Denmark Selects M60E6 over HK121 for new GPMG

[LRRPF52]

http://www.janes.com/article/35157/denma...as-new-lmg

The M60E6 is the latest generation of the M60, first adopted by the US Army in 1957. The US weapon was selected over the Heckler & Koch HK121 I ('Infanterie'), a squad support variant of the German HK121 general purpose machine gun, following a trial programme.

The delivery of the first M60E6 MGs, to be called LMG m/14 in Danish service, is expected by the end of 2014.

I would have never guessed that to be the outcome. Kind of a shocker, really.

[mongoosesnipe]

Maybe they just want an open bolt full auto only set up I can't think of any other reason to pick the 60 over 121

[montana]

They must have had one product improved M60, WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLoMQPJzHQM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZZ_IShupic

[stanc]

[video=youtube;xZ16UmqKFh4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ16UmqKFh4[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ16UmqKFh4

The M60E6 was chosen for the benefits it holds over the current M/62 MG3 which has been in use with the Danish Army since 1962:

- Weighs 9.35 kg, approx. 3 kg lighter than the M/62, with better weight distribution
- Better control of alternative shot positions, such as kneeling and standing
- Lower ROF of 550 RPM when compared with the M/62′s 1200 RPM, which improves shooter accuracy, reduces ammunition consumption, and significantly minimizes the risk of collateral damage
- Single shot capability
- Reduced recoil
- Picatinny rails allows for the addition of accessories such as tactical lights, lasers, etc.
- Stable adjustable stand
- Fast barrel change is possible without the use of gloves

Approximately 700 LMGs have been purchased, which are scheduled for delivery starting late 2014.

http://soldiersystems.net/2014/03/11/u-s...t-program/

[stanc]

They must have had one product improved M60, wow!

Following info excerpted from http://soldiersystems.net/2014/03/11/u-s...ent-467771

[color="blue"]The Danish program is for the US Ordnance M60E6 not the old M60 you are familiar with.

Here is a list of the issues we have addressed...

1. On the M60E6 the weapon can be loaded and top cover opened and closed with the bolt forward or with the weapon charged and bolt to rear. In addition we redesigned the feed cam so the system has 30% improved belt pull to overcome miss aligned ammo, debris in the links, and twisted belts. In fact we test our M60E6 models to the same belt pull standard as the US M240.

2. Our M60E6 features and improved OPERATING ROD and TRIGGER to PVT Dumbass proof the system

3. We corrected several areas where the system could be assembled incorrectly
a. Soldier Proof Reversible gas piston
b. Simplified gas system with fewer parts and eliminated they need for safety wire
c. Trigger retaining pin can only be inserted from the RIGHT correct side

4. We have an extensive collections of transferable machine guns in our reference library and we are constantly going back to these models to check on field expedient improvements that were implemented. We also have 14 years of continuous user feedback regarding the systems we supply around the globe.

5. Likely unknown to you as the Company Armorer was an extensive list of Product Improvement Programs (PIP) that occurred in the late 1970s and 1980 on the M60. Some were obvious like the change from triple wire drive spring to the single wire and the change to double sear notch instead of one (see PVT Dumbass again).
a. One such improvement that had little external evidence was a change in the receiver assembly. Certain chamfers in the receiver channel were redesigned and the riveting procedure was changed. This did away with most of the receiver stretch you reference.
b. On our M60E4, E6 and M60D Enhanced models our channels our heat treated to modern standards and receiver stretch is an issue I have never seen in my 12 years at US Ordnance.

...also addressed are the following improvements.

1. Improved Barrel Design
a. Improved bird cage flash hider
b. Improved CAM PATH in barrel socket to address barrel/bolt issue of the original M60
c. Carry handle moved to barrel to facilitate barrel changes without heat mitten
d. Adjustable front sights to allow for zeroing primary and spare barrel
e. Stellite lined for one of the longest lasting barrels in the industry
f. Improved accuracy to facilitate use of optics and lasers

2. Improved one-hand operated bipod moved from barrel to receiver.
a. Lightens load as machine gunner is not carrying second bipod on spare barrel
b. Keep weapon on target and off ground during barrel changed
c. Unlike E3 bipod ours is simple, strong and designed with interchangeable legs
d. Allows for a more natural pivot point for the weapon system

3. M1913 Rail handguard
a. Open at top to allow unrestricted access for barrel changes
b. Rails for mounting lasers and grips
c. Positive locking system to maintain zero of lasers

4. Receiver mounted bandolier bracket (ammo hanger)
a. This isolated the ammunition hanger from the feed tray and provides a stable mounting point
b. When operator lifts feed tray to confirm chamber clear it does not dump his ammo like on previous model

5. M1913 Rail Top Cover
a. M1913 rail for mounting optics, thermal and sensors without additional brackets
b. Improved feed cam with 30% improved belt pull and allow for ability to load the weapon in multiple conditions. Bolt forward or to the rear.
c. Eliminates the old tin cover design that dented and wore thru

6. Improved buttstock
a. Lighter and stronger
b. More ergonomic
c. Does not detach due to wear like the older models

7. Trigger Group
a. Improved trigger re-design to facilitate use of gloves
b. Improved retaining system with positive lock like top cover.
i. Replaces flat spring design that was problematic with the old M60
c. Trigger Housing redesigned to prevent incorrect assembly of the trigger pin
d. Reinforced sections to prevent breakage when using in WINTER/NBC mode with heavy gloves
e. Ergonomic grip with cargo space

Steve Helzer, Sales and Marketing Vice President, US Ordnance[/color]

[stanc]

[video=youtube;NIIicHWwFQo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIIicHWwFQo[/video]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIIicHWwFQo

[montana]

Looks like a big improvement, thanks for posting stanc.

[stanc]

Whatever one might think of the Danish adoption of the M60E6, I have to say I like their decision to go with a mid-length gas system, and free-floating, 16-inch barrel on the Gevaer M/10, in contrast to the older (20-inch barrel) M/95 rifle and (14.5-inch barrel) M/96 carbine.

[stanc]

Came across some nice pics I hadn't seen before, and wanted to share.

[stanc]

Looks like they're using the M/60 LMG as the squad automatic.