POTD: Minigun Monday I
This is the first in a series of “Photo Of The Day”, where we will admire pictures of Miniguns of various kinds.
The series is called Minigun Monday, a name which should require no further explanation.
Today we take a look at the Mark 44 Minigun, being fired from a vehicle in the Farah Province, Afghanistan. The pictures are from 2012.
What strikes me is how compact the Minigun is.
Caption:
A coalition force member fires the Mark 44 minigun during live fire training on a base in Farah province, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2012. The coalition forces conducting the training are deployed to train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces in their area of operations. Afghan National Security Forces have been taking the lead in security operations, with coalition forces as mentors, to bring security and stability to the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released)
The best part about doing a mini-gun install? The test firing of course… A little video clip of a nice 3 second burst, about 150 rounds going down range.
Below: Those wipers are no good for brass.
Below: Notice the enormous hole for spent brass.
“MK-44 Mini-Gun, fam firing Northern Afghanistan”
All pictures by U.S. Marine Corps photo, Sgt. Pete Thibodeau. Videos as per YouTube reference.
Next week we’ll take a look at another Minigun (designated GAU-17 minigun), mounted on a boat used by the Special Boat Team 22.
Have you ever fired a Minigun? What was it like?
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
More by Eric B
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We used miniguns for self defense or defending ground assets on Cobras in Vietnam. The Cobras carried 3000 rounds. I couldn't even guess how many rounds I fired.
Will we see a Gatling, for a retro MM?