The 7.62mm M60 Machine Gun entered service with the Australian Army in 1960.
Gas operated, air cooled and belt fed, with a quick change barrel to counter overheating during sustained fire. The rate of fire was 550 rounds per minute (cyclic), with a muzzle velocity of 860 metres per second. Maximum effective range, 860 metres bipod and 1800 metres tripod. Ammunition fired; ball, tracer, incendiary and armour piercing. In South Vietnam it was the main firepower of the Australian infantry rifle section.
Type: Machine gun
Place of origin: United States
In service: 1957
Used by: Australia, Denmark, Philippines,
South Korea, United States
Manufacturer: Saco Defence, U.S. Ordnance
Weight: 10.5 kg (23.1 lb)
Length: 1,077 mm (42 in)
Barrel length: 560 mm (22 in)
Cartridge: 7.62 × 51 mm NATO
Calibre: 7.62 mm (.308 in)
Action: Gas-operated, open bolt
Rate of fire: 550 round/min
Muzzle velocity: 860 m/s (2,800 ft/s)
Effective range: 1,100 m (1,200 yd)
Maximum range: 3,725 m (4,074 yd)
Feed system: Disintegrating belt.
