The .50 caliber machine gun was primarily an anti-vehicular weapon. Its weight, and the weight of its ammunition, make it unsuitable for mobile infantry use. However, in semi-fixed positions such as the MLR in Korea, or mounted on vehicles in file, as in the withdrawal from Chosin, the weapon was magnificent. Its great range and striking power made it deadly against troops staging for assault. Again, these capabilities made it ideal for quick reaction against machine gun and mortar positions on heights overlooking road communications.

Against massed infantry attack the M2 was a truly terrible force. For mobile deployment, Quad .50s mounted on half-tracks were devastating.

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