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F-14. The M2A1 .50-caliber machine gun with Quick Change Barrel is an enhancement to the M2 .50-caliber machine gun offering Soldiers increased performance as well as new features and design improvements that make it easier and safer to use. The M2A1 provides a fixed headspace and timing configuration, flash hider, and removable carrying handle, which increase the performance of the battle-proven M2. The M2A1 speeds target engagement and improves survivability and safety by reducing the time required to change the barrel and eliminating the timely procedure of setting headspace. The flash hider reduces muzzle flash by 95 percent, making the M2A1 less detectable in limited visibility. (See figure F-6, page F-10.)
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