T&E Mechanism for M3 Tripod

M3 Tripod T&E Mechanism

This is a T&E mechanism, short for traverse and elevation, built for the M3 tripod that carries the M2 .50 caliber Browning heavy machine gun. It sits between the tripod and the gun and turns rough pointing into fine mechanical adjustment. You can lay the gun onto a preselected target area and return to it reliably. Collectors, display builders and owners restoring a complete M2 and M3 setup will want one to finish the mount.

Features

• Traverse And Elevation Control — Separate adjustments move the gun left and right (traverse) and up and down (elevation) in small, repeatable steps.
• Knurled Hand Wheels — Textured adjustment wheels give a firm grip for precise turning, even with gloves on.
• Graduated Scale Dials — Numbered scales on the mechanism show the current setting, so you can record a position and dial back to it.
• Threaded Screw Yoke Assembly — The yoke, the U-shaped frame that holds the gun's rear, rides on a threaded screw for smooth, controlled movement.
• Locking Lever — A side lever locks the mechanism to the tripod once it is positioned.
• Tethered Quick-Release Pin — The release pin hangs from a chain so it stays with the mechanism instead of going missing in the field.
• Fits The M3 Tripod — The mechanism mounts to the traversing bar of the M3 tripod used with the M2 .50 caliber machine gun.
• Steel Construction — Steel parts with a dark finish match the build of the tripod it fits.

Construction And Fit

The mechanism has a vertical mounting tube, a clamp with a locking lever, a scaled dial, and an upper yoke driven by a threaded screw and knurled hand wheel. It attaches to the traversing bar on the M3 tripod and accepts the rear of an M2 .50 caliber receiver. The release pin stays chained to the body, and the steel construction suits a mount that has to hold a heavy gun steady.