.50 cal BMG machine gun question

[Hellfish]

It's been so long since I've used one and I can't find any videos, but does anyone remember if the charging handles move with the bolt, so that when you fire off rounds, the charging handles move too?

I think the answer is yes, but I want to be positive.

[Stl. boy]

Just watched a video to make sure, and it didnt look like it moved to me.

[Beinlausen]

the charging hadle only pushes the bolt back when you **** the gun, the handle is not moving when firing.

[Dutchman2]

That right; It stay forward. sometimes it looks that it moves because of the vibrations.

[Tributal]

Could you imagine getting in the way of it if it in fact moved with each shot fired - OUCH!

[American Patriot]

No, John Browning made a machine gun, not a hand remover.

[mattnwnc03]

no the handle does not move

[Hellfish]

Roger. The M60's charging handle moves, though, doesn't it? Tell me I'm not going nuts...

[HumanShield]

pretty sure it does. Along with the m249 and m240?

But then again, the charging handle isnt nearly as large as the one on the .50bmg

[Michael RVR]

neither the Minimi nor the Mag-58's 'charging handles' move. If the M60's did i'd be surprised, but then i've never used one, and it was made by an american :P

[Stl. boy]

Just watched an m60 vid and that charge handle doesnt move either.

[thatguy96]

Most of these weapons are open-bolt, and if you've ever handled one you know you have to move the charging handle back into the forward position after you lock it, it doesn't snap back into place. All these charging handles do is force the bolt assembly into the rear position and lock it into place. They shouldn't be connected to anything permenantly.

[Hellfish]

Hm. Then what the hell am I remembering that the charging handle moves while firing?

It the the M1917 or M1919?

[thatguy96]

I don't think either of those having charging handles that are connected to the bolt and carrier assemblies as well. You'd be hard pressed to find a lot of weapons larger than machine pistols and SMGs where the charging handle cycles with the action.

[Undo]

Actually, I know what weapon you mean. I think you have seen footage of the old maxim guns and their immediate derivitives. I have seen old movies of crew served weapons with the charging handle pounding away. I remember being thankful they put a stop to that. Can't remember the exact make or model, but they were definitely NOT modern weapons. I don't even think they were 2ww, but if they were that was the end of them.