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The M2 Machine Gun, also known as the Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun, is a recoil-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed machine gun designed by John Moses Browning and produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company. Developed in the early 1920s, it was adopted by the United States military in 1933 as a replacement for earlier machine guns like the M1917 Browning Machine Gun. The M2 is chambered for the .50 BMG cartridge (12.7x99mm) and fires at a rate of around 550 rounds per minute. Its heavy barrel can withstand high temperatures generated by sustained fire, while its muzzle brake reduces recoil. The gun's design allows for simple disassembly and maintenance. The M2 is widely used as a heavy machine gun by various military forces and law enforcement agencies. It has been used in several conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In addition to its military use, the M2 has also been employed in anti-aircraft roles, such as on ships and aircraft. The M2's design is based on John Moses Browning's earlier machine gun designs, particularly the M1917 Browning Machine Gun. The M2 uses a similar recoil-operated mechanism but with several key improvements, including a stronger receiver and a more reliable feeding system.