The Best Light machinegun of ALL time?

H&K_Sniper · November 5, 2001, 07:33 PM

Hello evryone,

Give me your opinion on this:

What was the best all around light machinegun ever? or you can tell me your favorite!! It doesnt matter

My favorite NAD my opinion on he best lmg was the MG-42 by rheinmetal -borsig //Mauserwerks

THANKS FOR YOUR INFO!!!

scouter27 · November 5, 2001, 08:22 PM

M249 SPW. Because it would look cool with a Masterkey or M203 attached to the M4 style foreend, although no one has told me if it can actually be done or not, it seems entirely possible to me.

fed168 · November 5, 2001, 08:34 PM

My vote goes to the Bren.

M3A1GG · November 5, 2001, 10:29 PM

I like the MG34.

KSFreeman · November 6, 2001, 06:17 PM

How are you defining "light"? For example, during WWII the German army provided a variety of different configs for the MG 34/42 Universal machinerifle. The MG 42 with optics, several change barrels, a tripod and plenty of 7.92 was a heavy MG, but put a drum and a bipod and you have the same weapon but listed as "light." Remember, the boat anchoresque MG08/15 was listed a "light" by the German Army during WWI.

If it is wide open, then my vote (uninformed as it may be) would be for the SS-77 from Suid Afrika. Bringing back the light in LMG.

Apeach · November 6, 2001, 07:09 PM

Definetly the FN MAG (or M240, they're all the same thing). The most reliable light machine gun that fires the 7.62 NATO round. The M249 is good, but I just think that 5.56 is too small for a machine gun.

T.Stahl · November 6, 2001, 08:26 PM

The best light (man-portable) machine-gun?
In 8mm/.30cal - without doubt the MG42/MG3.
In 5.56mm/.223 - yet to be invented. The Spanish Ameli appears like a shrinked MG3, but I'm not sure about its qualities.

BigG · November 7, 2001, 12:31 PM

I would guess the MG34 or the MG42 would still be very hard to beat. There is a good article on the MG34 in the Oct 20 Shotgun News.

The biggest difference between the two (besides obvious mechanical features) was the MG34 had a cyclic rate of 900 RPM while the MG42 bumped it up to an even 1,200 RPM

Billy Bremner · November 7, 2001, 05:44 PM

If one were to judge by the machine gun and/or assault weapon population, the Soviet/Russian AK-47 and its variants are the clear winner.

I've heard tell that there are more AK-47 weapons in existence than any other firearm.

Wm.

mussi · November 9, 2001, 05:09 PM

HK21E. Definitely. Not even our own army machine guns can hold up to it.

striderteen · January 16, 2002, 09:43 PM

The new Singapore Technologies Ultimax 5.56mm LMG.

12-34hom · January 17, 2002, 03:55 AM

Stoner system 63a.

MeekAndMild · January 17, 2002, 07:38 PM

Do M14 variants count? If so I would wonder about the Nigerian Beretta BM 59.

TaxPhd · January 17, 2002, 08:47 PM

Looks like we need some definition of terms here. I am no expert, so bear with me, and if I'm wrong, by all means, jump in and help out!

Assault Rifle - Select fire, magazine fed, intermediate cartridge like 7.62x39 or 5.56mm. e.g., AK-47 or M-16

SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) - Belt fed, intermediate cartridge. e.g., FN Minimi. Some magazine fed weapons have filled this role, e.g., the BREN. Also, the M-14 in select fire configuration fulfilled this role for a short time, IIRC. M-60 fulfilled this role for a long time, although 7.62x51 is not usually considered intermediate (like 5.56mm).

LMG (Light Machinegun) - Such classics as Browning 1917, 1919, MG 34/42, FN MAG, M-60 probably fits in here in spite of being used in the SAW role.

HMG (Heavy Machinegun) - Browning M-2 and the like.

Now for my vote.

MG 42 has ingenious barrel change system, but rate of fire is too high. So I vote for the FN MAG.

striderteen · January 18, 2002, 02:19 AM

Submachine Gun: Magazine fed, select fire weapon firing pistol ammunition. Example: Heckler & Koch MP-5 series.

Assault Rifle: Magazine fed, select fire weapon firing intermediate rifle ammunition. Example: Colt M-16.

Assault Carbine: A more compact form of assault rifle, generally equipped with folding stock. Example: Colt M-4.

Light Machine Gun / Squad Automatic Weapon: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing intermediate rifle ammunition (preferably, fires same round as assault rifles in order to simplify field logistics). Generally used with built-in bipod, but can be mounted if needed. Example: M-249 SAW, a.k.a. FN Minimi.

Medium Machine Gun / General Purpose Machine Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing full-power rifle ammunition (7.62x51 NATO). Generally fired from tripod, but sufficiently light to be used with bipod as an infantry-carried weapon if need be. Example: M-240, a.k.a. FN MAG.

Heavy Machine Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing large-caliber rifle ammunition (.50-cal, 12.7mm, 14.7mm, etc). Too heavy to be fired without tripod mounting. Example: Browning M-2HB.

Gatling Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon with multiple rotating barrels. Can be in pretty much any caliber (U.S. has 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 20mm, and 30mm), but a heavy weapon regardless of caliber. Excessively high rate of fire (10000 RPM for 5.56mm Microgun, 6000 RPM for 7.62mm Minigun, 6000 RPM for 20mm M61 Vulcan, 3900 RPM for 30mm GAU-8 Avenger). A rather specialized class, but also very useful.

Abominable No-Man · January 18, 2002, 07:11 PM

My vote would go to the Stoner 63, for a 5.56-firing weapon, or
it's descendant, the ARES light machine gun.

For a larger caliber.........mmmm, I dono, they all seem more alike
than different. If it has to be belt-fed, I think it would be a toss-
up between the MG34 or the enhanced M60 that was marketed
by SARCO during the M60 replacement trials.

ANM

Nukem · January 22, 2002, 02:35 AM

I vote for the MAG58

Modifiedbrowning · January 23, 2002, 12:05 AM

How 'bout the BAR? Don't know if it's a "light machine gun" but it is pretty cool.

Fred S · January 23, 2002, 04:06 PM

M1918 series Browning Automatic Rifle. Its a manly gun that carried the battle to the enemy along side the other manly gun ,the M-1 Garand.

Plus my daddy was a BAR gunner in the Pacific in WWII!

Badger Arms · January 23, 2002, 11:45 PM

CETME Ameli. It's a Spanish simplification and modernization of the MG-42 in 5.56 caliber. This makes it very light (14 pounds) and possessing the same virtues and vices of the German gun.

corsair · January 24, 2002, 03:15 PM

MG-34 or MG-42.

The standard by which all belt feds are measured against.

Salt · January 28, 2002, 02:04 AM

MG-42

H&K_Sniper · January 28, 2002, 05:10 PM

Yup!!

I agree with those that say MG_42 or 34 either one was an excellent .........they1d almost have to be, considering they are the forefathers to most modern MGs even today

Allene223 · January 28, 2002, 07:56 PM

All time Favorite machinegun would have to be the MG 74 hands down, Lite beltfed would be the K3 SAW and 14" M-16 for LMG!

Allene223 · January 28, 2002, 08:05 PM

Buddy firing the K3 saw

November 5, 2001, 07:33 PM	#1
H&K_Sniper Member Join Date: October 23, 2001 Posts: 48	The Best Light machinegun of ALL time? Hello evryone, Give me your opinion on this: What was the best all around light machinegun ever? or you can tell me your favorite!! It doesnt matter My favorite NAD my opinion on he best lmg was the MG-42 by rheinmetal -borsig //Mauserwerks THANKS FOR YOUR INFO!!!

November 5, 2001, 08:22 PM	#2
scouter27 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2001 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 420	M249 SPW. Because it would look cool with a Masterkey or M203 attached to the M4 style foreend, although no one has told me if it can actually be done or not, it seems entirely possible to me. __________________ Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons. S/F Jesse Last edited by scouter27; November 6, 2001 at 10:24 AM.

November 7, 2001, 12:31 PM	#8
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	I would guess the MG34 or the MG42 would still be very hard to beat. There is a good article on the MG34 in the Oct 20 Shotgun News. The biggest difference between the two (besides obvious mechanical features) was the MG34 had a cyclic rate of 900 RPM while the MG42 bumped it up to an even 1,200 RPM __________________ o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC

November 7, 2001, 05:44 PM	#9
Billy Bremner Member Join Date: November 7, 2001 Location: England, United Kingdom Posts: 42	If one were to judge by the machine gun and/or assault weapon population, the Soviet/Russian AK-47 and its variants are the clear winner. I've heard tell that there are more AK-47 weapons in existence than any other firearm. Wm. __________________ Leeds United 1959-1976 2 League titles 1 League Cup 1 FA Cup Voted Footballer of the Year in 1970

January 17, 2002, 03:55 AM	#12
12-34hom Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 1999 Location: Iowa - northeastern Posts: 1,810	LMG Stoner system 63a.

November 5, 2001, 08:34 PM	#3
fed168 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2000 Posts: 1,040	My vote goes to the Bren.

November 5, 2001, 10:29 PM	#4
M3A1GG Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2001 Location: Lakeside Cal Posts: 6	I like the MG34.

November 6, 2001, 06:17 PM	#5
KSFreeman Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2001 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--American-occupied America Posts: 5,418	How are you defining "light"? For example, during WWII the German army provided a variety of different configs for the MG 34/42 Universal machinerifle. The MG 42 with optics, several change barrels, a tripod and plenty of 7.92 was a heavy MG, but put a drum and a bipod and you have the same weapon but listed as "light." Remember, the boat anchoresque MG08/15 was listed a "light" by the German Army during WWI. If it is wide open, then my vote (uninformed as it may be) would be for the SS-77 from Suid Afrika. Bringing back the light in LMG.

November 6, 2001, 07:09 PM	#6
Apeach Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2001 Location: The 'burbs of chicago Posts: 167	Definetly the FN MAG (or M240, they're all the same thing). The most reliable light machine gun that fires the 7.62 NATO round. The M249 is good, but I just think that 5.56 is too small for a machine gun.

November 6, 2001, 08:26 PM	#7
T.Stahl Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2001 Location: near Stuttgart/Germany Posts: 376	The best light (man-portable) machine-gun? In 8mm/.30cal - without doubt the MG42/MG3. In 5.56mm/.223 - yet to be invented. The Spanish Ameli appears like a shrinked MG3, but I'm not sure about its qualities.

November 9, 2001, 05:09 PM	#10
mussi Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2000 Location: Berne, Switzerland Posts: 757	HK21E. Definitely. Not even our own army machine guns can hold up to it.

January 16, 2002, 09:43 PM	#11
striderteen Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2001 Location: Pasadena, California Posts: 590	The new Singapore Technologies Ultimax 5.56mm LMG.

January 17, 2002, 07:38 PM	#13
MeekAndMild Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2001 Posts: 4,988	Do M14 variants count? If so I would wonder about the Nigerian Beretta BM 59. __________________ In a few years when the dust finally clears and people start counting their change there is a pretty good chance that President Obama may become known as The Great Absquatulator. You heard it first here on TFL.

January 17, 2002, 08:47 PM	#14
TaxPhd Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 534	Looks like we need some definition of terms here. I am no expert, so bear with me, and if I'm wrong, by all means, jump in and help out! Assault Rifle - Select fire, magazine fed, intermediate cartridge like 7.62x39 or 5.56mm. e.g., AK-47 or M-16 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) - Belt fed, intermediate cartridge. e.g., FN Minimi. Some magazine fed weapons have filled this role, e.g., the BREN. Also, the M-14 in select fire configuration fulfilled this role for a short time, IIRC. M-60 fulfilled this role for a long time, although 7.62x51 is not usually considered intermediate (like 5.56mm). LMG (Light Machinegun) - Such classics as Browning 1917, 1919, MG 34/42, FN MAG, M-60 probably fits in here in spite of being used in the SAW role. HMG (Heavy Machinegun) - Browning M-2 and the like. Now for my vote. MG 42 has ingenious barrel change system, but rate of fire is too high. So I vote for the FN MAG. __________________ TaxPhd "Those who live by the sword are probably pretty f***ing good at it." "Instructions for a successful gunfight: Front Sight, Press Trigger, repeat as necessary." - B. Braxton

January 18, 2002, 02:19 AM	#15
striderteen Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2001 Location: Pasadena, California Posts: 590	Submachine Gun: Magazine fed, select fire weapon firing pistol ammunition. Example: Heckler & Koch MP-5 series. Assault Rifle: Magazine fed, select fire weapon firing intermediate rifle ammunition. Example: Colt M-16. Assault Carbine: A more compact form of assault rifle, generally equipped with folding stock. Example: Colt M-4. Light Machine Gun / Squad Automatic Weapon: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing intermediate rifle ammunition (preferably, fires same round as assault rifles in order to simplify field logistics). Generally used with built-in bipod, but can be mounted if needed. Example: M-249 SAW, a.k.a. FN Minimi. Medium Machine Gun / General Purpose Machine Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing full-power rifle ammunition (7.62x51 NATO). Generally fired from tripod, but sufficiently light to be used with bipod as an infantry-carried weapon if need be. Example: M-240, a.k.a. FN MAG. Heavy Machine Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon firing large-caliber rifle ammunition (.50-cal, 12.7mm, 14.7mm, etc). Too heavy to be fired without tripod mounting. Example: Browning M-2HB. Gatling Gun: Belt-fed, fully automatic weapon with multiple rotating barrels. Can be in pretty much any caliber (U.S. has 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 20mm, and 30mm), but a heavy weapon regardless of caliber. Excessively high rate of fire (10000 RPM for 5.56mm Microgun, 6000 RPM for 7.62mm Minigun, 6000 RPM for 20mm M61 Vulcan, 3900 RPM for 30mm GAU-8 Avenger). A rather specialized class, but also very useful.

January 18, 2002, 07:11 PM	#16
Abominable No-Man Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2001 Location: Over here. Posts: 246	My vote would go to the Stoner 63, for a 5.56-firing weapon, or it's descendant, the ARES light machine gun. For a larger caliber.........mmmm, I dono, they all seem more alike than different. If it has to be belt-fed, I think it would be a toss- up between the MG34 or the enhanced M60 that was marketed by SARCO during the M60 replacement trials. ANM

January 22, 2002, 02:35 AM	#17
Nukem Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 709	I vote for the MAG58

January 23, 2002, 12:05 AM	#18
Modifiedbrowning Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2002 Location: Montana Posts: 613	How 'bout the BAR? Don't know if it's a "light machine gun" but it is pretty cool.

January 23, 2002, 04:06 PM	#19
Fred S Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 1999 Location: New Baltimore, MI Posts: 569	M1918 series Browning Automatic Rifle. Its a manly gun that carried the battle to the enemy along side the other manly gun ,the M-1 Garand. Plus my daddy was a BAR gunner in the Pacific in WWII! __________________ Fred S GO ARMY

January 23, 2002, 11:45 PM	#20
Badger Arms Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: Harnett County, NC Posts: 1,700	CETME Ameli. It's a Spanish simplification and modernization of the MG-42 in 5.56 caliber. This makes it very light (14 pounds) and possessing the same virtues and vices of the German gun. __________________ We may or may not worship God, but John Moses Browning made sure we can choose.

January 24, 2002, 03:15 PM	#21
corsair Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2000 Location: San Francisco Posts: 145	MG-34 or MG-42. The standard by which all belt feds are measured against.

January 28, 2002, 02:04 AM	#22
Salt Junior member Join Date: December 26, 2001 Posts: 673	MG-42

January 28, 2002, 05:10 PM	#23
H&K_Sniper Member Join Date: October 23, 2001 Posts: 48	I Agree! Yup!! I agree with those that say MG_42 or 34 either one was an excellent .........they1d almost have to be, considering they are the forefathers to most modern MGs even today __________________ "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785.

January 28, 2002, 07:56 PM	#24
Allene223 Member Join Date: January 27, 2002 Location: Ga Posts: 31	My favorite Machineguns All time Favorite machinegun would have to be the MG 74 hands down, Lite beltfed would be the K3 SAW and 14" M-16 for LMG!