Mark 38 ~ 25 mm machine gun system

Description: The MK-38 is a 25-mm (one inch diameter) heavy machine gun, effective to 2,700 yards (2,457 meters).

Background: The MK 38 machine gun system (MGS) was employed aboard various combatant and auxiliary ships in the Mid-East Force escort operations and during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The weapons are maintained in a rotatable pool, available for temporary installation on various deploying ships and permanent installation on certain amphibious and auxiliary ships, patrol craft and Coast Guard cutters.

Point of Contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command (OOD)
Washington, DC 20360

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Single barrel, air cooled, semi- and full-automatic, manually trained and elevated machine gun system
Contractor: Designed and assembled by Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center; components procured from various contractors
Range: 2700 yards (2,457 meters)
Guidance System: Unstabilized, manually trained and elevated
Type of Fire: Single shot; 175 rounds per minute automatic
Caliber: 25 mm (1 inch)
Date Deployed: 1986

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