C6, TM 9-2350-230-12
CHAPTER 13
DESCRIPTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF 7.62MM MACHINE GUN M73El
Section 13-1. DESCRIPTION AND DATA
13-1. General
13-3. Tabulated Data - M73E1 Only
The M73E1 machine gun is interchangeable with
Weight of gun ............................................... 31.00 lbs.
previous model M73 for coaxial application on the M551
Weight of barrel.............................................. 5.25 lbs.
vehicle. The redesign results in an increase in the
Length of gun ................................................. 35.00 in.
cyclical rate of fire as reflected in tabulated data below.
Length of barrel .............................................. 22.00 in.
There is no change in controls, operation, or operator/
Number of grooves .................................................... 4
crew maintenance. All material in this manual pertaining
Twist, right hand............................... one turn in 12 in.
to 7.62MM machine gun is equally applicable to the M73
Height cover closed.......................................... 5.30 in.
and M73E1 except where otherwise specified.
Height cover opened ........................................ 6.60 in.
Width ................................................................ 4.40 in.
13-2. Description
Feed ................................................... metallic link belt
The 7.62MM machine gun M73E1 (fig. 5-11) is a
Operation ................................. Recoil with gas assist
lightweight, air-cooled, metallic link belt fed weapon. It
Cooling .....................................................................Air
has a short receiver, is recoil operated with a gas assist
Muzzle velocity................................2,800 fps (approx)
to boost recoil, and designed with a quick change barrel
Rate of fire (cyclic) .....................500 to 600 rd per min
with fixed -Headspace. The cycle of operation and
Maximum range ......................... See appropriate F. T.
functioning is initiated from the retracted position of the
(approx) (3,700 meters or 4,150 yds)
barrel extension assembly. Major groups and assemblies
Maximum effective range .......................... 900 meters
are illustrated in figure 13-1 and described in table 13-1.
(tracer burnout point)
Method of target engagement .................. 20-30 round
bursts
Table 13-1. Major Groups and Assemblies - M73E1 (Fig. 13-1)
ASSEMBLY OR GROUP
DESCRIPTION
Jacket assembly group
(Items 1 through 4) Secured to front portion of the receiver assembly (trunnion block).
Designed for quick removal. Consists of jacket assembly, with bearing lock and barrel
assembly.
Cover assembly
(Item 5)
Located on top of the receiver assembly over the feed tray group. Secured to receiver by
the right and left latch rod assemblies. It feeds the belt and positions and holds the
cartridges for chambering. The feed mechanism is actuated by a stud on the barrel
extension, which engages the feed cam.
Feed tray group
(Item 6)
Located on top of receiver assembly under the cover assembly. It is composed of the
cartridge stop assembly and the feed tray assembly. The feed tray group serves as a
guide for the belt to assist in positioning the cartridges and provides directional control for
link ejection.
13-1
