Description
U.S. Military M85 .50-Caliber Machine Gun Feed-Mechanism Deflector / Shield, P/N 7792531, NSN 1005-00-975-8597
This U.S. military feed-mechanism shield and deflector, identified by part number 7792531 and NSN 1005-00-975-8597, was made for the .50-caliber M85 machine gun.
The official catalog name is Deflector, while the original military package identifies the component as SHIELD, FEED MECHANISM. The stamped sheet-steel part fits around the M85's ammunition-feed area, where it helps protect the mechanism and deflect loose material away from the feed path.
This example is packaged one per original military wrapper, dated July 1966.
Historical Significance
The M85 was developed as a compact .50-caliber machine gun for armored vehicles. It was designed to provide heavy machine-gun fire from enclosed vehicle installations where the larger Browning M2HB was difficult to fit.
The M85 became closely associated with the M60-series tank commander's cupola. It was also used on the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle and early LVTP-7/AAV7-family amphibious vehicles.
Its compact receiver and vehicle-focused design made the M85 very different from the traditional M2 Browning. The weapon used a specialized belt-feed system and could be configured for either left-hand or right-hand ammunition feed, allowing it to fit different vehicle installations.
Small parts such as this deflector were important to keeping that feed system protected and operating correctly.
What This Item Is and Does
Part number 7792531 is a shaped sheet-steel component fitted around the M85's feed mechanism.
Its purpose is to act as a small shield around the feed area while also directing or deflecting material away from the moving components. This helps keep the ammunition path clear and protects the feed system from interference.
This is not the complete feed mechanism, feed cover, ammunition chute, receiver, or machine gun. It is one specific protective component of the M85 feed system.
Key Features
- Official catalog nomenclature: Deflector
- Package nomenclature: Shield, Feed Mechanism
- Part number: 7792531
- FSN: 1005-975-8597
- Modern NSN: 1005-00-975-8597
- Federal Supply Class: 1005
- Weapon application: .50-caliber M85 machine gun
- Construction: Stamped sheet steel
- Function: Protects and deflects material away from the feed-mechanism area
- Original package quantity: 1 each
- Packaging date: July 1966
- Contract: DA-30-069-AMC-01683
- Period: Vietnam War / Cold War era
- Included: One feed-mechanism deflector
M85 Machine Gun Application
The M85 was designed primarily for armored-vehicle use and could be configured for left- or right-hand ammunition feeding.
Known applications included:
- M60-series tanks
- M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle
- M60-family commander's cupola installations
- Early LVTP-7/AAV7 amphibious vehicles
The M85 served as a vehicle-mounted heavy machine gun for engaging personnel, light vehicles, equipment, and other targets within the weapon's intended role.
Why This Item Matters
Small M85 components are often difficult to identify after they have been separated from their original packaging.
This example retains unusually strong identification because the military wrapper provides the stock number, part number, nomenclature, quantity, contract, and packaging date.
That makes it useful not only as a restoration component but also as a documented example of the supply system that supported M60-series tanks and other armored vehicles during the 1960s.
The July 1966 packaging date also places this component directly within the Vietnam War-era production and support period for the M85.
About This Item
The original package is marked:
- 1005-975-8597
- SHIELD, FEED MECHANISM
- 1 EACH
- 7/66
- DA-30-069-AMC-01683
- 7792531
The packaging may show staining, creases, dirt, fading, tears, or other storage wear from age. See the pictures for the condition of the package and component being offered.
This listing is for one M85 feed-mechanism deflector, P/N 7792531. The M85 machine gun, complete feed mechanism, ammunition chute, cupola, vehicle, and other related components are not included.
Ideal For
- M85 machine-gun restoration projects
- M60-series tank restorations
- M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle restorations
- Early LVTP-7/AAV7 displays
- Vietnam War armored-vehicle collections
- U.S. military small-arms collections
- Tank commander's cupola displays
- Military museums
- Original packaged military-parts collections
- Technical-reference and educational displays
Approx length 4", Approx width 2", Approx height 1", Approx weight 0.1 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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