Understanding Barrel Threads for .

50 BMG

Barrel threads for the .50 BMG caliber, particularly for rifles like the M2 and M3, follow specific
specifications:

1. Thread Form: The thread form for these barrels is a 60-degree Unified National (U.N.) thread.

2. Major Diameter: The major diameter of the barrel thread is approximately 1.448 inches.

3. Common Thread Patterns: The .50 BMG rifles may utilize various common thread patterns. Silencer
Central provides a thread pitch guide for rifles, indicating that aftermarket barrels for the .50 BMG might
have a pitch of 13x1 left-hand (LH) ([Silencer Central Thread Pitch Guide]
(https://www.scribd.com/document/514136393/Common-Barrel-Thread-Patterns)).

4. Historical Variations: Many older rifles from the first half of the 20th century used thread pitches
around 2 mm (12.7 threads per inch - TPI). Modern rifles tend to use thread pitches around 1.5 mm
([Wikipedia - Barrel Threads] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_threads)).

5. Accessory Parts: Accessories like thread protectors are available for barrels, such as the Desert Tech
HTI Thread Protector for .50 BMG rifles ([Midwest Gun Works]
(https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/dt-hti-br-003-50bmg)).

Sources

1. [Practical Machinist - M2, M3 50 BMG Barrel Thread Specs]

(https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/m2-m3-50-bmg-barrel-thread-specs.126976/)

2. [Dave Cushman - .50 BMG Caliber Ammunition Re-Loading Data] (http://www.dave-

cushman.net/shot/50bmg.html)

3. [Silencer Central - Suppressor Thread Size: Common Barrel Thread Patterns]

(https://www.silencercentral.com/blog/silencer-common-barrel-thread-patterns/)

4. [Wikipedia - Barrel Threads] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_threads)

5. [Midwest Gun Works - Desert Tech HTI Thread Protector, .50 BMG]
(https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/dt-hti-br-003-50bmg)