HEAVY METAL: Scope Mounts For Browning M2

Since their inception, machine guns have served as a means for infantry to deliver suppressive fire, and for a long time, they remained the primary weapon system mounted on vehicles, used against enemy personnel, fortifications, and light vehicles.

The main advantage of machine guns in a squad has always been their high rate of fire and increased lethality, not pinpoint accuracy. As a result, ammunition consumption for this type of weapon has traditionally been high to ensure effective use.

The amount of spent brass and links after a short fire training for the M2 crew

For a long time, the only available aiming devices were iron sights—ranging from basic post-and-notch setups to advanced aircraft sights that allowed for lead correction when engaging moving targets such as airplanes. Eventually, more universal adjustable sights and the first collimator sights (borrowed from military aviation) became available, though initially only on vehicle-mounted machine guns due to the need for stable platforms and reliable power sources for aiming devices.

An example of the sight mounted on fighter planes during WW2 that had M2 Browning machine guns as main armament

Today, a modern machine gun and its optics are not only about precise fire—they also add flexibility and expanded capabilities to the unit’s combat role. From suppressing enemy infantry to destroying fortifications or engaging vehicles and aerial targets, this must be done effectively both day and night. This requires not only better belt configurations but also updated sighting systems.

Dedicated ruggedized optics for machine guns are now the most relevant solution, such as the Trijicon ACOG 6x48, Trijicon MGRS, Aimpoint FCS, and D.I. Optical DCL110 and DCL120.

There is also a growing need for thermal and night vision sights. This has already become standard practice in our war. However, a serious issue remains: many units operate weapons designed in the early 20th century, often supplied through foreign military aid programs without proper modernization. Mounting advanced optics can be challenging, and in many cases, gun bodies are not supplied with sufficient, if any, mounting interfaces. Ultimately, what good is your optic if it’s secured to a gun with tape and zip-ties?

"Gen 1" CRC 2B081 mounted on a Browning М2 guin during training; video cred TikTok: @stastengu

This led KRUK to receive a request to develop a proper mounting solution for Browning M2-type machine guns. A previous design, CRC 2B081, was made specifically for the M2HB, using an integrated dovetail mount machined directly into the rear sight base. This was a heavy-duty optic mount, tailored for the Browning M2HB. Its height allowed the simultaneous use of iron sights and mounted optics. It was a high-quality and relevant solution at the time, but it wasn’t compatible with other M2 variants. Work continued toward a more universal system.

Робота розрахунку кулемета М2 з встановленим кронштейном CRC 2B082 та оптичним прицілом в парі з пілотом дрона

That’s how the CRC 2B082 mount was created—designed for compatibility with all Browning M2 models and offering an improved optics mounting platform. The new mount is fixed to the top cover of the receiver, regardless of whether a dovetail base is present, and does not interfere with the use of the gun’s standard iron sights. The Picatinny rail base now allows for direct mounting of reflex or red dot sights.

An adjustable Picatinny rail is mounted on the base via three cam locks. These provide a secure hold but also allow the top rail to be quickly removed without special tools, enabling field stripping of the gun and safe transport of the optic without risking damage, while leaving the base in place on the weapon, ready to roll any time.

Mounting instructions are provided on top of the machine gun

The adjustable top rail offers two preset elevation angles:

1. 30 MOA

2. 90 MOA

These elevation presets are consistent with M2 usage guidelines, meaning no retraining or modifications are necessary. The mount simply enhances long-range precision and enables the use of advanced optics, including night vision and thermal imaging systems.

Elevation angles are selected via a mechanical switch. This design allows quick adaptation of the mount for long-range fire missions.

So, whether your "eternal machine gun" is targeting threats in the air, on land, or at sea, KRUK has ensured that your optics are reliably mounted, boosting the effectiveness of the entire weapon system.

The CRC 2B082 can be ordered directly from our website. For military units, significant discounts are available when ordering through the direct request of purchase for your regiment — please get in touch with our support team via social media or the phone number listed online. In addition to that, we offer a series of videos dedicated to this weapon system and its use with the mentioned optics bracket that are found on the КРУК YouTube channel: