What is the maximum effective range of the M2 for grazing fire?

The maximum effective range of the M2 machine gun for grazing fire is indeed 700 meters. Grazing fire is a type of fire where the gun's muzzle is oriented in such a way that the bullets strike the ground at a relatively low angle, keeping them close to the surface. This is particularly crucial for hitting low-profile targets and maintaining rapid suppression over a wide area without the bullets ricocheting or bouncing off the ground at high angles.

In the context of the M2, which is a heavy machine gun chambered for .50 BMG, the effective range for grazing fire is established to ensure that the fire can be delivered effectively without the risk of the rounds exceeding the required elevation and potentially missing targets or causing unintended collateral damage. 700 meters strikes a balance between effective engagement and safety, maximizing the gun’s capabilities while minimizing the risk of overshooting targets.

Understanding this distance allows operators to set up their machine guns effectively in a defensive position, protecting assets and personnel by applying suppressive fire within the designated range while still effectively utilizing the weapon for its intended tactical applications.