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Posted by Grumpyfred (U2228930) on Tuesday, 16th March 2010
The Browning M 2 50 Cal machine gun has been in service almost unchanged for over 80 years, and it is still the weapon of choice for for support fire and tops of vehicles, because it does what it says on the tin. So how many other weapons can boast such a long life. The Lee Enfield in verious forms still serves around the world, although mostly in third world countries or police forces (I noticed members of the Pakistan police carry it)making it 110 years. The B52 60 years. Any others?
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How about the "Oerlikon 20 mm cannon" that refers to a range of auto cannons, that’s based around an original design of 1914 by Reinhold Becker during the first word war. It was then manufactured by Oerlikon Contraves et al. Oerlikon cannons were employed in their various models during the second world war, and are still in use today.
Can’t think of any others…
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Strange how classics go one forever. I suppose the Colt 45.model 1911 has to fall into this box. Just on 100 years old and still prefered to the 9 mil replacement.
GF
What about the opposition?
Mig-21 FISHBED, Tu-95 BEAR, T55 MBT,M-46 130mm gun, all 1950s.
Incidentally, I think I'd pitch for the Bofors 40mm over the Oerlikon 20mm. The Oerlikon is on the way out (after a good innings) whereas the 40mm (in modern guise)is still be acquired.
LW
The German MG42 is still in service in it's rechambered NATO 7.62mm guise as the MG1, MG2 and MG3, as is the Mauser Kar98K, which is used by the Bundeswehrs' Wachbattalion for Military Parades and shows, as well as apparently by insurgents in Iraq.
I believe there may be some T-34/85's still knocking about in various parts of Africa also
.
There is also the HUEY which has been about since the 60s. Again as with the Eastern block stuff classic designs
You have to wonder (More so with the Browning which is made all over the world) does the countries making it pay royalties or is the weapon out of patent.
The 9mm Browning Hi Power has been around since 1935. The US Forces use the Tomahawk which has been around for centries and of course there is the Kukri which has been around as long as the Tomahawk. When you start looking there are allsorts of weapons whose design has been around for years. In certain situations the bow and arrow is still very effective as is the crossbow.
The 'rock' - 5 million years and still in use throughout the world.
WarsawPact,
Absolutely ... and then there's 'flint'. Very versatile and extremely sharp when knapped properly ... and string of course.
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