M2, M9 and M15A2 Links
Cartridge links are made of steel which is processed to prevent rusting. They are manufactured and tested to assure satisfactory ammunition feeding and functioning under all service conditions.
M2 and M9 links are manufactured with closed loops. When assembled with the cartridge in belts, the links fit on the cartridge shoulder. The tapered front loops of the links are positioned firmly on the cartridge shoulder to hold the cartridge in proper alignment for feeding into the weapon. The design required the cartridge to be extracted from the rear and dropped into position for moving into the chamber for firing. Weapons designed for the links require additional space in the rear of the receiver for retraction. M2 and M9 links are used with the M2 machine gun only.
The M15A2 link is manufactured with partially open loops and has a positioning finger on one side which snaps into the extractor grooves of the cartridge to retain the cartridge in proper feed alignment. The link design permits a portion of bolt to ride through link loop openings and push the cartridges forward and out of the link into the chamber for firing. The M15A2 link is used with the M85 machine gun.
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