M2 Browning Machine Gun

The M2 Browning Machine Gun is a heavy machine gun used by the HECU and the Black Ops in several areas of Black Mesa.

Overview

 * Manned by a single person, it is used on a tripod with armored shields or not to provide fire support and fortify crucial points, such as important locations of the Black Mesa Transit System or other Black Mesa areas.


 * Most of the time, sandbags provide additional protection to the gunner.


 * It is sometimes used along a double turret.


 * The weapon has infinite ammo and the added protection of the fortifications behind which it is usually found. However, the turret imposes a limited firing arc, and one is exceedingly vulnerable from the lanes that the gun is unable to cover.


 * During Half-Life, Gordon Freeman is allowed to turn it against HECU soldiers, notably in the Black Mesa Transit System.


 * In Opposing Force, the Black Ops use it against Adrian Shephard on the surface.


 * In Blue Shift, a M2 is hidden in a crate on a train car in the trainyards, with ".50 cal Mounted Machine Gun" written on it. Barney Calhoun uses it against many HECU soldiers before resuming his search for Dr. Rosenberg.

Tactics

 * Enemies using the M2 are easy to kill, as they are immobile while using it. A Mk 2 Grenade or a MP5 grenade is enough to kill the weapon controller in one shot.


 * If one finds a lone M2 standing around, it is likely that a horde of enemies will soon appear. One should mount the M2 and get ready as soon as possible.


 * The M2 is extremely powerful; only three or so shots are required to kill a HECU Marine. However, one should always be ready to get off the gun when overwhelmed by enemy attacks or when being attacked from behind.

List of appearances

 * Half-Life
 * Half-Life: Uplink
 * Half-Life: Opposing Force
 * Half-Life: Blue Shift