[SHOT 2025] KGM Suppressors’ Integrally Suppressed M2 Browning
Yes you read that title right. An integrally suppressed .50BMG M2 Browning. KGM Suppressors have developed a barrel which is integrally suppressed called the M2-SD.
With the recent push to suppress more and more of the military’s small arms and light weapons the venerable M2 Browning hasn't been left behind. Several companies have developed suppressors which can be attached to the muzzle of an M2 barrel but these ads additional weight to the barrel and can interfere with the proper cycling of the gun. The long recoil action of the M2 is finely tuned.
The M2-SD, however, is approximately the same length and, most importantly, mass as a conventional barrel.
You might be wondering ‘how effective can a .50 cal machine gun suppressor be?’ and ‘why bother?!’. The primary reason KGM explained is signature and blast reduction. This has benefits not just for the shooter, reducing deep tissue damage from hundreds of accumulated hours of trigger time on a heavy machine gun but also on the battlefield - reduced signature and blast help keep the guns location concealed and helps its crew survive and keep the gun in the fight.
The M2-SD reduces the audible report of the gun and the muzzle flash created when it's fired. KGM say that in testing they have reduced the audible report of an M2 with the barrel to 140Db. It also helps to prevent the cun kicking up dust which can also give away the gun’s position.
The increased thermal signature is the obvious weak link. Hot suppressors are visible on thermal systems which are becoming more and more available. KGM notes that thermal sleeves will help to mitigate this and also that the added surface area of the suppressed barrel also aids cooling.
There are a few variants of the M2 in use around the world, some with proprietary elements that mean KGM have developed M2-SD barrels able to be used with M2A1s, M2HBs and M2CQBs.
KGM told TFB that each barrel costs around $4,500 and that it will be demonstrated at 2025’s ISOF Range event in April, where new technologies for special operations forces are displayed and demonstrated. They are hoping to secure support for further testing and development of the M2-SD.
Managing Editor: TheFirearmBlog.com & Overt Defense.com. Matt is a British historian specialising in small arms development and military history. He has written several books and for a variety of publications in both the US and UK. Matt is also runs The Armourer's Bench, a video series on historically significant small arms. Here on TFB he covers product and current military small arms news. Reach Matt at: matt@thefirearmblog.com
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.50 bmg needs a silencer, to prevent the shooter from getting concussion (for the shooter), is more of a problem with Barretts and sniper rifles than M2 machinegun because of the muzzle brakes now bystanders is a different story. I'd like to shoot the m2sd just to see if it's more stable/easier to hold on target. I bet the paratescue units would appreciate this