructor taught us to put the rounds in the feed way and double charging to pull the first round into the feed way then push it into the feed way. but then again the only reason id ever use one is in an emergency

[@ZanderSwart]

wow it is quite simple to use, its just huge and needs teamwork

[@kosmokainen3988]

People walking casually down range, must've sounded awesome down in the pit lol

[@moolieboy]

Great video. Very informative. Very well taught. Wish you had more cameras with extreme close-ups.

[@daddymoon666]

On the shooting range, my friend who was from Egypt, grabbed the barrel right after firing quite a bit of rounds through the .50 cal, I think he was swapping out barrels if I'm correct, but didn't let the barrel cool down, plus he wasn't wearing gloves... Those barrels are no joke when hot, the poor guy suffered a pretty bad burn, good thing I was a medic...

[@camdinpolak1781]

Sick ❤

[@thewiezman]

ever handle a sig 516? i see them in videos used by you guys over there. they operate pretty similar to the h&k 416 pretty solid rifle

[@dodoservicesxbox3608]

Not sure if this is true, heard this from a friend who was in some recon unit in the USMC, but apparently the jamming you see with a lot of these guns when people are firing is caused by shooting in too short of bursts. According to him firing in slightly longer bursts doesnt jam nearly as much. Anyone know if this is true?

[@poopoo7705]

In my experience this is more true with the 240/249 and a lot of the problems with M2s come from poor headspacing

[@evilreddog]

yes, the doctrin is to shoot 5 rounds or more to prevent jamming. But also it jammed more in desert enviroments due to the fine sand getting in everywhere. especialy during convoy operations and the dust kicking up on the open ammunition belts, dragging in that dust in to the mechanism of the gun. Getting a new can of ammo could clear it out if the gun is not to badly sanded down.

[@lorenzocensasorte4843]

that, but mainly a lot of people who doesn't config the M2 properly before firing. Head-Space timing is so damn crucial

[@mantalissdev]

@@evilreddogI can see that. The wind carrying fine sand that builds up in the weapon. Causing jams.

[@KC-rd3gw]

God made men, and John Moses Browning made them all equal.

[@server1ok]

I don't like the sitting duck approach. Is there a flat mount that you can shoot while standing in a trench ?

[@_wojskowy_6324]

Nice to see you again :)

[@yoloman3607]

Are you guys able to clean the MRAP bulletproof glass or are you guys ok with it being opaque?

[@trey85031]

What a beauty 😍

[@Stealth86651]

What causes the frosting on the glass there? Is that burned in, UV damage, scratches...? Curious as to if there's a way to fix that without just replacing the entire plate. I know in certain cases some plastics and such can be fixed/polished from damage, wondering if that's possible with those.

[@the.real.a-volpe]

What a Beast..!! 😀

[@OsamaBingChilling]

Gotta love good old Ma Deuce.

[@Legitpenguins99]

14:22 rip drivers eardrums

[@NorroTaku]

remember slow is smooth and smooth is fast never go 100% of your top speed stay at 80% or else you risk red lining your body and brain Slava Ukraini

[@rollyherrera623]

Well done, Bro! A little missing, like the breakdown....

[@RG-3PO]

I love the guys in the background at the firing range. I can imagine they are either saying to themselves, "what the heck is going on" or "oh no, this guy again."

[@sjhmojo89]

lol he isnt at a range. He is in a war zone.

[@Rroff2]

@@sjhmojo89 The last bit of footage is somewhere which has been setup for practise and training of troops - probably a disused quarry as I doubt they dug all that out just for training.

[@fogellmclovin3740]

@@sjhmojo89 There are ranges in war zones, just behind the 0-line.

[@ivank2025]

Stay safe, brother. No War 🏁