www.thearmorylife.com/m2-browning-50-caliber-machine-gun/ The article from The Armory Life, written by Will Dabbs, MD, delves into the history and legacy of the M2 .50-caliber machine gun, affectionately nicknamed "Ma Deuce." This formidable weapon was born out of the necessity during World War I when General John J. Pershing needed a solution to contend with German observation balloons and airplanes. Developed with the collaboration of John Moses Browning and Winchester, the M2's design utilized insights from the German Mauser Tankgewehr M1918, ultimately creating the .50 BMG cartridge. Over the decades, the M2 has evolved, including the M2A1 variant introduced in 2010 with an improved barrel system. Despite being over a century old, its exceptional range, reliability, and versatility have ensured its place as a staple on various military vehicles and platforms worldwide, solidifying Browning's creation as a timeless piece of engineering in the military history of the United States and beyond.