Belt-Fed Machine Guns
HeliBacon’s arsenal is an ever-growing selection of rare, unique and historic fully automatic firearms for our guests to experience and enjoy.
During hunting operations, guests may participate in shooting machine guns from a helicopter. Many more machine guns are available during the afternoon Machine Gun Range Experience. Come to Texas and admire the sleek German engineering of our MP5s, feel the earth-shaking rumble of our M2 ‘Ma Deuce’ .50 caliber heavy machine gun, and zip off a full magazine in the blink of an eye with our Glock 18 machine pistol. Our vast arsenal has something for everyone, regardless of skill level.
HeliBacon shooting events are sure to “arm you” with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget.
Belt-Fed Machine Guns
M134 MINIGUN
7.62×51 NATO
The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down version of the M61 Vulcan Cannon found on fighter jets. It uses a Gatling-style rotating barrel cluster, driven by an electric motor, and is geared to fire approximately 3,000 rounds per minute. Considered the pinnacle of small arms, the Minigun has been featured in hit movies, including Predator and Terminator 2. Hollywood shows it being fired handheld, but firing real M80 ammo produces such force that the gun would twist right out of your hand, unless you are a cybernetic robot from the future with an Austrian accent, in which case, carry on. As for us, we mount it on a tripod and bolt it to the concrete using steel plates.
”Yes, we really have this. Yes, you can shoot it. Yes, it’s as cool as you imagine.” – HeliBacon
AN/M3 Browning Machine Gun
50 BMG
AN/M3 Browning Machine Gun
The AN/M3, a Browning .50-caliber M2 “Ma Deuce” at heart, is a lightened version with a higher cyclic rate that was developed during WWII and intended for aircraft installation. AN stands for Army/Navy as it was made for multiple branches of the Armed Forces. According to military doctrine, forward-facing, fixed-mount AN/M3s are categorized as offensive, while flexible-mount AN/M3s (e.g. helicopter door gunners) are categorized as defensive.
So yes, feral hogs are dangerous and have big tusks, and we need to ‘defend’ ourselves with .50-caliber machine guns. After all, there’s no such thing as overkill.
“They say the best defense is a good offense. Unless you’re a door-gunner with a 50 cal machine gun; in which case, that’s the best defense.” – HeliBacon
M2 "Ma Deuce"
50 BMG
The M2 Machine Gun, also called a Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun, is a heavy machine gun designed toward the end of World War I by John Browning. Commonly referred to as the “Ma Deuce” due to its M2 nomenclature, the .50 caliber system has been used extensively in the United States since the 1930s. With a virtually unmatched legacy, this John Browning design has been fielded by over 120 countries and seen nearly a century of continuous military use. There aren’t very many machine guns with that kind of legacy!
HeliBacon’s arsenal has the M3HB variant, with the M3 buffer system and heavy barrel.
“Just pulling out a belt of linked 50 BMG ammo gets people excited. The sound of full auto 50 BMG fire rolling through the valley after a sustained burst is pretty satisfying. There used to be some trees down range. Now there is a small clearing.” – HeliBacon
M60D
7.62×51 NATO
M60D
The M60, first issued in 1959, saw service with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and served as the Squad Automatic Weapon in the Vietnam era, until the 1980s when the military began to favor the M249 for the SAW role, with the lighter 5.56×45 NATO chambering.
The M60D ‘Delta’ model features spade grips, a modified trigger mechanism, and a pintle mount that enables a helicopter door gunner to have a wide field of fire. Although several systems were used on Vietnam era UH1 ‘Huey’ helicopters, perhaps the most common, and certainly the most iconic, was the venerable M60. Instead of the vintage aircraft ring-type sight, we install modern holographic optics.
”I don’t always hunt feral hogs from a helicopter, but when I do, I prefer to use an M60D.” – The Most Interesting Man in the World
M60 E6
7.62×51 NATO
M60 E6
The M60, issued in 1959, saw service with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and served as the Squad Automatic Weapon in the Vietnam era. It was widely used in vehicle-mounted configurations, most notably, as a door gun on the UH1 ‘Huey’ helicopter.
The E6 variant is the latest generation, which the Danish Army selected as their current issue GPMG. In HeliBacon’s opinion, the M60E6 is lighter, more compact, has smoother recoil, and is easier to control than the M240.
”The M60H (Hollywood) version can be fired one-handed by Rambo, with the belt of ammunition wrapped around his left forearm. Although this technique deviates significantly from standard military doctrine, the Hollywood version of the M60 can be fired for nearly the entire duration of a feature-length movie without being reloaded.” – HeliBacon
M249 SAW
5.56×45 NATO
M249 SAW
The M249 light machine gun (LMG), also known as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), is a U.S. adaptation of the Belgian FN Minimi, a light machine gun manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FN Herstal) of Belgium. This gas-operated engineering feat dates back to the early 1980s, has a quick-change barrel, and can be fed from both disintegrating M27 linked belts and STANAG 5.56mm magazines.
“The highly controllable nature of this system allows clients to keep the full belt on the steel target during the entire burst. Easily one of our most popular belt-fed systems, and for good reason.” – HeliBacon
Maxim M1910
7.62×54R
Maxim M1910
More than a century ago, the Maxim model of 1910 was adopted by the Imperial Russian Army. It saw service in WWI, the Russian civil war, and WWII, until it was phased out in 1945. As a water-cooled system, the large diameter shroud around the barrel is the water jacket. Some machine guns have a carry handle, but the M1910 gets its own wheeled carriage made out of heavy cast iron, making it best towed around by a horse or the friendly new guy. (FNG)
A water-cooled system is a novelty in the modern era, but the M1910 is a full-auto piece of recent history and it shows how far machine gun technology has come.
“Wikipedia calls the M1910 a medium machine gun. Whoever wrote that has never moved this thing around. It’s heavy.” – HeliBacon
MG34
7.92×57 Mauser
MG34
The MG34, or Maschinengewehr of 1934, is considered the world’s first general purpose machine gun. A true engineering feat of its time, it features a double crescent trigger design for select-fire capability. While the MG34 is an engineering work of art, its high manufacturing costs and wartime demand necessitated a lower cost model — the MG42.
HeliBacon’s arsenal features an original WWII era MG34, complete with the Waffen Eagle stamp of the German Wehrmacht, and a modern TNW MG34 full-auto variant, with the barrel and feed mechanism converted to a convenient 7.62×51 NATO cartridge.
”The MG34 was designed and produced in the 1930s, before CAD, CNC, and modern machining tools and techniques. Amazing.” – HeliBacon
MG42 - MG3
7.92×57 Mauser
MG42 - MG3
The MG42, or Maschinengewehr of 1942, was a lower-cost replacement for the MG34, and was widely used by the German Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS in the second half of WWII. With a cyclic rate nearly 50% faster than the MG34, the distinctive sound earned the MG42 the moniker “Hitler’s buzz saw.”
HeliBacon’s arsenal features an MG3, a modernized variant of the MG42, with a chrome lined barrel, heavier bolt, improved feed tray with belt retaining pawl, and chambered in 7.62×51 NATO. The MG3 fires at a blistering 1,200 rpm cyclic rate and retains the distinctive and satisfying buzz saw sound.
”Not every gun earns a nickname. The sound is worth the experience.” – HeliBacon
RPD
7.62×39
RPD
The RPD is chambered in 7.62×39, and uses a long-stroke piston, gas-operated system. This light machine gun was developed by Soviet designer Vasily Degtyaryov, and went into mass production from 1943 to 1944 during the final stages of World War II. The RPD and its Chinese copy (Type 56) served the Viet Cong and the People’s Army of Vietnam as their standard light machine gun.
“Surprisingly violent recoil for linked 7.62×39. A 100-round belt with a proper cheek weld will rattle your fillings loose.” – HeliBacon
HK 21
7.62×51 NATO
HK 21
The HK21, originally developed in 1961 by Heckler & Koch, is a German made, select fire, general-purpose machine gun. The roller-delayed blowback-operated design is shared by many H&K firearms, including the MP5 series of submachine guns, the HK33 and HK53 carbines, and the G3 battle rifles. The HK21 design is based on the G3 platform, sharing the same 7.62×51 NATO cartridge, with 48% parts interchangeability. The HK21, used by United States Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War, is still in service with armed forces today.
“For HK fans everywhere, a genuine HK belt-fed is a rare and beautiful thing.” – HeliBacon
HK 21E
7.62×51 NATO
HK 21E
The HK 21E (E for Export) is an improved version of HK’s general purpose machine gun, the HK 21. The ‘E’ features a longer receiver which increases the recoil length of the bolt group, reducing felt recoil to the shooter. It has reinforcing bars added to the receiver and a redesigned bolt head, extractor, locking rollers, bolt carrier and recoil spring assembly. But the most obvious different in the change to the feed mechanism which now flips down, along with its feed tray. This makes loading and unloading a belt of ammunition significantly easier for the operator.
HeliBacon’s arsenal features an original HK 21 as well as the HK 21E variant and event the HK 23E variant, chambered in 5.56mm NATO.
“It’s fun to admire the engineering of an HK gun. It’s more fun to shoot one.”
- HeliBacon
HK 23E
5.56×45 NATO
HK 23E
Heckler and Koch developed the HK XM262, a scaled down version of the HK21, as H&K’s submission for the 1978 United States Squad Automatic Weapon trials. The HK XM262, later designated the HK23E, came in close second to the FN XM249. Differing from FN’s submission, the select-fire (including burst) HK23E uses a roller-delayed blowback action, and fires from a closed bolt. Both feature a quick change barrel system, but the HK23E feed mechanism flips down, compared to a traditional ‘flip-up’ top cover, so optics are undisturbed during loading. FN’s M249, however, is dual feed capable, from M27 links and standard NATO box magazines.
”One can debate the merits of these systems, or come to Texas and shoot them both side by side. The second choice is more fun.” – HeliBacon
MCR
5.56×45 NATO
MCR
The MCR, or Mission Configurable Rifle, is a belt-fed upper receiver (or complete rifle) that mates to standard AR-15 / M4 lower receivers, with a short stroke gas-piston operation. Developed by FightLite Industries, the idea behind the MCR is to provide LMG firing capabilities in a lightweight system while retaining many familiar ergonomics of the M4 / M16 platform.
Weighing in at approximately 7.5 pounds, the MCR compares favorably with the M249 SAW at 17 pounds. Unlike the M249, the MCR fires from a closed bolt, and is select-fire, providing the MCR capability to deliver accurate semi-auto fire as well. A machined block fits into the magazine well and is retained by the magazine release. Although optional, the block provides a retaining clip to carry M249 style ammo bags, with 200 rounds of M27 linked 5.56 ammo. If linked ammo is expended, the operator can release the magwell block and insert STANAG NATO M4 / M16 magazines to feed the system.
With accurate semi-auto fire, and belt-fed suppressing fire capabilities, the MCR has a lot to offer. The quality of the machining is outstanding, and the overall system capabilities are compelling.
“The MCR has become one of our favorite systems. Two thumbs up.” – HeliBacon
MCRD "Delta"
5.56×45 NATO
MCRD "Delta"
The MCR, or Mission Configurable Rifle, is a belt-fed upper receiver (or complete rifle) that mates to standard AR-15 / M4 lower receivers, with a short stroke gas-piston operation. Developed by FightLite Industries, the idea behind the MCR is to provide LMG firing capabilities in a lightweight system while retaining many familiar ergonomics of the M4 / M16 platform.
HeliBacon installed KNS Precision’s Gen 2 AR-15 Spade Grips and the KNS Precision Picatinny to .30 pintle adapter, and now we have a full auto MCRD “Delta” model, following the nomenclature for the M60D and 240D when configured with spade grips. Why shoot magazines when ammo bags with 200 rounds of M27 linked 5.56 ammunition is an available option?
“A pintle mounted belt-fed machine gun is like freedom on a stick – ain’t America great!” – HeliBacon
M1919A4
7.62×51 NATO
M1919A4
The Browning M1919 is a fully automatic, belt-fed, 30 caliber, medium machine developmed towards the end of World War I. It saw plenty of battlefield action during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. U.S. troops used the M1919 as a light infantry, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun. This highly successful design served over 75 countries, and is still in use today.
HeliBacon’s M1919A4 variant incorporates many improvements and upgrades and notably features the 24″ long bull barrel with the iconic look of the perforated barrel jacket and muzzle booster installed. We mount it on a tripod and use spade grips for convenince.
“This 1919 was actually the very first belt-fed machine gun in the HeliBacon arsenal.” – HeliBacon
FM9
9×19MM
FM9
Freedom Ordnance’s FM9 was designed by brothers Michael and David Winge and debuted in 2015. It is among the most unique upper receivers ever made for the AR-15 platform. The FM9 is a belt-fed 9mm upper, 100% compatible with full-auto AR-15 lower receiver machine guns.
The FM9 features a quick change barrel mechanism, and operates with direct blowback. 9mm +P ammunition is recommended to simultaneously operate the heavy bolt and the top cover feed mechanism. Freedom Ordnance also makes proprietary 9mm disintegrating links, and functional ammo bags that can hold 150 rounds of linked ammunition. A machined block, inserted from the top of the magazine well, provides a retention clip on the bottom for attaching the ammunition bags.
“The FM9 may be a solution in search of a problem, but it does offer 16 times the entertainment value of magazine fed semi-auto 9mm systems.” – HeliBacon
FM9D "Delta"
9×19MM
FM9D "Delta"
Freedom Ordnance’s FM9 was designed by brothers Michael and David Winge and debuted in 2015. It is one of the most unique upper receivers ever made for the AR-15 platform. The FM9 is a belt-fed 9mm upper that is 100% compatible with full-auto AR-15 lower receiver machine guns.
The FM9 features a quick change barrel mechanism and is direct blowback operated. 9mm +P ammunition is required to simultaneously operate the heavy bolt and the top cover feed mechanism. Freedom Ordnance also makes proprietary 9mm disintegrating links, and functional ammo bags with 150 rounds of linked 9mm capacity. A machined block, inserted from the top of the magazine well, provides a retention clip on the bottom for attaching the ammunition bags.
HeliBacon installed KNS Precision’s Gen 2 AR-15 Spade Grips and the KNS Precision Picatinny to .30 pintle adapter, and now we have a full auto FM9D “Delta” model, following the nomenclature for the M60D and 240D when configured with spade grips.
“Why? Because, ‘Merica.” – HeliBacon
PKM
7.62×54R
PKM
The PKM (Russian: Пулемёт Калашникова, also known as Pulemyot Kalashnikova, or “Kalashnikov's Machine Gun”) is a 7.62×54R machine gun designed for general use in 1961 by the Soviet Union. An improved version was released in 1969 and is still manufactured in Russia today. As a testament to the success of the PKM design, the military forces of more than 100 countries have employed this general-purpose machine gun - a rare achievement indeed.
“Arguably one of the world’s most successful general-purpose machine guns – this thing runs and runs. A very popular choice among our clients.”
- HeliBacon
M240B
7.62×51 NATO
M240B
Designed in the 1960s/70s by FN Herstal, the M240 was adopted by the US Army in 1977 after it won the competition for Mean Rounds Between Stoppage (MRBS) and Mean Rounds Between Failure (MRBF) by a wide margin. It fires a full power battle rifle cartridge, fed from M13 disintegrating link ammunition belts, and is the standard medium machine gun for infantry rifle companies in the United States Armed Forces and many NATO countries. HeliBacon has both the M240B or “Bravo” model which features a buttstock and bipod and is designed for ground combat, as well as the M240D “Delta” variant which deletes the bipod and replaces the buttstock with spade grips, while using the hole under the carry handle for a pintle mount on an aircraft.
“This thing is solid and heavy. You get the pleasure of shooting it without the experience of carrying it around. What a treat!”
-HeliBacon
M240D
7.62×51 NATO
M240D
The M240D “Delta” model deletes the buttstock, bipod, and pistol grip trigger assembly, in favor of spade grips and a pintle mount configuration. The M240B “Bravo” model is meant to be carried around by the ground pounding infantry guys, but not the M240D “Delta” model — it was meant to fly.
HeliBacon adds modern Trijicon MGRS optics to this classic pintle-mounted beast. Like our “Bravo” model, FN’s M240D variant of the general purpose machine gun is solid and reliable.
“It’s either a workhorse or a nightmare, depending on which end of the muzzle you’re facing.” - HeliBacon
