Saco M60E3

History of the Saco M60E3

The 1950s M60 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) proved to be a relatively effective infantry support weapon throughout the Vietnam War (1955-1975), although it was not without its inherent shortcomings. Carrying out patrols is a cumbersome system due to the lack of carrying handles, heavy construction and complicated gas operations. As such, the 1986 M60E3 was intended as a workaround, bringing a lighter overall weight, an integrated carry handle for transport and easy barrel replacement, and an improved, simplified gas cylinder.

Two barrel types were also introduced - light short attack and heavy continuous fire - to suit different mission roles. A key design of the M60E3 is the use of a front vertical handle, which allows for more stable shoulder firing and further facilitates weapon transport (especially when combined with a shoulder strap via a sling).

The bipod is now attached to the receiver, and a tripod can still be used. Maine's Saco Defense was contracted to manufacture the system.

Other changes include a new feed cover that protects the bolt regardless of its internal position, and the trigger ring can be replaced with a larger opening for use with gloved hands.

The M60E3 retains the chamber of the original 7.62x51mm NATO, and also uses the same aero action fed through a 100-round decay belt. The total weight is 8.8kg and the barrel length is 1,077mm, the standard barrel length is 558mm.

The rate of fire is 600 rounds per minute and the muzzle velocity is 2,800 feet per second. Air-cooled barrel, aiming through front and rear iron assemblies.

Despite the changes, the M60E3 is not a perfect solution. Using lighter components seems to reduce the overall reliability of the weapon, as components can break down over time. This requires another M60 form to come in the form of the M60E4.

The M60 family as a whole was eventually replaced by the heavier but more reliable M240 GPMG, which was based on the excellent Belgian FN MAG series.

Limited export sales of the M60E3 to U.S. friendly forces worldwide.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes