With the end of WWII, it was realized that a new light machine gun (LMG) was required to replace both the 30mm gun and the B.A.R. It is not surprising that German light machine guns such as the MG 34/42 and the FG 42 were carefully studied as they were considered to be excellent weapons.

Of course, every weapon has its good points and its negative aspects, so it was hoped that the new gun would incorporate mostly good points, so several prototype guns were developed that included the T-44, T-52, and T-161, each design getting closer and closer to what would eventually become the M-60. Eventually, a later design of the T-161 was chosen. It was important to the Army of the time that the gun fire a 'full size' cartridge, and so the NATO 7.62 round was chosen for both its good ballistics and its heavy hitting power.

Despite being a LMG, the M-60 was capable of being operated by a single man, though the greatest accuracy was when there was an assistant feeding the belt and another bringing up ammunition. Like similar German guns of WWII, the M-60 was equipped with a bipod and could also be operated on a tripod. The M-60 gunner needed to be a pretty strong individual as the gun had quite a kick and was also relatively heavy, especially when compared to the M-14 and later M-16 that was carried by most infantrymen. However, it had the big plus of being quite mobile without the tripod so the operator could fire from a location and when it looked like a good time to move, could easily carry the gun with him.

The weight of the gun and its tendancy to jam if the rounds were not kept clean did not endear it to some, but those who were capable and well trained found it to be an outstanding weapon. It was much used during Vietnam and often the presence of the gun meant the difference between staying alive or not. The book has several specific incidents in it where the M-60 not only saved the situation, but also the lives of many American troops. The gun was improved as time went on and is still in use with the latest version having an additional handle like an early Thompson to help the gunner shoulder or hip fire the weapon. Though replaced for the most part by the M-249 SAW, the M-60 is still in production for other nations and will remain a viable weapon for many years to come.

The author does a superb job of giving the background, development and use of the M-60 over the years. Incorporating superb photos and some nicely done drawings and artwork, the book gives the reader a complete story of this important weapon. It was a book from which I learned quite a lot and one I can easily recommend to you.

April 2013

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