Vickers MMG answer to lost question!

[Peter Laidler]

Vickers MMG Gauge limits

Some time ago a Forumer asked me about the gauge limits for a Vickers MMG in the Overhead Fire (OHF) role. I didn’t have them handy and soon forgot. But after having to prepare one for live firing recently I had to search for the gauge limits.

This is in relation to the 3 part (case, top and gauge) GAUGE, plug .306” No2. C2/SM75 for the Vickers MMG……. You’ll recognize it if you have one! The .306” plug gauge will tell the section commander the probable barrel life left depending on how far it enters the chamber from the barrel face. Right, here we go……

Enters breech Probable life remaining
2.75” 7,000 rounds (as new)
2.80” 6,000
2.85” 5,000
2.90” 4,000
3.00” 2,600
3.05” 2,150
3.10” 1,700
3.15” 1,420
3.20” 1,100
The danger zone…………..
3.25” 850
3.30” 600
3.35” 400
3.40” 250
3.45” 100
3.50” REJECT for any use

So as you can see, I’m gauging a 4th quarter of life barrel where the gauge enters the chamber for 3.1” and I will be shooting 2000+ a bit rounds of Mk8z in sustained bursts. As it’s on a gallery range (as opposed to a field firing range) and there is a safety consideration, I can either change the barrel after 1700 rounds or reject it and change the barrel now – which I will

We did use this gauge on Bren barrels where considerable heat erosion/wear was a problem and also in a lesser way when condemning rifle barrels after the accuracy test.

Anyway, there’s the answer whoever it was………..

Information

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