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What is the maximum effective range of the M2, .50 caliber machine gun?

A. 1000 meters
B. 2000 meters
C. 3000 meters
D. 4000 meters

Answer :

Final answer:

The maximum effective range of an M2, .50 caliber machine gun is around 1,800 meters for a direct target and 2,000 meters for an area target. However, this range can depend on factors like the gun's elevation, the bullet's muzzle velocity, and the effects of gravity and air resistance.

Explanation:

The maximum effective range of an M2, .50 caliber machine gun is not directly listed in these options, but it is approximately 1,800 meters or 1.8 kilometers for a point target, and up to 2,000 meters or 2.0 kilometers for an area target. However, this range can vary based on several factors, including the muzzle velocity of the gun, the height at which the gun is sighted, and the effects of gravity and air resistance on the bullet's trajectory.

In fact, gun sights are adjusted to aim high to compensate for gravity. That's because gravity pulls the bullet downwards as soon as it leaves the muzzle, hence impacting the effective range. The effect of air resistance also cannot be neglected as it will slow down the bullet, reducing the maximum effective range.

Moreover, the muzzle velocity plays a significant role. A higher muzzle velocity would mean that the bullet travels farther before gravity and air resistance can slow it down, increasing the gun's effective range. Therefore, these factors - the gun's elevation, the muzzle velocity, and the environmental conditions - can all influence the gun's maximum effective range.

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