Light Machine Guns
Light machine guns (LMGs) are lightweight, automatic firearms designed primarily for infantry support. They are typically operated by a single soldier and can provide sustained fire to suppress enemy forces while allowing for mobility on the battlefield. LMGs generally fire intermediate cartridges, which are the same caliber as standard assault rifles used by infantry units, enabling seamless ammunition compatibility within a squad. These weapons often feature a bipod for stability during firing and may be fed from magazines or belts, depending on the design. The evolution of LMGs has led to their integration into modern military tactics, where they serve as essential tools for providing covering fire and enhancing the overall firepower of infantry squads. Examples of notable light machine guns include the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the FN Minimi.
FN Minimi 5.56 x 45mm Squad Automatic Weapon
The weapon is manufactured at the FN facility in Herstal and their U.S. subsidiary FN Manufacturing LLC. The Minimi fires from an open bolt. It is an air-cooled, gas operated long-stroke piston...
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