Description
U.S. M60/M60D 7.62mm Machine-Gun Front-Sight Block, P/N 7269040
Item Overview
This listing is for one U.S. military front-sight block identified as Army part number 7269040. It is a barrel-mounted sight component used with the M60 and M60D 7.62mm machine guns. The cylindrical base fits over the barrel tube, while the integral blade provides the weapon’s fixed front aiming point. This example is heavily oxidized and pitted, but the sight blade appears to be present. Rivets, barrel assembly, flash suppressor, bipod, receiver, rear sight, and complete weapon are not included.
Identification Details
The shape, integral blade, cylindrical base, and two-rivet mounting pattern match military specifications and known surplus examples of the M60 front sight. The two open holes were made for rivets that permanently secured the block to the barrel tube.
- Nomenclature: Front sight or front-sight block
- Army part number: 7269040
- Application: M60 and M60D 7.62mm machine guns
- Mounting rivets: P/N 7269038, two required and not included
- Parent assembly: Barrel assembly P/N 7269028
- Parent assembly NSN: 1005-00-608-5002
- Caliber of associated weapon: 7.62mm NATO
- Item included: One loose front-sight block only
Function and Installation
The sight block slides over the forward section of the barrel tube. After it is correctly positioned, two P/N 7269038 rivets secure it in place. The blade works with the gun’s adjustable rear sight to provide an aiming reference. Because the M60 uses removable barrel assemblies, the fixed front sight remains with its assigned barrel when that assembly is changed.
Barrel Assembly Relationship
This part belongs to complete barrel assembly P/N 7269028. The complete assembly houses the cartridge during firing, directs the projectile, supports the front sight, and carries parts of the gas and bipod system. NSN 1005-00-608-5002 identifies that complete barrel assembly and should not be used as the NSN for this loose sight block.
M60 Weapon-System History
The M60 was developed during the 1950s as a new American general-purpose machine gun. Its design combined U.S. engineering with ideas drawn from German weapons such as the FG 42 and MG 42. Standardized in 1957, the M60 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed weapon that fires 7.62mm NATO ammunition from an open bolt. It was designed to provide accurate automatic fire from a bipod, tripod, or vehicle mount.
About the M60D
The M60D adapted the basic M60 mechanism for flexible mounts on helicopters, vehicles, and other military equipment. It normally used rear spade grips in place of the standard shoulder stock and pistol grip. During the Vietnam War, M60D guns became closely linked with helicopter door-gunner operations. Common parts and barrel components allowed the mounted weapon to remain closely related to the standard infantry M60.
History of Use
The M60 became one of the best-known American weapons of the Vietnam War. Infantry teams used it for squad support, defensive fire, and covering fire, while mounted versions served on helicopters, armored vehicles, boats, and trucks. The M60 family remained in American service through much of the Cold War and also served with allied nations. Later M240-series guns replaced most M60s in regular U.S. roles, but surviving weapons and components remain important to collectors, museums, and military researchers.
Condition
This surplus sight block is in rough condition with heavy oxidation, surface rust, pitting, finish loss, staining, and storage wear. The integral sight blade appears present, and both mounting-rivet holes are empty. Condition may limit this part to display, pattern, identification, or restoration use. Please inspect the product photographs carefully before ordering.
Collector and Research Value
P/N 7269040 is a recognizable component from an important Vietnam and Cold War machine-gun system. It offers a useful reference for M60 barrel research, military-parts identification, restoration planning, or a display showing how the fixed front sight was attached to the quick-change barrel assembly.
Ideal For
This front-sight block is well suited for historical collections, educational displays, parts research, and restoration reference.
- M60 and M60D parts collections
- Vietnam War weapon displays
- U.S. military machine-gun research
- Barrel assembly identification
- Restoration patterns and reference collections
- Museum and training exhibits
Approx length 3.75", Approx width 1.5", 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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