500–550 rounds/min:Variations with single gas setting
159-640: The M240 machine gun , officially the Machine Gun, 7.62 mm, M240 , is the U.S. military designation for the FN MAG , a family of belt-fed , gas-operated medium machine guns that chamber the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge . The M240 has been used by the United States Armed Forces since the late 1970s. It is used extensively by infantry, most often in rifle companies , as well as on ground vehicles, watercraft and aircraft. Though it
318-478: A 21.7 in (551.2 mm) barrel and weighs 26.3 lb (11.9 kg) empty, and has a cyclic rate of fire of around 550–650 rounds per minute. The M240H entered service in 2004 on U.S. Army helicopters. It is equipped with dual spade grips and thumb-activated trigger systems, and can be quickly converted for dismounted infantry use via an egress components kit that includes a bipod and conventional pistol grip trigger module. The M240G allows for commonality throughout
477-576: A Picatinny rail that is longer compared to the Picatinny rail of the M240 machine guns, where the Barrett M107A1 rear sight can be mounted, along with other various optics. The design of the feed tray cover hinge has been altered to be in the shape of a hexagon, thus allowing for the feed tray cover to be able to stay open while at a 45-degree angle to the receiver while the machine gunner is loading
636-460: A barrel change before it could be fired again. Due to the rotating bolt design, the M60 required stoning of burrs or roughness on the lugs, which could increase headspace, occasionally causing cartridge case stretching and head separation. This required replacement of the bolt. The M60 sometimes (depending on the version) tore off the rims from fired cartridge cases during the extraction cycle, causing
795-408: A base with protective ears that is integral with the receiver's upper forging. The iron sight line has a 848 mm (33.4 in ) sight radius. The top of later production model receivers often feature a MIL-STD-1913 rail as a mounting platform for firearm accessories like (low light) optical sights and night-vision devices . With the safety placed in the safe setting, the sear mechanism
954-401: A belt of ammunition. The feed tray has also been altered, with two protruding spring-loaded teeth which can bend in the direction of the ammunition belt. These teeth allow the operator to securely place a belt of ammunition on the feed tray while it is at an upright angle, and not have the belt slip out while closing the cover. In addition they allow the operator to be able to squeeze the front of
1113-611: A belt-fed version. FFV-Carl Gustaf tried to design a derivative, but their belt feeding mechanism (placed below the action, like on the BAR) did not pass military trials. Therefore FN Herstal was approached, and Belgian designers came up with the idea to flip the BAR action upside down and mate it with the proven MG 42 belt-feeding mechanism. The work was started in the late 1940s by Dieudonné Saive and finished by Ernest Vervier in 1953, with Swedish trials beginning in 1955. The MAG served as
1272-493: A bipod (attached to the receiver) for improved stability, ambidextrous safety, universal sling attachments, a carrying handle on the barrel, and a simplified gas system. However, these features also caused almost as many problems for the weapon as they fixed. There were different types of barrels used, but the lightweight barrel was not as safe for sustained fire at 200 rounds per minute as heavier types. Despite this, some personnel claim to have witnessed successful prolonged firing of
1431-515: A complement to the FN FAL battle rifle. It first entered production in 1958 ( Ksp 58 chambered in 6.5×55mm), and it is sometimes referred to as the MAG-58. The MAG Model 60-20 is an automatic, air-cooled, gas-operated machine gun, firing belt-fed 7.62×51mm NATO from an open bolt . The MAG uses a series of proven design concepts from other successful firearms, for example the locking mechanism
1590-400: A conventional trigger assembly. The barrel assembly contains a three position gas regulator. The first setting allows the weapon to cycle at 650–750 rounds per minute, the second gas setting allows the weapon to cycle at 750–850 rounds per minute, and the third setting allows the weapon to cycle at 850–950 rounds per minute. The aircraft configured M240D weighs 25.6 lb (11.6 kg) and
1749-409: A forward blade (adjustable mechanically for both windage and elevation) and a folding leaf rear sight with an aperture in the down position for firing distances from 200 to 800 m (219 to 875 yd ) in 100 m (109 yd ) increments and an open U-notch for ranges from 800 to 1,800 m (875 to 1,969 yd ) graduated every 100 m (109 yd ). The rear sight is hinged to
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#17327983727921908-558: A forward pistol grip, as was added on the E3 variant. The M60E2 is used on armored fighting vehicles , such as the M48A5, later M60 Patton tanks and the K1 Type 88 . It lacks many of the external components of the standard M60, including stock and grips. The M60E2 was electrically fired, but had a manual trigger as a backup, as well as a metal loop at the back for charging . The gas tube below
2067-555: A hold-over in concept from the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle . It may also be fired from the integral bipod, M122 tripod , and some other mounts. M60 ammunition comes in a cardboard box containing a cloth bandolier of 100 pre-linked rounds. The M60 uses the M13 ammunition link, a change from the older M1 link system with which it was not compatible. The cloth bandolier is reinforced to allow it to be hung from
2226-432: A jam that required a cleaning rod to be rammed down the barrel to extract the torn cartridge, a potentially deadly procedure while under fire in combat. The barrel latch mechanism (a swinging lever) could catch on the gunner's equipment and accidentally unlatch, causing the barrel to fall out of the gun. On new M60s, the lever was replaced with a push button mechanism that was less likely to be accidentally released, but few of
2385-590: A licensed version of the MAG designated PMT-76/57A to be made under the National Machinegun Project ( Turkish : Milli Makineli Tüfek Projesi - MMT ). The 57 name was inspired by the 57th Infantry Regiment . Twelve PMT-76 prototypes were tested in 2017 and an order of an undisclosed number was placed. The PMT-76/57A entered Armed Forces service in 2021 and was exported to Kosovo in 2023. M60 machine gun#M60E3 The M60 , officially
2544-414: A mount for optical sights. It does, however, have a new closed-type gas regulator. Depending on the weapon's employment, the machine gun can also be fitted with an extended charging handle linkage, standard trigger group (with a pistol grip), or a specialized trigger assembly with an electrically fired trigger. The pintle-mounted aircraft model is fed from either the right- or left-hand side exclusively with
2703-670: A much lighter version of the M240, while keeping the same open bolt design. This was formally known as the M240B Weight Reduction Program, or the M240E6. The results of that solicitation ended with the adoption of the M240L by the U.S. Army. By producing the receiver out of titanium, instead of steel, FN delivered a light-weight solution by trimming the weight of the M240B by 5.5 pounds, or an 18 percent weight reduction of
2862-428: A new handguard with Keymod attachments, a new quick detach titanium bipod, adjustable carrying handle, a rivetless receiver, and a three position gas regulator. The Barrett 240LWS (Light Weight Short) gas operated, belt fed, open bolt, medium machine gun is a shortened variant of the 240LW. The design concept of this variant is to produce a viable medium machine gun that would serve in a special operations capacity, where
3021-475: A non-reciprocating bolt handle, a fluted quick detachable barrel and features a quick flip-up sight, a three-position gas regulator similar to the M240G's gas regulator, a standard M240 muzzle compensator, a quick-detach titanium bipod that has three positions, and a new redesigned handguard which no longer touches the gas tube, minimizing heat transfer to the handguard. Unlike the current M240's solution of minimizing
3180-575: A part breaking). The results for the evaluated machine guns were the following: The MAG itself underwent some improvements and the M60E2 was a specialized coaxial variant that differed from some of the other types. The qualities of the M60 variants vary considerably, such as between the M60E4 and the M60C. The clear winner was the MAG, which was designated as the M240 in 1977 after the army competition. The M240
3339-407: A roller connected to the bolt carrier. The feed channel rail, feed link, both feed slides and the feed tray are chrome plated. The top cover body is an anodized aluminum casting . In the infantry assault role, the weapon can be fitted with a sheet metal container that houses a 50-round belt and is attached to the left side of the receiver. The MAG is equipped with iron sights that consist of
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#17327983727923498-600: A slightly updated M2 tripod . Manufactured by the American division of the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal, the FN MAG was chosen by the U.S. military for different roles after large worldwide searches and competitions. The MAG is a belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, crew-served , general-purpose machine gun. Its versatility is demonstrated by its ability to be fired effectively from its integral bipod, mounted on
3657-444: A slotted flash suppressor . The barrel's chamber and bore are chrome-lined or stellite-lined for increased service life and the barrel has four right-hand grooves with a 305 mm (1:12 in) rifling twist rate. Also attached to the barrel is the front sight base, carry handle and gas block (equipped with an exhaust-type gas regulator valve with three settings). The barrel assembly weighs 3,050 g (6.72 lb ) and of
3816-582: A small team of operators could maximize a medium machine gun by having it in a shorter and lighter package than its big brother, the 240LW, or the equivalent M240B. This follows in the footsteps of the Mk 48 and the M60E6 medium machine guns, also designed for the small unit role. The Mk 48 is a variant of the M249 light machine gun , scaled up to chamber 7.62×51mm NATO; it has come across some issues in its service life; it
3975-507: A solenoid. Since the machine gun is not meant to be handled during use, the barrel is fully exposed and must be handled with asbestos mittens during barrel changes. The rate of fire of the M240, M240E1, and M240C can be controlled by three different gas regulator settings; The M240D is an upgrade of the M240E1, primarily in the addition of an optical rail on the receiver cover. It has two possible configurations: aircraft and egress (ground). In
4134-412: A spare barrel and extra ammunition and reloads and spots targets for the gunner. The ammunition bearer carries additional ammunition and the tripod with associated traversing and elevation mechanism, if issued, and fetches more ammunition as needed during firing. The M60 can be accurately fired at short ranges from the shoulder thanks to its design. This was an initial requirement for the design and
4293-418: A striker firing mechanism (the bolt carrier acts as the striker as it contains a channel that houses the firing pin, which protrudes out from the surface of the bolt upon firing), an automatic-only trigger assembly and a manual cross-bolt push-button safety , which is located above the pistol grip . The MAG's receiver is constructed from sheet metal stampings reinforced by steel plates and rivets . The front
4452-528: A total length of 1275 mm and a weight of 11.6 kg (including stock and bipod). The second variant is called SM2 V2 which is modified as a coaxial gun. The stock is removed by changing the trigger mechanism to the rear of the weapon as in the M2 Browning . This variant has a higher rate of fire of 700-1200 rpm. It is shorter at only 1070 mm in length with a weight (plus coaxial) of 12 kg. In 2020, Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh
4611-470: A tripod, on ground vehicles, watercraft and aircraft. It was first adopted by the U.S. Army in 1977, as a coaxial tank gun, and slowly adopted for more applications in the 1980s and 1990s. The M240 and M240E1 were adopted for use on vehicles. This led to further adoption in more uses, especially for the Army and Marine Corps infantry. While possessing many of the same basic characteristics as its predecessor,
4770-624: Is 42.3 in (1,074.42 mm) long, whilst the egress configuration weighs 26.2 lb (11.9 kg) and is 49 in (1244.6 mm) long. The M240H (formerly designated as the M240E5) is an improvement of the M240D, the M240H features a rail-equipped feed cover, an improved flash suppressor, and has been configured so that it can be more quickly converted to infantry standard using an Egress Kit. The M240H has an overall length of 41.6 in (1056.6 mm) with
4929-551: Is a problem for all weapons in this caliber using this tracer round. At the time of the M60's development, other designs, like the Belgian FN MAG and the German Rheinmetall MG 3 (MG42 derivative), had yet to enter production. In Army tests, the M60 proved fairly effective, but in the jungles of Southeast Asia, it displayed a number of troubling issues. A common complaint was the weapon's weight; though
M240 machine gun - Misplaced Pages Continue
5088-463: Is a semi-automatic only configuration of the M240, and fires from a closed-bolt. FN MAG The FN MAG ( French : Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général , English: General Purpose Machine Gun) is a Belgian 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun , designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale (FN) by Ernest Vervier. It has been used by more than 80 countries and it has been made under licence in several countries, including Argentina, Canada (as
5247-474: Is a variant of the standard M60 for aircraft mounting, such as in helicopter armament subsystems . It lacks things like the bipod, pistol grip, and iron sights . The main difference between the standard M60 and the "C" variant is the electronic control system and the hydraulic swivel system used. It could be fired from the cockpit by the pilot or co-pilot. It is an electronically controlled, hydraulic-powered, air-cooled, gas-operated, belt-fed weapon system. It used
5406-414: Is a weapon that will not fire when extremely dirty as the energy on the piston is reduced. The M240B is being tested with a new adjustable buttstock that may replace the current stock of the M240B. The lighter M240L has started to replace the M240B in U.S. Army service. The Marine Corps is observing the progress of the M240L, but feels it is too expensive for adoption. The Corps is instead looking to upgrade
5565-399: Is advantageous for use against targets that are exposed to a general-purpose machine gun for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets that minimize their exposure time by quickly moving from cover to cover. For targets that can be fired on by a general-purpose machine gun for longer periods than just a few seconds, the cyclic firing rate becomes less important. The quick-change barrel has
5724-553: Is commonly used in larger rifles, such as the M14 . It is generally used as a crew-served weapon and operated by a team of two or three individuals. The team consists of the gunner, the assistant gunner (AG), and the ammunition bearer. The gun's weight and the amount of ammunition it can consume when fired make it difficult for a single soldier to carry and operate. The gunner carries the weapon and between 200 to 1,000 rounds of ammunition depending on strength and stamina. The assistant carries
5883-520: Is designed with a front and rear sights, and configured specifically for mounting on watercraft. It is similar to the M240G, but lacks the integral bipod. It also uses the hydraulic buffer of the M240B, and features the lower cyclic rate of fire of the M240B which is around 550–650 rounds per minute. The M240B (formerly called as the M240E4) is the standard infantry medium machine gun of the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard likewise utilize
6042-404: Is disabled. The safety can only be engaged with the weapon cocked. For the light machine gun fire support role, the gun is fitted with a folding bipod (attached to the end of the gas cylinder) that can be adjusted for height. For carrying or use as a forearm, the aluminum legs can be folded back and secured in slots under the receiver by hooks and a spring-loaded catch. When firing from the hip,
6201-415: Is heavier than some comparable weapons, it is highly regarded for reliability and its standardization among NATO members is a major advantage. All variants are fed from disintegrating belts and are capable of firing most types of 7.62 NATO ammunition. M240 variants can be converted to use non-disintegrating belts. There are significant differences in weight and some features among some versions which restrict
6360-521: Is modeled on that of the Browning M1918 (BAR) automatic rifle , which FN produced under license with some adaptions, and the feed and trigger mechanisms are from the WW II -era MG 42 universal machine gun. The MAG operates via a long-stroke piston system , which utilizes the ignited powder gases generated by firing vented through a port in the barrel to propel a gas piston rod connected to
6519-473: Is necessary for recoil reduction from the reciprocating movement of the bolt group. Early prototypes had steel QD sling sockets on both sides of the stock; however, current production versions will have solid steel sling loops on either side. This is to alleviate any damage that may occur to a sling that is mounted on the QD socket, and to reduce the amount of stress taken while carrying the machine gun. It also features
M240 machine gun - Misplaced Pages Continue
6678-411: Is no time to properly clean the weapon. The barrels can be exchanged rapidly, via a barrel release button located on the left side of the weapon. The weapon is cleared first and then the button is held down, while the barrel's carrying handle is moved from the right side of the weapon to the center, unlocking it from the receiver. At this point, the button is released and the barrel is then pulled free of
6837-440: Is reinforced to accept the barrel nut and gas cylinder which are permanently mounted. Guide rails that support the bolt assembly and piston extension during their reciprocating movement are riveted to the side plates. The bolt's guide rails are shaped downward to drive the locking lever into engagement with the locking shoulder, which is also riveted to the side plates. The rear of the receiver has been reinforced and slotted to accept
6996-755: Is similar to the FN M240 but with a select fire trigger group, which is capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Ohio Ordnance Works also sells the same select fire trigger group separately and is compatible with the FN M240 and other FN MAG variants. The OO240P (Patrol) is similar to the GPMG variant but with a shorter barrel. The shorter barrel features dimpling which reduces weight while increasing heat dissipation with no loss of strength or durability. The barrels are available with either single or three position gas regulators and are fully compatible with existing blank fire adaptors. The M240-SLR (Self-Loading Rifle)
7155-548: Is used in the FG 42 in semi-automatic mode even though it is actually unnecessary in the M60, which operates only in full automatic mode. The M60's gas operation is unique, and drew on technical advances of the period, particularly the White "gas expansion and cutoff" principle also exploited by the M14 rifle. The M60's gas system was simpler than other gas systems and easier to clean. The M60
7314-642: The 6.5×55mm rifle cartridge which at that time was the standard cartridge in the Swedish Army. Kulspruta 58 B : In the early 1970s, the weapon was modified with a new gas regulator and at the same time the barrels were replaced to the new standard 7.62×51mm NATO , same as used by the Ak 4 . Ksp 58 replaced the considerably heavier Ksp m/42B in the infantry units. It can be fed with non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked ammunition belts. Kulspruta 58 C : On Combat Vehicle 90 , this version replaced
7473-730: The C6 GPMG ), Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom. The MAG is available in three primary versions: the standard, infantry Model 60-20 machine gun, the Model 60-40 coaxial machine gun for armoured fighting vehicles , and the Model 60-30 aircraft variant. After World War II the Swedish Army , who used two 6.5×55mm versions of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) since the 1920s, wanted to replace them with
7632-449: The FN MAG . Parts compatibly of other MAG variants adopted by other NATO members are interchangeable. This has significant advantages in training, logistics support, tactical versatility, and joint operations. The M240 is adapted as a coaxial machine gun for tanks and 7.62 mm fire power on light armored vehicles. The M240 is part of the secondary armament on the U.S. Army M1 series Abrams tank, M2/M3 series Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and
7791-791: The M2 , M6 , and M16 armament subsystems and was mounted on the OH-13 Sioux , the OH-23 Raven , the UH-1B Huey , and comprised the standard fixed armament of the OV-10 Bronco . M60C production was on the order of several hundred. It was also used in the XM19 gun pod . The M60D is a mounted variant of the standard M60. It can be mounted on boats, vehicles and as a pintle-mounted door gun in helicopters. When used in aircraft, it differs from
7950-618: The M60E1 (an improved variant that did not enter production), the M60E2 (a variant designed to be used from fixed mounts as a co-axial for armored vehicles or in helicopter armament systems), the M60E3 (a lightweight variant) and the M60E4 (another improved variant, designated as the Mk 43 Mod 0 by the U.S. Navy ). The M60C was adopted for use on fixed mounts on aircraft. It was characterized by
8109-510: The MG 42 with a single pawl), quick barrel replacement, a pistol grip and stock , and a semi bullpup design similar to the FG 42 (much of the action occupies the weapon's stock). The M60's operating system of an operating rod turning a rotating bolt was inspired by the FG 42, which was based on the much earlier Lewis Gun . The M60 was even constructed with a secondary assisting firing pin spring that
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#17327983727928268-406: The Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60 , is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links . There are several types of ammunition approved for use in the M60, including ball , tracer , and armor-piercing rounds. It was adopted in 1957 and issued to units beginning in 1959. It has served with every branch of
8427-482: The U.S. military and still serves with the armed forces of other nations. Its manufacture and continued upgrade for military and commercial purchase continues into the 21st century, although it has been replaced or supplemented in most roles by other designs, most notably the M240 machine gun in U.S. service. The M60 is a belt-fed machine gun that fires the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge (similar to .308 Winchester ), which
8586-456: The barrel , a buttstock, infantry length pistol grip, bipod, and rear sight assembly). The M240G lacks a front heat guard, and as such is a few pounds lighter than the M240B, weighing in at 25.6 lb (11.6 kg). The rate of fire of the M240G can be controlled by three gas settings. On gas setting one the weapon will fire at 650–750 rounds per minute, on gas setting two the weapon will fire at 750–850 rounds per minute, and on gas setting three
8745-473: The 1960s and 1970s. Nicknamed the "Free Gun" by aircrew door gunners, it was not mounted, just held, and was soon replaced by the pintle-mounted M60D. The 'B' model differed most noticeably in that it had no bipod and featured a different rear stock than the regular model. It still had a pistol grip (as opposed to spade grips). The M60B's advantage over pintle-mounted variants was that it had a wider and much less restricted field of fire. An unusual arrangement of
8904-480: The 1970s when it was first adopted it achieved about 7,000 MRBF. It is not as reliable as some very heavy older designs, but it is quite reliable for its mass. The U.S. adoption of the MAG has its origins in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a project to procure a new coaxially mounted 7.62 mm machine gun for tanks to replace the M73 and M219 machine guns then being used. The 1950s-era M73 had been rather troubled, and
9063-537: The 1980s, the Army partially replaced the M60 by the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon within infantry squads. Their new doctrine reduced the general-purpose machine gun role in favor of portability and a greater volume of fire. However, many disliked the M249, which was less reliable, accurate, and long-ranged, and fired a 5.56 mm round that was lighter than the M60's 7.62 mm round. The M60
9222-507: The 21st century by U.S. Navy SEALs . It was the main 7.62 mm machine gun used by some U.S. special operations forces to the late 1990s. As of 2005 it was used by the U.S. Coast Guard , U.S. Navy, and some reserve units. In 2015, the Danish Army adopted an M60E6 variant from U.S. Ordnance to replace their aging MG3s in infantry roles. The M60 is a gas-operated , air-cooled , belt-fed, automatic machine gun that fires from
9381-509: The 6.8×51mm ammunition. The weapon fires from the open bolt position, meaning that the bolt is held to the rear and only moves forward as it is firing a round. The firing pin is static and the bolt moves around the firing pin, circumventing any need for a hammer. A sear is used to time the internal mechanisms of the weapon to provide a consistent rate of fire, ensuring proper function and accuracy. The rate of fire may be controlled by three different gas regulator settings. The first setting allows
9540-404: The 630 mm (24.80 in ) long barrel a portion of 487.5 mm (19.19 in ) is rifled. The MAG takes zero shifts between barrel assemblies into account by making the front sight of the assemblies adjustable with the help of tools. The weapon feeds from the left side from open-link, metal ammunition belts : either the American disintegrating M13 linked belt ( NATO standard) or
9699-604: The 7.62 mm L7A2 resuming its place in the British Army infantry section. Other variants continue to be used in mounted roles on many British military vehicles, naval vessels and aircraft. In 1961, the Royal Small Arms Factory , Enfield (now BAE Systems ) in the United Kingdom, undertook licence production of the MAG in the following versions: L7A2, L8A2, L37A2, L20A1 and the L43A1. These models all use
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#17327983727929858-466: The 7.62×51mm NATO useful maximum range, that is defined by the maximum range of a small-arms projectile while still maintaining the minimum kinetic energy required to put unprotected personnel out of action, which is generally believed to be 15 kilogram-meters (147 J / 108 ft⋅lbf). With the tripod and FGM-148 Javelin sight unit indirect fire configuration, British troops in Afghanistan used
10017-656: The British forces as a replacement for the long-serving Vickers machine gun (in the medium role) and the Bren (in the light assault role), following trials in 1957. Built under license originally by Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock and currently by Manroy Engineering, it serves in the British Army, the Royal Marines and other services. There have been two main variants, the L7A1 and L7A2, developed for infantry use, with
10176-547: The C6 GPMGs are co-axially and pintle-mounted and used to provide fire support to the infantry or for local defence of the vehicle itself. In September 2018, Canada began fielding an improved C6A1 FLEX version; changes include a polymer buttstock which is more durable and easier to decontaminate in a CBRN scenario than the original wooden stock, M1913 picatinny rails for the attachment of pointing devices and optical sighting systems, and an adjustable gas tube regulator to control
10335-739: The Far East), where there was no requirement for the medium machine gun role, and with secondary units, until the adoption of the L86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW). The LSW was intended to replace both the L7 and the L4 in the light machine gun role, but dissatisfaction with the L86's sustained fire capabilities and reliability resulted in combat units continuing to utilize the L7 whenever possible (although neither it, nor its 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition
10494-507: The L7A2 at ranges of and over 2,700 m (2,953 yd ). The average 1,884 m (6,181 ft) elevation of Afghanistan and accompanying low ISA air density significantly contribute to extending the useful maximum range of small-arms projectiles. The L8A2 coaxial tank machine gun (replaced the L8A1) has a different gas valve switch (closed, single-position) when compared to
10653-688: The L7A2 having superseded the earlier variant. Several other variants have been developed, notably the L8 (produced in the L8A1 and L8A2 versions), modified for mounting inside armoured vehicles (the L37 variant was developed for mounting on armoured vehicles). Although intended to replace the Bren entirely, that light machine gun (re-chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO and re-titled as the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in
10812-571: The L8A2 primarily in its trigger, which was adapted from the L7A2 GPMG. The machine gun can be used in the ground role for self-defense, by dismounted vehicle crew members, the egress kit consists of an L7A2 barrel, bipod and buttstock. The L20A1 aircraft machine gun was based on the L8A2, from which it differs by having an electrical trigger and a slotted flash suppressor. The L20A1 can be converted to right-hand feed by changing several components in
10971-496: The M122, was selected over it. The M122 was replaced in the 2000s (decade) by a new mount, in time for the M60 to also be used with it. The M60 family of weapons are capable of firing standard NATO rounds of the appropriate caliber. Most common in U.S. use are M61 armor-piercing , M62 tracer , and M80 Ball. For training purposes, M63 Dummy and M82 blanks are used. Newer tungsten -cored M993 Armor-piercing rounds may also be fired in
11130-525: The M13 ammunition belt. The L7A2 , general-purpose machine gun, replaced the L7A1 in service with the British Army . Compared to the MAG Model 60-20, it features, among other minor changes, an improved feed mechanism, a 10-position gas regulator valve, a polymer butt-stock, a provision for 50 round belt-box and a bracket, used to mount optical day- and night-vision sights, mounted to the left side of
11289-408: The M13 belt. Thus configured, weapons typically lack standard iron sights and are equipped with electrically powered triggers. The L7 general-purpose machine gun is used by the British Army . The L7 and the related L8 are license-built derivatives of the MAG. The official British Army designation for the current version is the L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun). The L7 was adopted by
11448-411: The M240 barrel through several ways, including carbon fiber coatings, new alloys, or ceramic liners, to lighten and strengthen the barrel. The goal would be a barrel that would not need to be changed, would weigh the same, but decrease heat retention, lessen warping, and eliminate cook-offs. They are also interested in incorporating a suppressor into the barrel, rather than having to attach one, to reduce
11607-510: The M240B) in the Army trials during the 1990s for a new infantry medium machine gun, in a competition to replace the decades-old M60s. The M240E4 won, and was then classified as the M240B . This led to 1,000 existing M240s being sent to FN for an overhaul and a special kit that modified them for use on ground (such as a stock, rail systems, etc.). This led to procurement contracts in the late 1990s for
11766-525: The M240G configuration for the Marine Corps. The main differences between the M240B and M240G is the Picatinny rail system, hydraulic buffer inside of the butt stock to reduce the amount of recoil felt by the gunner, and the number of gas settings on the gas regulator plug. The M240G has three gas settings, allowing the machine gun to have a fire rate between 650 and 750 rounds per minute when set to
11925-457: The M60 consists of sequences of four ball (M80) cartridges and one tracer (M62) in belts of 100 rounds. The four-to-one ratio theoretically allows the gunner to accurately "walk" the fire into the enemy. Tracer bullets do not fly quite the same trajectory as ball, and the weapon's sights must be used for accurate fire—particularly at ranges in excess of 800 meters, where 7.62×51mm NATO tracer bullets usually burn out and are no longer visible. This
12084-414: The M60 was among the lightest 7.62 mm machine guns of the era, the weapon was poorly balanced and thus awkward to carry for long periods. The single most common complaint was that the M60 was unreliable in extreme conditions and prone to jamming and other malfunctions during heavy firing, especially when it was dirty. Sometimes spent casings would fail to extract and stay stuck inside the chamber, forcing
12243-465: The M60's 846 MRBS and 1,669 MRBF. As a result, the M240 was declared the winner and accepted into infantry service. Although the M60 was lighter, had better balance, was more controllable, and there were many in the inventory, it did not work reliably enough. Starting with Ranger battalions, the U.S. Army began adopting and modifying M240 variants to replace their remaining M60s in the early 1990s. The M60, though largely phased out, continued to be used in
12402-526: The M60, a spare barrel, or both. The up-gunned M113 armored personnel carrier added two M60 gunners beside the main .50-caliber machine gun while the Patrol Boat, River had one in addition to two .50-cal mounts. The M60 received the nickname "The Pig" due to its bulky size and appetite for ammunition. Vietnam's tropical climate harshly affected weapons, and the M60 was no exception. Its light weight led to it being easily damaged and critical parts like
12561-431: The M60, though they did not enter the inventory until after the M60 was withdrawn from service in active-duty units. When firing blanks, the M13 or M13A1 blank-firing adaptor (BFA) is necessary in order to produce enough gas pressure to cycle the weapon with blanks. All ammunition must be fixed in a NATO standard M13 disintegrating metallic split-link belt to feed into the weapon. The standard combat ammunition mix for
12720-481: The M60B was done by HA(L)-3 squadron aircrew by removing the sights, shortening the barrel inline to the gas block, removing the stock to shorten the receiver as the shorter buffer spring increased the rate of fire, an improvised side mounted grip was installed on the handguard. This arrangement allowed the door gunners easier movement of the weapon as well as firing sideways improved the belt feed performance. The M60C
12879-528: The M60C in that it is not controlled by the pilot—rather, it is mounted in a door and operated by a member of the crew. Like the rest of the M60 family, it is an air-cooled, gas-operated, belt-fed weapon. Unlike other models, however, the M60D normally has spade grips and an aircraft ring-type sight or similar, as well as an improved ammunition feed system. A canvas bag is also affixed to the gun to capture ejected casings and links, preventing them from being sucked into
13038-539: The M60D has been primarily replaced by the M240H. The M60D is still manufactured by U.S. Ordnance and still used on the SH-60 Seahawk . The M60E3 was fielded c. 1986 in an attempt to remedy problems with earlier versions of the M60 for infantry use. It is a lightweight, "improved" variant intended to reduce the load carried by the gunner. Unlike its predecessors, the M60E3 has several updated modern features. It has
13197-407: The Marine Corps whether the weapon is used in an infantry, vehicular, or airborne role. The M240G is the ground version of the original M240 or M240E1, 7.62 mm medium class weapon designed as a coaxial/ pintle -mounted machine gun for tanks and LAVs. The M240G can be modified for ground use by the installation of an "infantry modification kit" (a flash suppressor , front sight, carrying handle for
13356-500: The Ordnance Development and Engineering Company of Singapore, Canadian Arsenals Limited, the Royal Small Arms Factory , Heckler and Koch , U.S. Ordnance , Barrett Firearms Manufacturing , Manroy Engineering, Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited, and Egypt's Maadi Company for Engineering Industries. The vehicle-mounted variant of the MAG lacks a stock, bipod, carry handle, pistol grip, ejection port dust cover and
13515-462: The U.S. Marine Corps LAV-25. The M240E1 is the U.S. Marine Corps version of the original M240 coaxial/pintle-mounted machine gun that is used on vehicles like the LAV-25. It can also be fitted with spade grips for flexible use, like the ones from the M240D. The M240C is the right-hand variant on the original coaxial (installed alongside the main weapon) M240, it is identical to the M240 except for
13674-806: The US Army awarded a contract to FN Herstal for the delivery of a modernized Model 60-40 variant tank machine gun designated the M240 . Initially, the firearms were produced in Belgium. Currently they are manufactured in the US by FN's US wholly owned subsidiary FNMI (FN Manufacturing Inc.) located in Columbia , South Carolina , and by U.S. Ordnance in McCarran, Nevada. The M240 is built in several versions: The Turkish military equipment producer MKEK announced in 2017
13833-418: The acquisition of the technical data packages and intellectual property for the 240LW and 240LWS. The Barrett 240LW (Light Weight) is a general-purpose machine gun capable of mounting on a bipod, tripod, aircraft, or vehicle. It is belt fed, air-cooled, gas operated, fully automatic and fires from an open bolt. It features an adjustable buttstock with a hydraulic buffer, feed pawls, a fluted quick detach barrel,
13992-407: The aircraft configuration, the M240D has a front and rear sight and a trigger group which accommodates the spade grip device, while the ground configuration involves the installation of an egress package or "infantry modification kit", which is designed to provide downed aircrew personnel with increased firepower. The egress package contains a buttstock assembly, a buffer assembly, a bipod assembly, and
14151-403: The all-new M240B. However, a new feature was added, a hydraulic buffer system to reduce the felt recoil as incorporated in the M60. While the M240B had been more reliable in the tests, it was a few pounds heavier than the M60E4, which led to the development of the lighter M240L . The Army M240 converted to the M240B configuration should not be confused with the large numbers of M240/E1 converted to
14310-552: The ammunition cover and feed tray. It has a right-handed feed for use on the M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and LAV as the coaxial machine gun. It is fed from the left on the M1 Abrams and other M1 variant (M1A1, M1A2, M1A2 SEP) tanks. The M240C uses a charging cable instead of a charging handle, has a cut-off pistol grip and has a special paddle assembly that allows the trigger to be actuated by means of
14469-567: The analogous Model 60-40, a different flash hider and a modified cocking handle. The weapon also has a trigger group that accepts electrical input and a lever in the feed tray that enables the belt to be removed without lifting the feed tray cover. Another tank machine gun is the L37A2 (succeeded the L37A1) designed to be mounted on tank turrets, in the commander's position, on wheeled armoured vehicles and on armored personnel carriers . It differs from
14628-473: The barrel was extended to the full length of the weapon to vent the gas outside the vehicle. This version achieved a mean time between failures of 1,669 during testing in the 1970s. The M60E2 is used on the South Korea's K1 Type 88 tank as a co-axial weapon , along with an M60D on a pintle mount . The M60B was a short-lived variant designed to be fired from helicopters, with limited deployment made in
14787-403: The belt into a closed cover because the teeth only bend in the direction of the belt; the belt will pass over them, then the teeth will click upwards, thus locking the belt in place. Another click forward, and the belt of ammunition will be in place to fire. This allows the operator to feed a belt of ammunition into his 240LWS without ever having to expose his position or line of sight, when opening
14946-425: The bipod legs remain extended and the left leg is gripped for support. The bipod can be removed from the gas cylinder by tapping-out a roll pin in the gas cylinder head until it is flush and the bipod can be rotated enough to clear the gas cylinder's retaining lugs. In the static medium machine gun sustained fire support role, the weapon is mounted on a tripod that offers a higher degree of accuracy and control than
15105-508: The bipod, for example the FN 360° tripod, which features an elevation adjustment mechanism that enables the weapon's bore axis to be maintained from 300 mm (11.8 in) to 600 mm (23.6 in), has a 30° to +15° elevation change and a 360° traverse range. Variants of the FN MAG were manufactured by at least ten companies: FN Herstal, Fabricaciones Militares , Changfeng Machinery, Indian Ordnance Factories , Carl Gustaf Stads Gevärfaktori,
15264-424: The bolt and operating rod wore out quickly. Even so, soldiers appreciated the gun's handling, mechanical simplicity, and effective operation from a variety of firing positions. United States Navy SEALs used M60s with shorter barrels and no front sights to reduce weight. Some SEALs had feed chutes from backpacks to have a belt of hundreds of rounds ready to fire without needing to reload. Many incidents demonstrated
15423-402: The bullet has left the gun barrel and the high-pressure propellant gas pressure has dropped to a safe level. The MAG fires from an open bolt . Both the spring-powered extractor and ejector are contained in the bolt. After firing, spent cartridge casings are removed downwards through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover at the bottom of the receiver. The machine gun has
15582-419: The butt stock. The MAG is also equipped with a fixed wooden stock (later production models feature polymer furniture), pistol grip, and carrying handle. A user-adjustable gas valve allows regulating the cyclic rate of fire from 650 up to 1,000 rounds per minute, and subsidiary can adjust the gas system for various types of cartridge loadings or use in the presence of heavy fouling. A high cyclic rate of fire
15741-405: The buttstock of the 240LW by being half of its size in length, and doesn't have a polymer cheek piece. There are two telescoping rods that allow the buttstock to be extended to the desired position when depressed from the top portion. The rods have indentations on them, which lock into positional latches within the rear of the buttstock. The hydraulic buffer is permanently encased within the stock and
15900-479: The collapsible stock the M240L can be made 7 in (178 mm) shorter. The smaller and lighter variant of the M240L is the M240P. The M240P is not used as often as its predecessors. The Army initially bought 4,500 M240Ls, and plans to buy 12,000 total. The Barrett 240 Light Weight Program has its design roots in the original U.S. Army solicitation for a lighter M240 medium machine gun in 2010. The program called for
16059-518: The competition was the T161E3. The model was type-classified in 1957 and entered production. It saw its first heavy use in the 1960s. The basic design has undergone some smaller changes and has been produced by different manufacturers. The M60E1 was the first major variant of the original M60. It did not go into full-scale production, though many of its features were included in the later E3 and E4 variants. Some of its features were also incorporated into
16218-493: The current version of the feed tray. Historically, units in Vietnam used B3A cans from C-rations packs locked into the ammunition box attachment system to roll the ammunition belts over for a straighter and smoother feed to the loading port to enhance reliability of feed. The later models changed the ammunition box attachment point and made this adaptation unnecessary. The M60 has been adopted by various military agencies around
16377-438: The derivative M73E1/M219 was not much of an improvement. A number of designs of the period from various countries were considered; the final two candidates were the M60E2 and the FN MAG, which underwent comprehensive testing alongside the older M219 for comparison. Two main criteria analyzed were "mean rounds between stoppages" (MRBS, malfunctions that can be cleared within minutes) and "mean rounds between failures" (MRBF, such as
16536-460: The durability of the MAG system results in superior reliability when compared to the M60 . The MAG actually has a more complex gas system than the M60, but gives better reliability combined with lower maintenance requirements, though this comes at greater manufacturing cost and weight. Compared to other machine guns, its rating of 26,000 mean rounds between failure (MRBF) is quite high for its weight – in
16695-427: The effectiveness of the M60 in combat. In 1966, Medal of Honor recipient Lance Corporal Richard Pittman , a Marine with 1/5 (1st Battalion/5th Marine Regiment), used the M60 to engage superior elements of the 324th North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Division, defeating two enemy machine gun positions and suppressing enemies in his immediate vicinity, then advancing another 50 meters into the face of more attacking NVA. In
16854-483: The existing M60 production. This mainly changed how the gas cylinder, the barrel, and the bipod were connected in the first iteration. The M60 and the M60E1 are two different versions. Opinions vary on whether the M60E1 was officially adopted. One of the more noticeable changes on the M60E1 is that the bipod attachment point was moved to the gas tube rather than the barrel (like on the later M60E3). It did not, however, have
17013-414: The feed mechanism. The L43A1 , also developed from the L8A2, is a coaxially mounted tank machine gun used to sight-in the vehicle's main gun by firing ballistically matched tracer ammunition at the target to confirm the trajectory visually. The weapon's barrel, fitted with a flash hider, has a reinforced and heavier structure that increases the weapon's accuracy especially during sustained fire.' The C6
17172-423: The feed tray cover. The position of the pistol grip and firing control group has been redesigned to make the 240LWS even shorter than the 240LW. With this, Barrett moved the entire grip forward by about four inches, to where the front of the trigger guard is at a right angle to the ejection port. By moving the fire control group forward, the overall length could be shortened because the machine gunner no longer needs
17331-456: The felt recoil. The large grip also allowed the weapon to be conveniently carried at the hip. The gun can be stripped using a live round of ammunition as a tool. The M60 is often used with its own integrated bipod or with the M122 tripod . The M60 is considered effective up to 1,100 meters when firing at an area target and mounted on a tripod ; up to 800 meters when firing at an area target using
17490-406: The first gas setting, 750–850 rounds per minute at the second gas setting, and 850–950 rounds per minute at the third gas setting, whereas the M240B only has one setting, restricting the fire rate to between 550 and 650 rounds per minute. The smaller gas port used on the M240B slows down the rate of fire, which increases the longevity of the machine gun by reducing stresses on the action. A side effect
17649-404: The heat transfer, Barrett uses a free floating handguard system, where they bolted the handguard directly to the receiver of the machine gun, instead of to the gas tube assembly. The handguard also has Keymod rail sections at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, with the side sections being separated from the bottom by a gripping surface for the operator. The OOW240 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun)
17808-441: The integral bipod ; up to 600 meters when firing at a point target; and up to 200 meters when firing at a moving point target. United States Marine Corps doctrine holds that the M60 and other weapons in its class are capable of suppressive fire on area targets out to 1,500 meters if the gunner is sufficiently skilled. Originally, an experimental M91 tripod was developed for the M60, but an updated M2 tripod design, which became
17967-516: The interchangeability of parts. The M240s used by the U.S. military are currently manufactured by FN America, the American subsidiary of the Belgian company FN Herstal . The M240B and M240G are usually fired from integrated bipods , tripods , or vehicular mounts; regarding tripod use, the U.S. Army primarily uses the M192 lightweight ground mount , while the U.S. Marine Corps uses the M122A1 tripod,
18126-431: The locking assembly. The barrel breech is locked with a vertically tilting, downward locking lever mechanism that is connected to the bolt carrier through an articulated joint. The locking shoulder and camming surfaces that guide the locking lever are located at the base of the receiver . The unlocking sequence starts after 15 mm (0.6 in) rearward gas piston rod movement to keep the breech block fully locked until
18285-601: The non-disintegrating segmented German DM1 belt, whose 50-round sections can be linked through a cartridge . The DM1 belt is based on the last version of the Gurt 34/41 -family used in World War II in MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns. After firing, the separated M13 link or emptied DM1 belt section is cleared out on the right side of the receiver through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover. In order to adapt
18444-443: The older M60s were modified due to expense, with many of the extant weapons still bearing them. The grip/trigger housing assembly is held in place with a rather fragile leaf spring clip instead of the captive pins used in other designs. The spring clip has been known to be prone to breakage since the first trials at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Duct tape and cable ties have been seen on M60s in the field, placed there by their crews in case
18603-412: The open-bolt position and is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. It has a cyclic rate of fire of around 500–650 rounds per minute (RPM). Ammunition is usually fed into the weapon from a 100 or 250-round disintegrating, metallic split-link belt. The design drew on many common concepts in firearms manufacture of the period, such as stamped sheet metal construction, belt feed (a modified mechanism for belt feed from
18762-403: The original machine gun, giving it an overall weight of 22.3 pounds. The Lima is in limited service with the U.S. Army. Although Barrett did not participate in the solicitation program, the company felt that it could produce an equivalent weight reduction by more efficient manufacturing methods instead of simply switching to the much more expensive titanium receiver. In addition, the company makes
18921-404: The overall length of the weapon. As with all such weapons, it can be fired from the shoulder, hip, or underarm position. However, to achieve the maximum effective range, it is recommended that a bipod-steadied position or a tripod-mounted position be used, and the gun fired in bursts of 3–5 rounds. The weapon is heavy and difficult to aim when firing without support, though the weight helps reduce
19080-471: The point that the majority of worldwide titanium reserves are coming from Russia and China . Should relations between the United States and these countries sour, it would become much harder to find sources of titanium. Thus Barrett designed the 240LW and 240LWS, keeping the standard M240 technical data package, while more efficiently manufacturing the receiver. In 2020, Geissele Automatics announced
19239-412: The previously used Ksp m/39 in the third quarter of 2004. Kulspruta 58 Strv : stripped variant mainly used for fixed mounting in tanks. Phased out along with Stridsvagn 103 . Kulspruta 58 D : Reserved designation for the renovated and modified Ksp 58B. The trial version is referred to as 'Ksp 58 DF', where the 'F' stands for 'Försök' (Experimental). Some of the modifications: On January 14, 1977,
19398-474: The proven German MG 42 or the still-unproven FN MAG, was largely due to Congressional requirements that preference be given to the designs of U.S. arms manufacturers primarily to avoid licensing fees, but also to support U.S. firms. Many U.S. units used the M60 during the Vietnam War as a squad automatic weapon . Every soldier in the rifle squad would carry an additional 200 linked rounds of ammunition for
19557-614: The rate of fire. The C6A1 is manufactured by Colt Canada , with the company having earlier provided support for the original C6 fleet, and is the first support machine gun to have been manufactured in Canada since the Second World War. An unlicensed version is made for export by Norinco and made by Changfeng Machinery Co., Ltd as the CQ, 7.62 × 51 (Copy Version) (Now renamed CS/LM1 as of 2006) with an adjustable butt. The weapon
19716-425: The receiver and placed to the side. The new barrel is inserted into the receiver and then the carrying handle is shifted to the right, locking it into place. During prolonged firing, the barrels can become hot enough to inflict second-degree burns instantly without becoming visibly different. FN Herstal first introduced the MAG general-purpose machinegun in the early 1950s. The M240 is the US military's adoption of
19875-466: The receiver rather than the barrel. The weapon still was not durable and its performance was reduced. In the early 1990s, Saco Defense addressed Navy Special Warfare requirements to develop a retrofit parts package for the machine gun. Called the M60E4, it was more reliable and durable than the M60E3, had a "duckbill" flash suppressor, and a shorter and thicker positive lock gas cylinder extension. NAVSPECWAR units began to receive it in late 1994, when it
20034-419: The receiver was coated with boron and chrome carbo-nitride coatings with a ceramic-based top coat to preserve it under extreme operating temperatures. The M240L weighs 22.3 lb (10.1 kg) with a standard-length barrel and standard stock, and weighs 21.8 lb (9.9 kg) with a shorter barrel and collapsible stock. The short barrel is 4 in (102 mm) shorter than a standard M240 barrel, and with
20193-699: The receiver. In the sustained fire role, the L7A2 can be mounted on the L4A1 tripod in conjunction with a C2A2 Support Weapons Sight or the sight unit used on the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system. Fired by a two-man team who are grouped in a specialist Machine Gun Platoon the L7A2 in conjunction with a C2A2 Support Weapons Sight can provide battalion-level direct support fire at ranges up to 1,800 m (1,969 yd ) and indirect map and range table predicted support/harassment fire out to 2,500 m (2,734 yd ). The indirect firing method exploits
20352-579: The receiver. It was meant to compete in the machine guns trials held by the German and French military between 2007 and 2008. The trials concluded with the French military selecting the original FN MAG in 2010, while the German military selected the Heckler & Koch MG5 in 2015. Indonesian arms manufacturer PT Pindad license produced FN MAG in 2003 as SM2. SM2 V1 variant comes with integrated bipod, with
20511-986: The rotor blades or into an engine intake. The M60D was equipped on the UH-1B Huey (using the M23, XM29, M59, and the Sagami mounts), the CH-47 Chinook (using the M24 and M41 mounts) in both door and ramp locations, the ACH-47A "Guns-A-Go-Go" variant of the Chinook (using the XM32 and XM33 mounts), and on the UH-60 Black Hawk (using the M144 mount). The M60D is also used by the British on Royal Air Force Chinooks. In US service,
20670-572: The sear has been moved from its original location. Barrett had to move the position of the sear catch on the bolt to further down on its length. The bolt group is still the same as the original M240 design, with the exception of the position of the sear catch. Though moving the grip forward took away the ability to connect the LWS to the standard pintle adapter from the M192 Lightweight Ground Mount , Barrett made available as part of
20829-534: The soldier's combat load while allowing easier handling and movement of the weapon. The M240L may replace the M240B in U.S. Army service. It was type classified in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010. Titanium was used to make the receiver body, front sight post, and carrying handle while maintaining steel operating system components. Manufacture had to be adjusted because titanium takes longer to machine than steel and requires more frequent replacement of tooling bits; more pliable stainless steel rivets were used, and
20988-440: The sound of shots and make it difficult to determine where the gunner is located. The M240L (M240 Lima), formerly the M240E6 is the product of the M240B weight reduction program which reduces the weight of the existing M240B by 5.5 lb (2.5 kg). To achieve 18% weight savings, the M240L incorporates titanium construction and alternative manufacturing methods for fabricating major components. The resulting improvements reduced
21147-407: The spring clip breaks. The sear in the trigger mechanism gained a reputation for wearing down, and a malfunction could cause the gun to "run away". A second sear notch was eventually added to the operating rod to reduce the chance of this happening. The nomenclature M60 describes either the first adopted variant or, generically, the family of weapons were derived from it. Major variations include
21306-416: The standard M60 at 23.15 lb (10.5 kg). U.S. Navy SEALs continued to use the "CAR-60" (M60E3) version due to its lighter weight and slower rate of fire, which allows a more effective duration of fire with allowable levels of ammunition carried. The U.S. Air Force Security Forces received the M60E3 from 1988 to 1989. All USAF M60E3s were withdrawn from general issue by 1990, because it did not meet
21465-470: The system a new adjustable pintle adapter that works with both that are made by Military Systems Group. As of July 2017, it is not yet clear if that adapter is compatible with the M192 or M122 Traverse and Elevation (T&E) mechanism. However, the primary intended use of the LWS is not to be mounted, but instead to be part of a small team that needs additional firepower while on a foot patrol. It still features
21624-416: The traditionally longer stock to compensate for the original position of the pistol group, which is towards the very rear portion of the receiver. Instead of the operator using a cheek weld on the stock, the operator can now rest his face against the actual receiver of the machine gun; it also allows the operator to have a closer fit of the weapon. But to do this, the bolt had to be modified accordingly, because
21783-498: The use of an electric solenoid to operate the trigger and a hydraulic system to charge the weapon. The M60D differed from the base model by employing spade grips, a different sighting system, and lacking a forearm. It was typically employed as a door gun on helicopters or as a pintle-mounted weapon as on the Type 88 K1 tank. There are many smaller variants among each type, between makers of the firearm, and over time. The initial variant
21942-684: The vehicle mount requirements of the Cadillac Gage Ranger and due to overheating problems. The M60E3 did remain in the Air Force as weapons converted back to M60 configuration with the E3 X-stamped via locally installed kits issued from depot. The Air Force cut the barrel change times, sustained fire 100 rounds per minute change barrel every 10 minutes (M60) to five minutes (M60E3), and rapid fire 200 rounds per minute change barrel every five minutes to two minutes. The M60E4 or Mk 43
22101-692: The vehicle-borne M240, other FN MAG users within NATO , or the USMC. The various versions of the M240 have not entirely replaced all the M60 versions, though they have for most main applications and roles. The M60 is still, in some cases, used by the Navy. As of March 2022, the United States Army had a solicitation ongoing for a M240 machine gun 6.8×51mm conversion kit to modify the 7.62×51mm NATO-chambered M240B and M240L general-purpose machine guns to fire
22260-519: The weapon system, and is also still used by some units in the U.S. Army. It comes configured for ground combat with a buttstock and bipod, though it can also be mounted on tripod, ground vehicles, aircraft, aboard ships, and small boats. It is almost always referred to as the "M240 Bravo " or just "240" verbally. The M60E4 (Mk 43 as designated by the Navy) was pitted against the M240E4 (former designation of
22419-466: The weapon to cycle at 650–750 rounds per minute, the second setting being 750–850 rounds per minute, and the third setting being 850–950 rounds per minute. These settings are changed by dismounting the barrel, removing the gas regulator collar and turning the gas regulator to allow more or less gas to move through the weapon system. It is generally performed only when necessary to return the gun to operation after fouling has caused sluggish operation and there
22578-465: The weapon to feed from one belt type to the other, several components of the feed mechanism need to be reconfigured since the position of the feed tray's cartridge stop and pawl angles in the top cover are different. The MAG features a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the feed link during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt carrier, producing a smooth belt flow. The feeding mechanism's three pawls are actuated by
22737-529: The weapon will fire at 850–950 rounds per minute. The size of the gas port increases resulting in greater energy being delivered to the action. Use at high settings induces added stresses on the action and results in a shorter service life of the weapon. It gives the operator an ability to adjust the gas bleed to the action. This also allows the weapon to continue firing when very dirty from sustained use in combat conditions when it may be otherwise rendered inoperable due to an extremely dirty and dry action. The M240N
22896-399: The weapon, making it more prone to rapid wear and parts breakage than the original. Most infantry units in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps have now switched over to the M240 as their general-purpose machine gun , which is more reliable (particularly when dirty) and seems to be well liked by the troops for its ruggedness, despite the fact that it weighs 27.6 lb (12.5 kg) compared to
23055-411: The weapon. The stellite superalloy barrel liner makes it possible, but the excessive heat generated by this process may quickly render the gun unusable. There were two main barrels, a lightweight barrel and another heavier type—the former for when lighter weight was desired, and the latter for situations where more sustained fire was required. The reduced-weight components also reduced the durability of
23214-403: The world. It also has been updated and modernized throughout the years to meet modern military requirements. The M60 machine gun began development in the late 1940s as a program for a new, lighter 7.62 mm machine gun. It was partly derived from German guns of World War II (most notably the FG 42 and the MG 42 ), but it contained American innovations as well. The final evaluation version
23373-490: Was adapted by the infantry later on, as the M240G and M240B. The USMC adopted the M240G for this role in 1991, where it not only replaced the original M60s used by the Marine Corps infantry, but also the upgraded M60E3 that the Marines had started using in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, the Army adopted the M240B for the infantry role – they had considered the M60E4, which (though lighter and cheaper) did not offer commonality with
23532-564: Was adopted as the U.S. Army's standard vehicle machine gun in 1977. The Marine Corps also adopted the M240 and M240E1 for use on vehicles like the LAV-25 . It then went on to replace many older types of vehicle machine guns in the 1980s. U.S. Navy SEALs continued to use the "CAR-60" ( M60E3 ) version of the M60 machine gun due to its lighter weight and slower rate of fire, which allows a more effective duration of fire with allowable levels of ammunition carried. The M240 proved popular enough that it
23691-751: Was designated the Mk 43 Mod 0. In January 1994, the U.S. Army began the Medium Machine Gun Upgrade Kit program. The only two competitors were M60 and M240 versions. Saco offered an "enhanced" M60E3 with improved parts, and FN offered the M240 variant of its MAG; both weapons were upgrade kits of weapons already in service. Eighteen guns of each were tested until December 1995. There were two main performance areas: mean rounds between stoppages (MRBS-jams) and mean rounds between failures (MRBF-parts breaking). 50,000 rounds were fired through both guns. The M240 had 2,962 MRBS and 6,442 MRBF, compared to
23850-427: Was designated the T161E3. It was intended to replace the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle and M1919A6 Browning machine gun in the squad automatic weapon role, and in the medium machine gun role. One of the weapons tested against it during its procurement process was the FN MAG . The U.S. Army adopted the T161E3 as the M60 in 1957. The decision to adopt the M60 instead of foreign designs, like modified versions of
24009-521: Was designed for mass production, like the MG 42 it was based on. While the M1919 required much machining for its large, recoil-operated internal mechanisms, the M60's stamped sheet receiver had a gas-operated, carrier-cammed bolt mechanism; the same type of mechanism was used on the Lewis machine gun. The straight-line layout allowed the operating rod and buffer to run directly back into the buttstock and reduce
24168-631: Was first used in Canada for use as a coaxial MG in the Leopard C1 main battle tank. Since then, it has been used in the Canadian Forces with the designation the C6 GPMG , it is used primarily as a platoon level support weapon. One C6 machine gun is assigned to each Rifle platoon. The C6 GPMG is also mounted on a variety of vehicles, including the G-Wagon LUVW, LAV III, Coyote, Leopard C2, and CH-146 Griffon helicopter. In these vehicles,
24327-419: Was killed by Mossad with an FN MAG, redesigned to fire from a remote control. The modified MAG was powered by artificial intelligence, and weighed over a ton. All versions are licence-manufactured by FFV-Carl Gustaf . The Swedish abbreviation for kulspruta (machine gun, lit. "bullet sprayer") is Ksp . Strv is the abbreviation of Stridsvagn (battle tank). Kulspruta 58 : Ksp 58, adopted in 1958 using
24486-620: Was never designed to be a general-purpose machine gun, while the M60E6 arguably came too late to make a difference in USMC and US Army general machine gun adoption, being that the M240 design was already well standardized within the Department of Defense ranks. Both offerings are more focused on Special Operations in US Service. The Barrett 240LWS features a removable and telescoping buttstock that has six adjustable positions. It differs from
24645-520: Was officially adopted by the U.S. Army in the late 1950s, though at this time it was only intended for the infantry. It was known as the T161 before it was adopted (specifically the T161E3) and was chosen over the competing T52 during testing in the 1950s. They both used a similar feed and were both gas-operated, but the T161 was easier to produce and its different internals performed better. The model that won
24804-420: Was officially produced in 2006 and it was showcased in various foreign military expo conventions. The XY, 7.62 × 51 is a true copy of the FN MAG made with a wooden stock by Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited. The German arms manufacturer, Heckler & Koch , whose 1999 to 2002 owner BAE Systems — as the result of a 1999 merger between British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems, Heckler & Koch
24963-540: Was owned by the resulting BAE Systems — had executed a midlife improvement program of the L7A1 (FN MAG 60.20 T3) to the upgraded L7A2 (FN MAG 60.20 T6) version under contract for the British Ministry of Defence, attempted to make their own variant of the FN MAG. It was designated the HK 221. This version is equipped with an iron sight line that consist of a rotary rear drum and hooded front post and Picatinny rail atop
25122-403: Was retained in the vehicle-mounted and the general-purpose roles due to its greater power and range. The U.S. Marine Corps , which became concerned about the M60's reliability, weight, and the high round counts, adopted the M60E3 to replace most original M60s in infantry units. The M60E3 was five pounds lighter than the original M60. It included a forward pistol grip and had the bipod mounted to
25281-614: Was supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). The British Army and Royal Marines were issued with the L110A2 ( FN Minimi Para ) to replace the LSW as the light section support or fire support weapon. This uses the same NATO-standard 5.56×45mm ammunition as the L85 assault rifle. However a review of requirements led to the withdrawal of both the L110A2 LMG and L86A2 LSW from service in 2018, with
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