Model-Master have released a superb set of brass .50 Caliber Browning M2 barrels. I have to admit I've never used metal replacement barrels before and, although I obviously knew they'd be superior to moulded styrene barrels, I didn't realise just how much better they'd be!

Each set contains parts for a pair of barrels, and they really need to be seen up close to be fully appreciated; each comprises a perforated cooling jacket and a turned barrel that slips inside. The fit is so precise that they look like one piece where they meet at the front bushing. The only improvement that the most ardent (and steady-handed!) detail-fanatic might make would be to file a tiny notch each side of the bushing.

Using the barrels will be simplicity itself - it's merely a question of cutting the styrene kit barrels off and drilling .6mm holes into the body of each gun to accept the locating pin of the metal replacement barrel.

The trickiest part might be in painting them, because the detail is so fine that you won't want to hide it under a heavy-handed coat of paint. Chemical blackening might well be the best option, or else a light coat of Alclad II buffed smooth.

JB Model.eu. who kindly supplied the review sample also stock the following other Model-Master 1/32 scale aircraft barrels:

AM-32-002 MG-17 barrels - 8.30 Eur
AM-32-003 MG-131barrels - 9.80 Eur
AM-32-004 P-47 Thunderbolt Browning barrels - 8.30 Eur

The .50 M2 barrels are even available in 1/48 scale with the same level of detail scaled down.

Conclusion

There's not a lot more to say other than that these Model-Master barrels are quite stunning. Highly recommended for modellers of largescale Allied aircraft looking for the last word in upgrading the machine guns.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.