Under normal circumstances, from which side of the receiver is the .50 caliber machine gun fed?

The .50 caliber machine gun, specifically the M2 Browning, is designed to be fed from the left side of the receiver. This configuration allows for optimal feeding of ammunition belts and contributes to the gun's overall function and reliability during operation.

Feeding from the left side also aligns with the way the firing mechanism and ejection port are set up, ensuring that spent cartridges are ejected efficiently and do not interfere with the feeding of new rounds. Such design elements are critical for maintaining a high rate of fire and preventing malfunctions during operation.

Overall, the left-side feeding system of the .50 caliber machine gun is a standard feature that enhances performance and user efficiency in various combat scenarios.