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The U.S. Department of Defense recently ordered modification kits (for $5,700 each) for M2 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine-guns. These kits upgrade existing weapons to the M2E2 standard and allow for quick barrel changes. Each barrel weighs 10.9 kg/24 pounds. There is also a mounting rail for scopes and a flash suppressor. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense also bought 8,000 more M2 machine-gun barrels (for $850 each). This M2E2 version is the best upgrade delivered for the M2 so far. There are others in the works. It was two years ago that the U.S. Department of Defense gave General...

Web Photo Charleston police now have a Barrett Model 99 .50 calibre BMG single show sniper rifle. The gun can hit a target up to 4.2 miles away. AssociatedPress CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Police Department has bought what may be the largest-caliber sniper rifle owned by any police agency in West Virginia, a Barrett Model 99 .50 caliber BMG single shot that fires bullets slightly smaller than a hot dog. The bullets, which cost $2 each, can hit a target up to 4.2 miles away. Because of Charleston's hills, such a shot is unlikely, said Sgt. Steve Walker, who...