POTD: Live-fire with the Mark 38 – 25mm machine gun on Carrier Strike Group 5
A 25 mm (25×137mm) machine gun? Well, that is how the NAVY, a force used with much larger calibers, chose to define their Mark 38 (M242 Bushmaster).
As you can see above and below, this is the subject of our Photo Of The Day.
Below Caption: Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Kris Fuentes checks the integrity of a mark 38 25mm machine gun system before a gun shoot aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). Antietam is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Below: The Mark 38 is fed by a metallic link belt with a dual-feed capability. The gun uses a roller chain that drives the bolt back and forth. Here you can see Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Kris Fuentes performing corrective maintenance.
Below: Sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) perform corrective maintenance on a Mark 38 25mm machine gun system before a gun shoot.
The rate of fire is about 200 rounds per minute, with a range up to 9,800 ft (3,000 meters). Notice the spent cases.
Globally there are over 11,000 units sold, making it one of the most successful firearms of its type.
Below: Not sure what to call this shooting stance. Looking forward to your suggestions below.
The pictures are taken in the Philippine Sea by the U.S. Navy and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toni Burton.
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.
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With a gun that big, you'd almost want an LCD display to aim with. Salt water, tho...
How can I get one mounted in the bed of my truck with electronic tracking system and remote fire?