POTD: Evolution of the Model 1924 Water-Cooled MG – Colt MG52
Sam.S 09.17.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Colt MG52 was the re-designated name for the water-cooled version of the Model 1924 Automatic Machine Gun, a commercial .50 caliber firearm that preceded the famous M2 Browning. Introduced in 1924 and renamed in 1932/33, this machine gun was Colt’s attempt to keep their product sounding modern in the evolving firearms market. Weighing over 180 lbs. with its tripod and water-filled jacket, the MG52 featured a simple straight-line charging handle, rear sights similar to the early M1917 .30 caliber guns, and manual safeties. It was built on dedicated water-cooled receivers, unlike the later M2’s universal receiver design. Colt also produced the MG52-A variant, which offered interchangeable feed systems to accommodate vehicle and dual mounts. Despite its robust design and marketing as a durable, versatile weapon, only a few thousand MG52s were manufactured before World War II. Production ceased when Colt redirected its efforts to U.S. military contracts, marking the end of this commercial predecessor to the M2 Browning.
Lot #3005: COLT MG52-A .50BMG SN C2239W W/ MOUNT All. (n.d.-c). Morphy Auctions. photograph. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/lot-402381.aspx.
