Mendoza RM-2

History

Mexican engineer Raphael Mendoza's C-1934 light machine gun gained approval for service in the Mexican army before World War II. Armed with a 7 x 57 mm Spanish Mauser cartridge, it was recognized for its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production. In 1945, an upgraded version known as the Model 45 was developed, featuring a shorter barrel, a perforated muzzle brake, and compatibility with the American .30-06 Springfield cartridge.

During World War II, Mendoza adapted the design to cater to the urgent demand for weapons in the United States. This effort led to the creation of the "RM-2" light machine gun, designed specifically for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. While it lacked the "quick change" barrel feature of the original model, the RM-2 was still a lightweight and cost-effective option. It featured a 20-round magazine, a bipod for stability, and wooden components like the handguard and shoulder rest. The receiver and barrel were constructed from metal, and it offered safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic firing modes.

Despite these alterations, the RM-2 retained its reputation for being a budget-friendly and efficient choice among contemporaneous light machine guns. It included practical features like a swivel shoulder rest and an accessible rear receiver section for field maintenance, making it a valuable weapon during the era.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 1947

Origins: Mexico

Categories: Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Manufacturer: Productos Mendoza - Mexico

Operator: Mexico

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 1,092 mm (42.99 inches)

Barrel length: 609mm (23.98 inches)

Cured weight: 13.89 lbs (6.30 kg)

Action

Open the latch

The system uses an internal mechanism, in which the bolt and associated working parts are located in the rear of the receiver, without a cartridge chamber. Pulling the trigger moves the bolt forward, chambering the cartridge and firing the bullet in one motion - and eventually resets throughout the cycle by the energy generated.

Gas Power

Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*: .30-06 Springfield (30 M1906 caliber)

Circle/Feed: Detachable 20-round magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency: 1,968 feet (600m | 656m)

Rate of fire: 600 Number of revolutions

Mile speed: 2,750 ft/s (838m/s)