Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally impressive full-size inert Browning M2HB .50-caliber heavy machine gun assembled almost entirely from original U.S. military-issue components and mounted on an original USGI M3 tripod with military pintle.

This is not a molded replica, lightweight reproduction, or theatrical prop. Aside from the newly manufactured non-firing receiver side plates, the visible components are original U.S. military parts from the long-serving Browning M2HB weapon system.

Few American military weapons possess the immediate visual presence of the Browning “Ma Deuce.” Measuring nearly five feet in length and displayed on its correct heavy ground tripod, this example would make a commanding centerpiece in a collection of American military arms, armored vehicle equipment, crew-served weapons, or WWII and postwar military artifacts.

Inert Display Receiver

The display receiver was constructed using a newly manufactured, BATF-compliant non-firing right side plate that is several times thicker than an original M2 receiver plate. This extra-thick plate was specifically produced for an inert display assembly and cannot function as an original machine gun receiver. The left side plate also appears to be newly manufactured. The feed tray and the numerous exterior components installed around the receiver are original U.S. military parts. The interior of the receiver is empty and contains none of the bolt, barrel extension, accelerator, driving spring, or other internal operating components required for the weapon to function. This display was formerly configured with a gas-firing simulation system. That system has been completely removed. The barrel threads into a fitting that was previously associated with the gas mechanism, but no gas-firing components remain.

The top cover still opens, the trigger moves, and the front and rear sights retain movement. These functional exterior features add greatly to the authenticity and display appeal of the gun.

Original USGI Components

The gun was assembled using original U.S. military M2HB components surrounding the reproduction receiver side plates. Because the Browning M2 has remained in American military service for many decades, the individual parts may date from different periods of manufacture, overhaul, or replacement. They are not presented as a factory-matching WWII receiver assembly. This is common with M2HB components, which were designed for interchangeability and were routinely replaced, rebuilt, and reused throughout the weapon’s exceptionally long service life. The exact production date of each individual component has not been established. However, the military parts are genuine USGI components rather than newly made exterior reproductions.

Original .50-Caliber Barrel

The gun retains an original U.S. military .50-caliber M2 barrel fitted with the correct carrying handle. The barrel appears to be an original live barrel rather than a dummy reproduction. However, the bore displays substantial corrosion and was likely selected for this assembly because the gun was intended strictly for display. No claim is made regarding the barrel’s safety, headspace, structural integrity, or suitability for use with live ammunition. It is included solely as an original component of the inert display and should never be installed on a functional weapon.

The Browning M2HB “Ma Deuce”

The Browning M2 was developed from John Moses Browning’s late-WWI .50-caliber machine gun designs and was refined into the familiar air-cooled M2 Heavy Barrel configuration.

The M2HB became one of the most important American crew-served weapons of WWII. It was mounted on tanks, half-tracks, trucks, armored vehicles, landing craft, naval vessels, antiaircraft mounts, defensive positions, and ground tripods.

Its remarkable combination of reliability, range, penetration, and adaptability allowed the design to remain in service through the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous other conflicts.

Commonly known as the “Ma Deuce,” the M2 remains one of the most recognizable and longest-serving weapons in American military history.

Original USGI M3 Tripod and Pintle

The display gun is mounted on an original U.S. military M3 tripod with an original USGI pintle. The M3 tripod was the standard ground mount used with the flexible M2HB, allowing the heavy machine gun to be deployed as a crew-served defensive or supporting weapon. The tripod retains visible U.S. military stock numbers and much of its Parkerized finish. Its exact manufacturing date has not been established, although it most likely dates from the postwar period or underwent postwar refurbishment. All three legs extend properly and retain their functional locking levers. The central traversing bar also moves and locks into position correctly. The USGI pintle and pintle catch remain functional and secure the gun to the tripod as intended.

Original M3 tripods and pintles have become increasingly difficult to locate in complete, serviceable condition. Their inclusion adds substantial value and gives the display the correct imposing military appearance.

Condition

The inert M2HB remains in very good overall display condition. The original military components show expected finish variation, scratches, handling marks, oxidation, wear, and areas of finish loss. The replacement side plates are visibly heavier than original receiver plates and form the permanently non-firing structure of the display gun. The receiver is empty, and the former gas-firing system has been completely removed. The barrel bore shows significant corrosion and must be considered suitable for display only. The top cover opens, the trigger moves, and the sights retain movement. The M3 tripod legs extend and lock correctly, while the central bar, pintle, and pintle catch remain operational.

Original transferable Browning M2HB machine guns are highly regulated and beyond the reach of most collectors. This inert example offers the opportunity to own a full-size “Ma Deuce” assembled with genuine U.S. military components and displayed on its proper original military ground mount.

Unlike a reproduction or molded replica, this assembly has the authentic steel construction, weight, military hardware, dimensions, and finish of the original weapon system. The reproduction side plates simply allow the genuine components to be assembled into a legal, permanently non-firing display.

It would look exceptional beside a military vehicle, half-track, tank, weapons carrier, museum exhibit, crew-served weapons display, or full-size military mannequin arrangement.

A massive and visually commanding inert “Ma Deuce” built with original USGI components, complete with its original military pintle and M3 tripod, offering the authentic appearance and presence of one of America’s most legendary weapons.

Specifications:
Country: United States
Model: Browning M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
Common Name: “Ma Deuce”
Caliber Represented: .50 BMG, 12.7×99mm
Configuration: Full-Size Permanently Inert Display Gun
Exterior Components: Original U.S. Military Issue
Right Receiver Side Plate: Newly Manufactured Extra-Thick Non-Firing Display Plate
Left Receiver Side Plate: Appears Newly Manufactured
Receiver Interior: Empty with No Operating Components
Feed Tray: Original U.S. Military Issue
Barrel: Original USGI .50-Caliber Barrel
Barrel Condition: Significant Bore Corrosion; Display Only
Barrel Carrying Handle: Present
Top Cover: Opens
Trigger: Moves
Sights: Retain Movement
Former Configuration: Previously Equipped with Gas-Firing Simulation System, Now Completely Removed
Mount: Original USGI M3 Tripod
Pintle: Original USGI
Tripod Markings: U.S. Military Stock Numbers Present
Tripod Function: Legs Extend and Lock; Central Bar and Pintle Catch Functional
Component Dates: Mixed or Undetermined Due to the Long Service Life of the M2 System

The M2 machine gun or Browning .50 caliber machine gun (informally, "Ma Deuce") is a heavy machine gun that was designed towards the end of World War I by John Browning. Its design is similar to Browning's earlier M1919 Browning machine gun, which was chambered for the .30-06 cartridge. The M2 uses Browning's larger and more powerful .50 BMG (12.7 mm) cartridge. The design has had many designations; the official U.S. military designation for the current infantry type is Browning Machine Gun, Cal. .50, M2, HB, Flexible. It is effective against infantry, unarmored or lightly armored vehicles and boats, light fortifications, and low-flying aircraft.

The gun has been used extensively as a vehicle weapon and for aircraft armament by the United States since the 1930s. It was heavily used during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Falklands War, the Soviet–Afghan War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. It is the primary heavy machine gun of NATO countries and has been used by many other countries as well. U.S. forces have used the M2 longer than any other firearm except the .45 ACP M1911 pistol, which was also designed by John Browning.

The current M2HB (heavy barrel) is manufactured in the U.S. by General Dynamics Ohio Ordnance Works, and U.S. Ordnance for use by the U.S. government, and for allies via Foreign Military Sales, as well as by foreign manufacturers such as FN Herstal.