CANIK M2 QCB Heavy Machine Gun

CANiK M2 QCB, is one of the heavy machine gun models produced in Türkiye. The weapon uses .50 caliber (12.7x99 mm NATO) ammunition. It is designed for use on armored and unarmored vehicles, maritime platforms and tripods, and features a quick barrel change (QCB – Quick Change Barrel) system.

Technical Specifications

CANiK M2 QCB uses 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) ammunition and is compatible with 12.7x99 mm NATO standard ammunition types. The total weight of the weapon, excluding accessories, is measured at 38.5 kilograms. The barrel assembly weighs up to 12 kilograms. The overall length of the weapon is up to 1,665 millimeters, with a barrel length of 1,145 millimeters.

The muzzle velocity is approximately 900 meters per second. The rate of fire ranges between 450 and 650 rounds per minute. The effective range is 1,830 meters, while the maximum range reaches approximately 6,800 meters. The barrel life is specified to be at least 20,000 rounds.

Canik M2 QCB (Canik)

General Features

CANiK M2 QCB features a quick-change barrel system equipped with a carrying handle to facilitate hot barrel replacement. The cocking handle is reversible, and the belt-feeding system allows ammunition to be fed from either the right or left side. The firing mechanism supports both single-shot and automatic fire modes. The interior surface of the barrel is reinforced with chrome plating.

Achievements and Contributions

During the development of the CANiK M2 QCB, Canik invested approximately ₺160 million in R&D and ₺440 million in industrialization. The weapon successfully passed 23 different tests during its completion program in August 2022, with a barrel life confirmed at 20,000 rounds, and underwent various environmental durability tests.

The model has been adopted into the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces, General Directorate of Security, Gendarmerie General Command and Coast Guard Command. In December 2022, a total of 750 units were delivered.