The Dark Reason Germans Hated American M2 .50 Cal The M2 Browning began as John Browning’s answer to General Pershing’s call for a heavier machine gun. From the early water-cooled M1921 to the powerful .50 BMG cartridge, this video shows how that design evolved into the legendary M2 “Ma Deuce.” We break down how its short recoil system works, why the universal receiver made it so adaptable, and how the .50 BMG became a staple on aircraft, tanks, ships, and tripods from World War II through Korea