General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems developed the M2A1 .50 caliber weapon after more than 30 years of experience manufacturing the M2 heavy barrel (HB) machine gun for the U.S. Department of Defense. The M2 machine gun is one of the world’s most reliable, highly accurate and effective weapons. The M2A1 offers the proven performance and in-place logistics support of the existing M2HB machine gun, along with the new features and design improvements of the quick change barrel (QCB) system and flash hider. These upgrades increase the performance of the battle-proven M2 and are adaptable to existing M2HB weapons.