Description
Early-Pattern AN-M3 .50-Caliber Bolt-Switch Locking Spring Pins, P/N 7265456
Item Overview
This original military package contains ten early-pattern alternate-feed bolt-switch locking pins for the .50-caliber AN-M3 aircraft machine gun. These small steel spring pins secured the removable bolt switches inside the gun’s bolt assembly. The switches could be repositioned when armorers changed the weapon between left-hand and right-hand ammunition feed.
Identification and Features
The 1955 Army and Air Force parts catalog identifies P/N 7265456 as the early-manufacture version of the alternate-feed bolt-switch locking pin. The documented dimensions closely match the pins in this package. The original packaging identifies Colt’s Manufacturing Company as the supplier and lists a quantity of ten.
- Official nomenclature: Pin, Spring, Alternate-Feed Bolt-Switch Locking
- Part and drawing number: 7265456 / A-7265456
- Ordnance stock number: A067-7265456
- Documented application: .50-caliber AN-M3 aircraft machine gun
- Construction: Slotted tubular steel spring pin, commonly called a roll pin
- Official pin diameter: 0.167 inch
- Official pin length: 9/16 inch
- Quantity required per gun: Two
- Package quantity: Ten
- Supplier shown: Colt’s Manufacturing Company
- Catalog status: Early-manufacture pattern
- Later replacement: Phosphate-coated P/N 586095, measuring 0.156 inch in diameter by 9/16 inch long
- Status: Inert mechanical hardware with no energetic material
Original Function
Each hollow pin compressed slightly when driven through its mounting hole. Its spring tension then held it firmly in place. Two pins locked the two removable bolt switches into the AN-M3 bolt assembly. When changing the direction of feed, an armorer drove out the pins, moved the switches into the neighboring tracks, and reinstalled the locking pins. The pins did not move the ammunition, control the firing circuit, or operate as electrical switches.
Weapon Application
This pin is documented for the recoil-operated, air-cooled, link-belt-fed AN-M3 aircraft machine gun. The AN-M3 could be arranged for ammunition to enter from either side, which made it useful in aircraft carrying several guns in closely spaced installations. Army instructions state that the weapon could be mounted in the wing or fuselage of a fighter or in a bomber turret. This listing represents the part only for its documented AN-M3 application; compatibility with other Browning .50-caliber models is not represented.
Historical Background
The AN-M3 developed from the Browning .50-caliber aircraft machine-gun family and was designed to fire at more than 1,000 rounds per minute. Its high rate of fire suited the short firing opportunities faced by early jet fighters. Six .50-caliber guns formed the standard armament of many F-86 Sabres, which used them extensively during the Korean War. The reversible feed system allowed several guns to be arranged together while receiving ammunition from the most practical side. By the 1955 parts catalog, P/N 7265456 was identified as an early-manufacture component and listed beside the smaller phosphate-coated P/N 586095 that replaced it.
Condition
These are original military-surplus package pins. They may show storage oil, surface discoloration, light oxidation, scratches, or other signs of age. The original wrapper may have stains, fading, creases, tears, handwriting, or worn markings from long-term storage. Serviceability has not been tested. This listing is for one original package marked for ten pins only; the AN-M3 gun, bolt assembly, bolt switches, ammunition, tools, and other components are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This original parts package is well suited for collections and exhibits covering American aircraft armament, Browning machine-gun development, early jet aviation, and Korean War equipment.
- AN-M3 aircraft machine-gun displays
- F-86 Sabre and Korean War aviation exhibits
- Military armorer and maintenance collections
- Colt’s military-production collections
- Period aircraft-armament restorations
- Museums and educational displays
Approx length 9/16", Approx width .167", Approx height .167", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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