The RM-2 was a Mexican light machine gun designed by Rafael Mendoza and produced by Productos Mendoza.
History[]
Developed from Mendoza's earlier M1934 light machine gun, the RM-2 was originally produced for a US Army contract in the mid-1940s. However, when World War II ended in September 1945, the Americans rescinded the contract before it could be fulfilled. Since Mexican laws prevented the weapon from being exported, Mendoza had little choice but to market the RM-2 domestically. It was trialed by both the Mexican Army and the Mexican Marine Corps, but both rejected it. Ultimately only 50 prototypes were ever produced.
Design[]
The RM-2 was a gas-operated light machine gun that fired from a rotating bolt, driven by two cams engaged with a piston rod, similar to the Lewis gun. It was fed from a top-loaded 20-round magazine and chambered for the American .30-06 cartridge, originally due to the US contract it was designed for, but also because the Mexican Army standardized the .30-06 round after World War II. The RM-2 had a lightweight build and was easier to field strip than the M1934; removing a locking pin would allow the user to open the rear of the receiver.
Gallery[]
