Browning M2 .30 Caliber vs MG3

1937–1945

1959–present

Approximately 500,000

Over 1,000,000 (including MG 42 production)

994 mm

1,225mm (48.2 in)

610 mm

565mm (22.2 in)

11.0 kg

11.5 kg (25.4 lb) with bipod

Belt-fed (250 rounds typical)

50-round drum or continuous belt feed

Short recoil

Recoil-operated, roller-locked delayed blowback

Automatic only

Full auto only

Ring-and-bead aircraft sight

Adjustable iron sights, optional optics