How NATO's M240 Machine Gun Fits Their Tactics

It might look heavy on paper but I think NATO's FN MAG is better than Russia's PKM. It's used by many different NATO Countries in a similar way. The strategy and tactics used on the battlefield make this weapon better than many of its counter parts. Sustained high rates of fire achieve a fire superiority over enemy forces.
#M240 #NATO #TACTICS

[@Taskandpurpose]

Thanks for watching spare parts army! What do you think of the M240? Is the Russian army's PKM better in your opinion? *UKRAINE WAR UPDATE VIDEO TOMORROW all about Russia's beautiful retreat**

[@u2beuser714]

They are both good. But aesthetically? Pkm is a beuty its a scaled up ak basically

[@FailedAtNNN]

There was a bot commenting about cute girls but their reply got deleted

[@genericscottishchannel1603]

My only experience is games, but the mk 48 in BO2 blew everything out the water

[@Taskandpurpose]

@John Grigg yes I will be doing an update tomorrow about Russias retreat and the up coming major conflict in Donbass region

[@jasoncornell1579]

Cheers for covering the 'Gimpy' Cappy (Brit nickname)

[@zacharyolson1297]

I love how most countries treat the 240 as essentially a crew weapon and the US just gives it to a big farm boy.

[@jonharper4478]

Or the shortest guy. Who then endlessly complains about it.

[@kylepilley778]

@@jonharper4478 I was that five foot six inch, 130lb PFC. Meanwhile my squad mate who was 6'4" 320lb former college defensive lineman and Jr. Mr. Universe winner was issued an M4 and carried my spare barrel and tripod.

[@Hk7762Tube]

And thats why you apply for big fat Medic, miss me whit that m240 or Gustaf. Prv.Dirtbag recommends.

[@sterneis1]

they should be issued to houston 7/11 night shift clercs

[@blueballz2521]

@@kylepilley778 yup, we usually gave It to the smallest guy, like some cruel joke. I’ve been there too bud haha.

[@gomergomez1984]

The M60 was a great gun too, as long as the armorer didn’t put the gas piston in backwards. Every single M60 problem I had was due to that issue.

[@mg1342mg]

It most assuredly wasn't a good MG. Riddled with issues wear only exacerbated. And, yes, I used/carried it in the Before Times.

[@socaljarhead7670]

It was never the armorers that did it, it was almost always somebody who didn’t use the Pig as their main weapon. Having said that, the M60 was a piece of shit that over time WILL shoot itself into being inoperable because it galls its own cams. The 240 is so superior in every conceivable way to the M60 that you can’t even argue otherwise. It’s a crime that the US military was hamstrung by the M60 for 3 decades instead of the 240.

[@gomergomez1984]

Well sorry you had issues with yours, mine were always gas piston issues since operators weren’t allowed to open and clean the the piston assembly if your armorer was lazy and either didn’t do it or screwed up then it wouldn’t function. All mine were at least Vietnam era and had wear and tear but worked if maintained, even my issued M16A1s were all GM Turbo Hydromatic division and were just as wore out, didn’t receive my first A2 until after Desert Storm. That said even with my highly worn M16A1s I still qualified expert from 1983 to 1992. Side note if you research the M60 development it was inspired and designed after the German MG34, plus the half barrel carbide liner did prevent chamber/throat wear which I don’t think the M240 or M249 SAW have. You don’t like the M60 but I do so we’ll probably never agree.

[@12gagebastis]

im glad its still in use and being modernized.

[@gomergomez1984]

@@socaljarhead7670 Well don’t know your units SOP, but during my time it was safety wired together to prevent operators from opening it up and per -10 that was the armorers job. There were even articles about that in the PS magazine put out every month by the Army. I take it you were a marine so you all do things totally differently than the Army. Saw that first had on the Avengers M3P .50 cal during Sea Range in Korea, we (Army) operators weren’t allowed to even disassemble the carrier/barrel that was -20 level even though we had to clean them, were as the Marines out of Okinawa did everything themselves, and I admit outshot us using the machine gun, but not so with the Avenger and MANPAD Stinger. My first experience with a 240 was the 240C on the M2 Bradley’s, it worked great but wasn’t designed to be dismounted and fired and I retired before any of the units I was assigned to had M240s. I will add that we did have the Original M249 SAWs starting in 1987 and they were cool but way to short of a barrel for me. We will disagree on the M60, but probably had two completely different jobs, mine was Air Defense Artillery (Short Range) so my primary weapon system was the M167A1 Vulcan Air Defense system w/M61 Cannon and later Avenger and Linebacker systems.

[@nuraly78]

I used to be a motor rifle platoon commander in Kazakhstan. We had 4 PK in platoon: 3 PK one in each section and 1 PKS mounted on tripod. We had no optics apart from single NSPU night sight. Our platoon had no RPKs. The tactics described are pretty accurate representation of our army: fire then flank and finish off.

[@josedorsaith5261]

What's your opinion on the Pecheneg compared to the PKM?

[@Bonko78]

I did my military service in Sweden in 1997. I was a machine gunner and this was the weapon I carried (we refer to it as the "KSP '58"). We were doing drills exactly like the ones you describe --- one burst from me and then a burst from the other gunner, consecutively. I felt it was a rather bulky weapon, poorly suited for firing from the shoulder while standing. But from the bipod I was so accurate that they transferred me to the assault squad. I remember this weapon could eat through concrete blocks and cut down trees. In an ambush situation, I can imagine they are very effective.

[@Bonko78]

@bofooit gojo Same for me, our standard weapon was an AK (called the AK-5 here) and a Mauser for the ceremonial guard and I wasn't very accurate with either. But with the machine gun I was a crack shot. Go figure.

[@megsoldaat]

I served in the infantry in a non-NATO and non-USSR country and we used FN MAG in both the integrated squad role as well as the support weapon on the flank role. Your section or platoon commander will decide depending on the circumstances how he wishes to utilise it. If for instance you are attacking trenches defended by infantry battalion, integrating your Mags in the sections put more suppressive fire on the trench while you approach. But if you are attacking a smaller formation like a platoon, you can use your Mags to pin your enemy while you flank. Not being fixed in one doctrine therefore give you multiple options, but it requires a knowledgeable/experienced commander

[@Vollpfosten]

Which country

[@geneyso1595]

@@Vollpfosten they mentioned in another comment that they served in the south African defense force :)

[@randallrandallman7046]

We had a bunch come in from another ISAF nation and all of them failed inspection but they had all just been out on ranges and in combat with this other nation. They were junk by our standards but they still shot well enough and were effective according to them. Good gun. Damned good gun.

[@longiusaescius2537]

Nice

[@trumanhw]

Have you listened to the Jocko episode #29: “PLATOON LEADER: A MEMOIR OF COMMAND IN COMBAT” Fucking GREAT.

[@benm5913]

I, too, request more Ukraine coverage. You do it better than others. Significantly. I think it's because you are looking at it through a conflict centered lens where others look at it through their local politics. I just want to see how the war is going.

[@lorenzop.8249]

Well fucking said.. some people just want the actual combat/conflict knowledge

[@MbisonBalrog]

Check Patrick Lancaster channel or Graham Philips.

[@Starmast3rmusic]

I agree with you, but I think his current weekly update schedule is ideal. Fewer updates allow cappy to make a better "big picture" analysis and fill us in with all the happenings of the past week, rather than smaller, not-as-thoughtful news updates (which is what everyone else is doing anyway). Plus, I liked his original content before Ukraine too; military doctrine and tech goes a long way toward understanding how armies fight, including Ukraine and Russia.

[@jonathanpryzby4029]

Couldn't have said this better myself. I'm surprised how hard it is to get straight talk on this subject in the U.S.

[@jasonfarmer4490]

Ditto Lorenzo beautifully said and I don't want to hear propaganda I want to hear what's really going on or close to what's really happening and the strategy of these battles and why each side our retreating, attacking, etc,etc,

[@jeffsilkwood9878]

I was a 240 gunner. By far it was my favorite weapons platform. I also used the M249 SAW. I excelled with the 240 setting records for my brigade. The range of the 240 is really only limited by the vision of the gunner and cooperation with his AG. I consistently hit targets at 1,100 yards with no extra optics. Normal qualifications for the 240 has the far target set at 800 but my First sergeant had the range office put up the sniper targets just to see it I could hit them. It seemed the 240 was made for me. However, give me an M16 or M4 and I was worthless. Took me multiple times to qualify. So I stayed with the machine gun for my entire enlistment from 2002-2005. Great video!

[@BBBrasil]

Amazing how we all have different affinities. Not everyone is born to be a soccer player, a cuisine chef or a physician. "It seemed the 240 was made for me" I bet your platoon mates were really glad to have you nearby raining hell.

[@xisotopex]

just using iron sights? did you walk your rounds in at that range?

[@voster77hh]

People are either born for the machine gun job or something else. You'll never know before people are trying. I'm more of the sneaky point man / 1 bullet 1 kill guy or "Hold my beer. Hand me those 3 antitank tubes pls" guy. It is really hard to tell for NCOs who are the guys that don't go tunnel vision on the MG and will preserve ammo on short bursts. 1st Lt held the view to give the MG to a guy who was an excellent shooter but hated to carry it. He said that guy would be the only one doing the maintenance well first time w/o him constantly checking on it. The only way to ensure your teams fire suppression is reliably working when it is time to do it's job.

[@drakealex]

that is insane, 1100 with no optics.

[@lzh4950]

Singapore used to use the SAW also (instead of the M240 I think) but now uses the indigenous UltiMax. Heard accuracy might be less important for light machine guns rather than fire rate though as they might be intended more for covering fire, with assault rifles used when accuracy is more important I guess

[@Fred70115]

Good intro to MG theory. My father was a Marine Corps Sargent in WWII. I still have his notes on setting up the MG positions for intersecting fire that he brought back from Guadalcanal. Very similar to those diagrams in your video. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam, so didn't have much chance to learn about the theory behind the guns.

[@moon-cyclist4565]

I just recently enlisted to be a Navy Corpsman, hoping to go FMF (Fleet Marine Forces). Do you have any advice?

[@Farweasel]

@@moon-cyclist4565 Would 'Use your demob option for University afterward to train as mediic or Paramedic' count as useful? Come to think of it, if that's the direction you want to go others here can probably advise when would be a good - vs - not so good time to let others know that's your aim .... so you can maybe get a springboard start whilst still in?

[@Motoboo_Marine]

Out of all the weapons in US inventory that I've worked on, the M240 is the one I was most impressed with from a durability standpoint. The thing rarely ever breaks, and any repair that is needed is extremely simple. They almost never came into our shop unless it was time for scheduled maintenance, during which most of the time it passed inspection with flying colors and could usually go back into use without needing anything done. I would actually go as far as to say this thing is the most reliable weapon in inventory, right next to the M16 family of weapons. I just wish it weighed less and gunners changed barrels like they're supposed to because it seems nobody does it.

[@socaljarhead7670]

It’s an awesome weapon that is a breeze to clean. Pretty much the opposite of the SAW.

[@ashvandal5697]

In my experience the barrel change function was generally the most difficult thing to perform. I was a Marine 11/31 serving in oif and the issue for us is we're not really a mechanized force AND we're in the "move to contact" roll all the time. Setting up defensive positions is time consuming and rarely accomplished. The FOB was our defensive position. Despite learning how to set up range cards and such, my experience patrolling and assaulting through objective never really met that reality. It really was just gun on the bipods (tripod was just deadweight) most times. You change barrels maybe in a lull, but you were more likely repositioning. 240s on the humvee reactionary forces was one thing but then its usually just the gunner by themselves and dependent on positioning of the humvee which fails to take advantage of the doctrines described here. It's just a medium MG in that roll functionally. In general I agree with this video but I never really experienced doctrine applied in combat. Despite that, 240 gunners and teams were not usually part of the assault force or "regular infantry". They were usually in a overwatch or supporting role, its just that that role is much more fluid then doctrine accounts for.

[@maxonmathew4557]

Did you just say the M16 family of weapons was easy to clean and maintain. I had an AK in the Ukrainian army and compared to the AK the M16 is in now way reliable

[@socaljarhead7670]

The M16 is reliable because in America we clean our weapons every chance we get. Also here in America, we value rifle marksmanship beyond 300 meters which is something no AK on the planet is good for. AKs are for conscripts. The M16 is for the trained rifleman.

[@JN1-506]

The 240 is an excellent weapon

[@LSRTX447]

As USMC infantry officer I always liked the M240B and M240G as support weapons. Ironically, it was the only weapon with which I experienced a malfunction in combat. We were fighting our way out of an ambush in Fallujah, and my vehicle commander's weapon in my LAV was a M240 variant. I was into my second can of ammo when the spring in the retaining clip that holds down the feed tray cover gave out. I would get a few bursts off and the feed tray cover would pop open. When you are also going orders to your driver, hollering at your dismounts, talking to other VCs on the radio, and coordinating a CASEVAC, having your weapon decide to stop cooperating can be disconcerting. In all my time in the infantry, playing around on light armored vehicles, or training Marines at the Scool of Infantry, it was the only time a 240 variant ever malfunctioned on me. I still think it's a great infantry support weapon, my bad day not withstanding.

[@spencermaisey7550]

Definitely a marine. School* The only stoppages that i had on my M240 was when it wasn't cleaned properly. Never had any issues when properly cleaned and lubed.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

This malfunction shows why it is useful we use the same weapons. Even if you cannot spell Armourer correctly, another country can provide with with parts your Armourer needs! 👍🇬🇧

[@Gcock]

Love the spell check support keeping lines of communication open 5 or 6 phase line's too the rear👏

[@DansilSchroeder]

As a former US Army UH60 crew chief and door gunner, I fail to see why the M240H isn't the most widely adopted model, considering that you can swap out the buttstock and pistol grip for thumb paddles. This makes it easier for use in turrets and on helicopters... So... Don't quite understand what gives.

[@Gcock]

@@DansilSchroeder I did enjoy those paddles for specific missions and certain Vic mounts. Excellent weapon over all. However If the new MG338 approaches the same reliability and durability I believe it will be a game changer - esp for light Infantry- but also for aircraft with weight concerns. The new round has near the same effects on target as the 50cal and most importantly you can run it and jump it.

[@kruger7796]

A family member of mine got stuck with one of these during their mandatory military service in the Swedish Armed Forces. He told me that he would always carry as much ammunition as possible with him out on training missions and exercises. He would replace as much "useless" stuff with ammo as he could. This led to him shooting his MAG way more than others just in an effort of becoming lighter. The more ammo he "wasted" the less he had to carry. I would guess this is quite common amongst machine gunners.

[@toolbaggers]

This is the problem with conscripts

[@kruger7796]

@@toolbaggers You're not wrong. But hey, most people who had to do that sort of stuff in Sweden never intended to become soldiers or the like. So, it was mostly in good fun :) Besides, more ammo = more fun.

[@woiace]

We in Singapore use the FN MAG for many years. And it is still in use. My experience with it when I was in the service is that it is heavy but when mounted on an armoured vehicle, it is a very stable weapons platform.

[@Idahoguy10157]

IIRC the Marines went behind the US Army’s back and requisitioned surplus M240’s in storage. Those 240’s were taken off of scrapped M48 and M60 tanks. The Marines went directly to FN Belgium for parts for converting too an infantry weapon. Trigger groups, butt stocks, bipods, etc… The Marines replaced their worn out M60 MG’s before the Army could stop them. The Army eventually replaced their M60’s with M240’s.

[@t4nkychannel921]

Ah, the time-honored military tradition of taking everything that isn't nailed down.

[@adamparris8353]

Damn straight.

[@ArmchairDeity]

Sounds like the time an Air Force captain got pissed off trying to drive tanks through the jungle and mounted a few nicked miniguns in a used Douglas AC-47… 😉

[@chlebowg]

Wrong, M48 and M60 tanks never had the M240. They used a modified Browning M73. The M240 didn't come into US service until the adoption of the M1 Abrams and M2/M3 Bradleys.

[@Idahoguy10157]

@@chlebowg …; okay, I’ve read different. That the army made an exception due to the unreliability of the coaxial MG and swapped them out for the 240. You probably know the subject better

[@MaxSluiman]

I was a Dutch infantry sergeant in 1993. We used the MAG in combination with a light enhancement scope. One could snipe at night upto 800 metres.

[@wrxFTWdey]

It’s truly great to see you cover the two different methodologies in employment of the GPMG. When you started talking about machine gun theory, I got a little chub. The m240 series machine gun has a special place in every machine gunners heart. I’ve never heard of anyone who’s extensively used a 240 and hated it. Whereas a lot of SAW gunners have a lot of complaints and stigmas.

[@maade9642]

In Germany we have the MG3 in every normal squad and use it in a flanking position in the squad - it's always at one side of the "fire line" (don't know if this is the correct translation) of the squad. Yes, you can shoot it from the hip like a normal rifle and we trained to hit single targets with small bursts but we were also trained to give suppressing fire and achieving fire superiority with well placed bursts. So we kinda train and do both what you're talking about I think? The big advantage of this is I think the speed. You are able to change positions and fire corridors really quickly. The flexibility you get is outstanding I think. I have to say I'm no expert, I only did mandatory time in military service and was in no real combat and am only guessing here but I was in an infantry fighting squad of the German "Jäger" and we trained most of the time running, positioning and shooting.

[@webcrawler9782]

In video games it doesn't make a huge difference if you have a machine gun or a rifle. But when I did my military service in Germany we had a night shooting on folding targets with tracer ammuinition with the full sqad. I was so impressed by the machine gun because it did 90% of the work. I felt usefless 😅

[@fidamdsaini8452]

"In video games it doesn't make a huge difference if you have a machine gun or a rifle" As a machine gunner main in both Squad and Insurgency: Sandstorm I beg to differ from that statement.

[@Panagiotis1709]

I used the MG3. Shooting with it was amazing.

[@Speed001]

@@fidamdsaini8452 You're the heavy

[@crusader8102]

@@fidamdsaini8452 to be fair squad and insurgency are far more on the realistic side of fps games than most. In call of duty which is far more arcady using a machine gun instead of an assault rifle is basically handicaping yourself, as the machine guns tend to do very similar damage per hit, have just slightly higher rate of fire and have far worse handling, which means that usually you won't even be able to use the mg before getting killed.

[@Warmaker01]

When you see the equipment those machine gun teams have with those heavy tripods for stability, traverse & elevation mechanisms, and the fancy tricks they can do because of their training, it looks real impressive. Above and beyond what a typical guy has to learn and realistically do with an assault rifle.

[@petesheppard1709]

Interestingly, the early machine guns were treated as a form of artillery, being employed _en masse_ to provide indirect fire for area denial. Those heavy water-cooled beasts were known to run for hours, non-stop. As the far lighter air-cooled guns were developed, the modern small-unit tactics were employed, though gunners still train to provide indirect fire if needed.

[@SprikSprak]

There's a source somewhere that talks about a British Vickers at the end of WWI which was tested with 1 million rounds of constant firing - from what I remember it was apparently fine!

[@mattbrown5511]

I loved the M-60. However, I learned to respect the 240 in my later US Army career. Even though I was a M-249 gunner on paper, I often used the M-240 variants. They are absolute beasts on the battlefeild.

[@telenNG]

This gun is a perfect example between the difference between hard facts and soft facts The hard facts of this gun is it's not quite as good on paper it doesn't have the same rate of fire and it's heavier The soft fact is how it's used ,its reliability and how easy it is to get ammunition again another great video

[@Taskandpurpose]

now THATS the right way to put it! I wish I thought of phrasing it like that, hard facts and soft facts is 100% what I wanted to articulate with this . I'll add that idea in a future video, very accurate thanks for the feedback on that

[@telenNG]

@@Taskandpurpose no problem I just glad I was able to give you some constructive feedback

[@MbisonBalrog]

And a lighter higher rate gun can’t have ammo and reliability?

[@Starmast3rmusic]

@@MbisonBalrog Not as likely for a lighter gun to be able to sustain fire as much as a gun made from heavier, better quality materials (as mentioned in the video).

[@MbisonBalrog]

@@Starmast3rmusic but with lighter gun you can have more guns and bring to more positions faster. And you can change barrels too

[@tobiasfunke3357]

I carried the original 240B for 3 years, 27.6 pounds. It has done irreversible damage to my neck and back. Unbelievably heavy but very fun to shoot.

[@AR15andGOD]

my neck, my back

[@landomt8138]

It's amazing how many cool clips you included in this video to go along with all of the information! It really makes your content engaging to watch!

[@pottierkurt1702]

I gotta say, this is my favorite army gear channel. Thanks Chris.

[@ShadowWolfTJC]

If anyone's wondering, I believe the extra mass on the machine gun serves at least 2 purposes: - 1. It reduces recoil while firing. - 2. It reduces the barrel's susceptibility to overheat by increasing the amount of thermal mass on the gun.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

- 3. Makes grunts grunt more.

[@nivek5031]

In my world, where 2 to 3 day patrols in dry, thorn-tree & elephant-grass terrain, at temperatures up to +42C and icy nights down to -4C, the weight & length of an infantry weapon became a significant factor. Contacts were infrequent, terrain & foliage changes really challenging and individual strength & stamina critical. Most contacts required fire and movement governed by well practiced immediate-action drills. As LMG #1 I most frequently fired short bursts, in a moving-crouching or kneeling position, at an unseen enemy. We seldom spoke, operated silently in sections of 8 men with 1 x LMG & 7 x 7.62 FN riflemen. Overheating was thus not an issue & those who carried the LMGs had forgotten the general effects of recoil. Take care. 🙂

[@geodkyt]

It also allows bigger, beefier parts in general, which adds to the service life of the gun - which is nice because MGs will be going through more ammo than rifles.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Actually the M240 choice had been casual. The one exposed is an explanation "a posteriori" As said, the US army selected the M60, that's more of a "PKM" style machinegun (but way less durable), light and way less apt to sustained fire than the M240. The M240 had been selected as vehicular MG (where weight has no importance) only due to the utter failure of the domestically designed M73 and M279. Then the Marines equipped themselves of M240 dismounted from vehicles simply because their M60s were worn-out beyond usability. Then the Army followed the Marines without even a real competition, because to keep the M60 operative was becoming way too expensive and time-consuming. The M240 is heavy only because it has a riveted construction and a BAR style bolt. In respect to a monolitic construction (like for the PKM) a riveted one must be heavier for the same durability, and a BAR-style bolt, locking on the rear of the receiver, requires a more sturdy receiver than a rotating bolt. so yes, the M240 is very durable, but made differently it could have had the same durability weighting less. Also mind that many NATO countries (Germany, Italy, Turkey,Greece, Spain, Portugal...) use the MG3.

[@0cypher0]

@@neutronalchemist3241 true about the other countries using MG3, but most of those are produced under license. And in recent years countries like Norway have moved to the Minimi/MAG mix package or in the case of Italy limiting it to mounted use whilst dismounted troops use Minimi. Personally I find that the lower MRBF and MRBS numbers for the MG3 compared to the MAG make it a much less desirable weapon, especially considering the minimal difference in weight.

[@guaposneeze]

I am reminded of one of the Russian spokesmen who tried to justify the lack of optics for the infantry in Ukraine. "This isn't Call of Duty!" He insisted that a lot of the Infantry actually preferred iron sights as a way to justify the lack of equipment. But really, Russian doctrine just doesn't expect those guys to notice a target 800+ meters away unless they are told to vaguely fire at something big like a building. When NATO says that their machine gun is effective at 600 meters, they mean they are training the people to actually do useful stuff at that distance. The Russians act like that must be just some PR puffery, and I don't think it has really sunk in how much more effective NATO troops actually are at long ranges compared to some conscripts running around with iron sights. Kind of like when Wagner thought they were going to sneak up on the Americans in Syria, and the Americans just calmly removed them from the map. The Russians massively underestimated the Americans and overestimated themselves. Machine gun doctrine is a good little microcosm of that broader Russian misunderstanding of what modern infantry is doing in the developed world.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

The twitter account was ASB military news... what a clown lmao.

[@classifiedad1]

That spokesman clearly doesn’t understand the whole point of the AK-12.

[@legotaku_yt1108]

Here's to hoping they never figure it out when we inevitably march on Moscow.

[@holden5478]

In reality, Moscow is just really fucking cheap.

[@FreedomFox1]

Are we supplying Ukraine with optics?

[@Bryanovbarbaria88]

These are my favorite videos as I really enjoy the mechanics of the weapons, and the tactics used to maximize their use. Thanks for taking the time to explain all this to a smooth brain like me.

[@maxwill6408]

Watching this video takes me back to my 1 week course on how to use the M60 machine when I was a commo chief in a Combat Engineer unit in the 82 Abn, Why they picked me to attend the school I can't remember (it was in 1983) but it was an eye opener in the placing and use of a machine gun.

[@abroralibekov6924]

The most important part here is how weapons are made. 1. The millitary generals come up with tactics on how they want to use. 2. Then a millitary-technical team comes up with realistic weapons specifications based on current or near term capability of technology and industry. I.e weight, size and performance tests 3. The above is either given to state or private companies who compete for the solution and right to produce. Thats why comparing weapons directly to each other is not very accurate. Basically thats like MMA math. You can speculate all you want but the only way to know the results is war. AND we all really hope that we don't have to really find that out.

[@adissentingopinion848]

...Shit, now I feel bad for admiring the effectiveness of the NATO weapons systems in Ukraine. I have to remember that War is War, and that he's a Horseman of the Apocalypse for a reason.

[@bobdylan7120]

As ex-military myself I can tell you that the most important thing to remember is that your weapon was made by the cheapest bidder! As a life lesson it's right up there with "friendly fire isn't".

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

@@adissentingopinion848 nothing wrong with admiring the effectiveness of the NATO weapons. Ukrainians are trusting their lives to them and succeeding, while the Russians are trusting their lives to their weapons and failing for other reasons.

[@OldMusicFan83]

4. Then a Spec 4 breaks it.

[@MrHav1k]

Smart!!

[@heathhalfhill6401]

When machine guns come into the picture...nobody is/are putting their head out to have it removed. What a great utility for suppressive fire weapon. Granted...its not a precision weapon like a sniper rifle yet when you hear it and bee's are buzzing by...you stay as low as you can and hidden.

[@demitrilinon8681]

That's the point, keep enemies heads down so that infantry can maneuver can flank them

[@jonathanthink5830]

why would you do that? aren't you supposed to be able to reboot? ..... :-)

[@DmMoiMienNamke.mandimoiroNgu]

solution: grenade

[@cn.st.182]

"A machine gun is not like a sniper rifle." True spec ops knowledge bomb dropped right there.

[@brendanmedlin99]

This might sound weird but I love the standing speaking video style. Something about you not sitting at a desk with a headset on makes your videos better than most commentators

[@AppleJaxc]

By the 70's, the Buy American Act was heavily amended with exceptions for international trade partners. German machine tools like lathes that aren't produced in the US, etc. The law largely is applicable to construction, office equipment, uniforms, etc. Like anything in procurement, exceptions and waivers and etc exist especially as you move up into massive procurements like a new firearm. The Buy American Act isn't to blame for the M60, M4, or other weapons. Other politics and logistics are to blame. Source: former Contracting Officer

[@user-wj7bu9zv7i]

as an Israeli tanker, I've fired tens of thousands of rounds out of the FN Mag, and I love it! a great piece of equipment.

[@joosttijsen3559]

thats alot of dead palestinians..

[@someretardontheinternet]

@ManuelB1b3r That's what happens when people don't catch up on their history and believe a bunch of BS without taking the time to look into it

[@Maelstromme]

@Beaverish Buck Teeth Where were y’all when Hamas was bombing my friend’s house? Ass.

[@accountname9506]

@Beaverish Buck Teeth similtaniously saying 'killing children bad' yet going around to say that ONE of the SEVERAL GENOCIDES that the Nazis commited with millions of deaths (they had more with less) didn't happen. Which obviously killed a lot of children. You can say that what isreal doing is wrong without saying that all jews should die.

[@CrayonEater255]

@Beaverish Buck Teeth why don’t you go help them? Keyboard warrior

[@theblackguywhodiesfirst3200]

Imagine using a M240 ~ This Post was Made by the germans

[@welshdefenceforces]

Imagine using a M240 - Estonian millitary/polish millitary

[@carlmikell2292]

Bruh, your username got me cracking up.

[@scottjohnson9912]

FN is a Belgian company

[@scottjohnson9912]

Cool name , Haaaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaaa

[@SP_3333]

A1 coverage & military info for the avg. person. Thank you👍

[@OldManAndTheSeaOfTooManyCats]

Extremely well done. I really appreciate the clean thoughtful presentation.

[@marsguyphil]

1:19 I love the pile of spent brass in the foreground and the spare barrel in the background. Like, this gunner came to do one thing, he's been doing it all day, and he's gonna keep doing it until the sun goes down.

[@thomasrogers8239]

I feel that the power move here is either designing a gun that matches your abilities and tactics, or matching your abilities and tactics to the guns you have.

[@PeterMaddison2483]

When I was in the TA Infantry (Territorial Army, UK) back in the late 1980's to early 1990's. I was trained on the GPMGin the normal role and the SF role (British Military called it the Gimpy/Jimpy (not sure how it was spelled)), the SF role range was much farther than 800m and I'm sure, so was the 'normal' role range. It was a beautiful weapon, I loved it, and still do.

[@philldavies7940]

I did the GPMG commanders course the the old school of infantry site in Netheravon in about 1988. If I recall iron sites (direct fire) go out to1800m if you used the little flip up sight extension thingy, and if we converted to SF (indirect fire) using the C2 site , tripod etc, at the time we shot up to about 2.4km, but think they were working on tables to extend it to 3.0km.

[@kronussaryn8854]

1800m in SF and 2400m map predicted my guy 🤙

[@independentomega2701]

Excellent video Chris. Informative, articulate, and without any cringe memes. 10/10. This is outstanding content.

[@Panagiotis1709]

I was a machine gunner and used the MG3. Loved it.

[@bugfisch7012]

Well, we had the MG3 ;) But ok, Germany and it's old MG are a history on it's own =D And to be honest, it's great to shoot, but really annoying in every other aspect.

[@leofiesoli2666]

Italians too, MG3 uber alles (sorry for any miswriting)

[@mrd7067]

If i remember right the MG42 was 1500$ in 2010 money. I`m not sure how that translates to todays money or to the MG3 but if the number is right then it was so cheap that theoretically a lot of civillians could have bought one. Also if i remember right then the MG5 is like 15.000 €.

[@scratchy996]

I'm curious about troops that used the MG3 in combat, what they say about it.

[@cesaravegah3787]

I think that NATO would be better off buying you the MG3, it's easier to mantein, operate and quite efective.

[@leofiesoli2666]

@@scratchy996 me too, not being the weapon used by a contemporary superpower is a disadvantage sometimes (e.g. nobody talks about you)

[@petehale2020]

Cappy I learned…well…everything about the comparison, tactics, and fields of fires. Just a fantastic job!

[@johnstipetich2512]

Excellent. Thanks for making.

[@diogenesofgermany8299]

If one would use the MG3 in 7,62x51 without the "NATO Handbreak" 1500 shots per minute. It has a certain reputation.

[@jantschierschky3461]

1200

[@khalidmohak6708]

Good vid! Also the British Army uses the GPMG (FN MAG) in both the light role with one GPMG in each Section and the sustained fire role in Support Weapons company

[@rogerbeck3018]

thanks chris for answering questions I did not know to ask

[@Lost-In-Blank]

Good stuff! I appreciate the tactical and tech details.

[@DankBurrito420]

5:42 made me lol. I’m a husky guy from the Midwest, always wanted to join the military, haven’t yet, still considering…but my Marine uncle always tells me that if I got into the military, I’d probably get assigned 240 gunner and that I’d “hate every minute of it, especially when you have to carry it.” Lmao

[@gusjeazer]

Just make sure to miss all the targets consistently with the machine gun. Better to accept short term swearing and shouting over dragging a thing like this around.

[@evanderboynton3057]

Don’t worry it’s a feather next to the 60

[@DankBurrito420]

@Anton Taylor Lol I probably won’t. In college I studied IT with a focus in audio/visual technology, almost got recruited by the Navy and Airforce. Trying to tell me they could use “sonar techs” or other telecom operators lol. Soooo I technically could, but still debating if I’d want to.

[@beyondbackwater4933]

@@DankBurrito420 join the air force tacp, would be an amazing career.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

Coolest jobs enlisted in the military: USMC Machinegunner USMC radioman (DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE UNIT. This applies to ANGLICO and artillery batteries and the like) USAF TACP Intel (wherever) Anything to do with targeting of artillery and airstrikes (hence TACP and radioman) Be careful if you sign a contract and join. Don't go open! If you know another language other than English and Spanish, MAKE SURE YOU GET TESTED. If you sign an infantry contract, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE PULL-UPS in the world

[@Riflerob]

Used the GPMG in the UK Infantry, heavy, a bugger to clean but I loved its effectiveness. Map predicted fire missions from a gun team with mountains of brass, fantastic gun.

[@TrafficCone-rv5dw]

Pretty awesome video you hit the nail on the head with how the 240 is used you never disappoint

[@nortongood]

Not really a military guy but damn these videos are very educational and entertaining! Keep up the good work!

[@vvgame]

FN MAG .. indian army’s CI/CT units just love this gun in their missions across LoC to prevent infiltration.. this gun is very helpful in creating kill zones on mountain tops in Himalayas

[@ssnaut1871]

Is that same gun special forces used in it's mayanmmar strike?

[@siddharthk8999]

Yes

[@ex0duzz]

They love it while they can never actually use guns on thr bord r even if Chinese are there at all due to no gun policy? Cool story bro.

[@vvgame]

@@ex0duzz I said LoC not LAC.. and there is no no guns and other arms agreement signed by both India and China which China breached in 2020

[@classifiedad1]

@@ex0duzz Line of Control is the de facto Indo-Pakistani border. Guns are most certainly allowed there.

[@Youtubeuser-yd6ze]

I would like to point out when you were referring to the MG 42 you showed a picture of the MG 34. Also China according to battle order does not have PKM machine guns in its infantry squads they use QJB-95 which is just the QBZ-95 with a heavier barrel and high capacity drum magazine as a support weapon. Not all NATO members use the FN Mag as a specialist weapon each British infantry squad is supposed to have one. Good video as always just wanted to point some stuff out.

[@theforsaken127]

MOAR THEORY PWEASE! Seriously, love it when you go in depth, I like learning more about tactics. I never served in my country's military, but always wanted to.

[@brett76544]

As an engineer armorer I maintained a few M60's, then we changed over to the M249 saws and later we got the M240, although I did maintain the 240's for the CEV or combat engineer vehicle M728. The M60s had issues, the 249's were just fun and had the frames bend from the slings near the end of the barrels, but the 240's were great, consistent, but the crew served weapons sometimes needed the rivets tightened. The other weapons I had rivet issues with were the M 2's with the last round not firing in a belt along with the M 85's. The tools for tightening the rivets use to be in unit armorers tools boxes, but were removed and those were moved from 20 level to 50 level repairs. So at Ft Hood there was a place I could get those repairs done, but other places would have to turn in and get issued newer or redone 240's, M 2's and M 85's and me I just loaded up the hummer with guns and a few barrels to test and get them repaired after getting the paper work done.

[@bangem1988]

Chris looks high asf in this video

[@Taskandpurpose]

to be honest its because I didn't wear any make up under my eyes in this video , it's how the lightening looks without it haha

[@bangem1988]

@@Taskandpurposemakeup suuuuure 😉 lol, you have an awesome channel btw.

[@shack1356]

gotta admit, I was curious if I was the only one thinking the same. LoL

[@chaobahe6559]

Though there is a designation for the reverse-engineered version of PKM (it's called type 80 GPMG) in the Chinese military, the PLA never adopt type 80 in mass quantity. Soldiers had been using older type67 until the type88 machine gun chambered in 5.8 x 42mm replaced its similar role of a general-purpose machine gun. Fun fact: there's also a Chinese version of FN MAG (CS/LM1)which never got adopted.

[@DomskiPlays]

This was one of the most interesting videos I've ever seen! I haven't heard of most of these concepts before and so have never even had them come to my mind but they make soo much sense! Wow!

[@RealTubaBoy]

This was extremely informative! Please do more on machine gun tactics 💜

[@michaelritzen8138]

The Dutch use these, together with M249 Minimi's. My dad used to be the squads MAG operator during his obligatory military service. He loved it, because it meant he could sit close to the door of his APC, where he had a slide to smoke out of, whereas the rest of his unit had to wait until they got out again. Military service in the 80s was different, man.

[@LitD]

Fun fact: Polands main MG is a modified PKM, the UKM wz.2000

[@Hk7762Tube]

Fun fact: you can find a vid about it on this channel

[@yamid452]

Polish army: I got the best of both worlds

[@LitD]

@@Hk7762Tube Did not know that, will investigate.

[@lisacox8109]

Thanks for the lesson.

[@oscarvi3232]

Outstanding episode. Keep them coming. We had the MAG 58 in the Royal Australian Regiment in the 1990's and early 2000's (believe they are still in service). My main memory is that they were bloody heavy and the bosses insisted we carry them as though they were a standard rifle.

[@TXMEDRGR]

That was a great mini-seminar in military science. I would love to have more about the science, tactics and strategy of land warfare. I was a sailor and don't know much about this aspect of the military. Thanks.

[@PerfectTangent]

I agree that the M240 is great, but when I did the Schützenschnur I developed an appreciation for the MG3. About the only thing I didn't prefer was the non-disintegrating belt.

[@maxk4214]

It can also shot normal belts

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

An excellent video explaining the correct way to use a machine gun. I learned a lot.

[@journeyman1126]

Only thing that's different from 30 years ago is the "dead zones" where enemies can hide and maneuver would be mapped out, stakes set up for a grenade launcher (or assign whoever can toss it and hit the hole where the enemy is hiding) and we'd skip trying to drop bullets in on their heads. Saves gun ammo and adds shock and awe, if you're lucky.

[@commieswine]

I was weapons squad in Afghanistan, gunner and AG. Even though my back still hurts from all that weight I loved the 240! Curious to see what the replacement will be though

[@justinthomas85]

Marine Corps Machine gunner and the 240 is the least impressive at SOI and going through schooling, but once i got to the fleet, it was the most impressive weapons system by far (over the Mk19 and M2). For mobility, rate of fire and ease of use. All three are great weapons systems regardless.

[@peyton_uwu]

really interesting to be able to know each tactic that is employed to specifically take advantage of the weapon. would lo see morw vids like this.

[@davidbaldwin9830]

Nice, I taught the M-60 25 or 30 years ago a few times and I loved see those types of fire again.

[@stephenoreilly3226]

I have had the unique opportunity to work with PKM's in the past. One big disadvantage with them is the changing of barrels, that is if you even have a spare barrel. It is much slower and more tedious to change than the MAG 58. It is also a much lighter barrel so that it is not capable of the same volume of fire as the MAG 58. Changing barrels quickly is a force multiplier, just throwing that out there. I also did not like having the feed mechanism outside the receiver. Just seemed wrong to me as if it could malfunction easier. Never did, but being exposed like that, it could. I did like how you could change the gas settings by inserting a cartridge and using the cartridge as a handle, that was kind of cool.

[@DerDrecksack87]

The PKM/PKP are some fine machine guns, but as every weapon design reaching almost half a century of age, it has flaws. I never used it, but from the videos i have seen ppl mag/belt dumping, it can take quite a few rounds before the barrel needs to cool off, changing it seems to be ok, though not comparable with newer designs, especially because you will need some gloves to do it if it got really hot. Still, it is in the category "old but gold", just as the MG42/MG3 is.

[@stephenoreilly3226]

@@DerDrecksack87 Not sure what “newer designs” you are referring to? The NATO MG I am comparing the PKM to is the MAG 58 and it is an older MG. The MAG 58 came out in 1958 were as the PKM came out in 1969, which is based on the PK which came out in 1961, both newer than the MAG 58. If you have never fired both MG’s, take it from me, the MAG 58 can dump a hell of a lot more ammo than the PKM. As far as changing barrels, you don’t need one with the MAG 58 Flex. Coax, yes, but I am comparing like MG’s. Also, the barrel change is much faster with the MAG 58. The PKM you have to push a slider that locks the barrel in place to the left. That slider often becomes very difficult to move when it gets hot and carboned up. The barrel is also very difficult to slide out depending on the maintenance done on the MG. Hands down the barrel changes on the MAG 58 is way faster and it can handle a lot more ammo before changing barrels.

[@efirizaki6457]

I think is reare to bump fire a weopon to overheat I mean you are not in the range The weight on the other hand.....i think russina did the right choice

[@blchfnby]

@@efirizaki6457 Bud, these machine guns...You dont bump fire them, they are fully automatic, so the gun does the bump fire for you, and in combat, it is more likely that you will have to change barrels, especially considering american doctrine of "keep pouring lead on em til they cant even think. THEN kill them" I dont know what military doctrine you know of, but both PKM and M240 will require a barrel change atleast once in a drawn out firefight. With the pkm, thats gonna take you a couple of minutes to do, where as with the M240, its literally just "Turn, Pull, toss, Grab new barrel, Insert, Turn. Resume fire" Thats not including the fact that the barrel is durable enough to put out atleast double the amount of bullets compared to the PKM before needing a barrel change. Russia did the right choice for its doctrine of "machine gunner is just rifleman with bigger rifle" Where as American doctrine has machine guns in a separate tactic bracket.

[@efirizaki6457]

@@blchfnby i be honest I never got to a gunfight If the data is in line with what you say then yes but i imaging it otherwise

[@mattp7828]

I carried this baby in 1991 in a well known sand box, my colleagues were carrying the SA80...I had a problem free experience, they couldn't say the same. Great weapon and its longevity speaks for itself.

[@coltontrussell6472]

I like that you aren't relying on dad jokes anymore and becoming more professional with it without seeming arrogant

[@TheCramMichael]

Thanks Chris, I work on a military range complex and it’s great to learn more about the 240.

[@Bear10174]

In the British Army we call it the GPMG, because we just have to be different. I think it is the only piece of kit that nobody complains about, and feels universal love from everybody. Not an easy thing to achieve.

[@jeroylenkins1745]

C6 GPMG is the best machine gun. If you have even the slightest clue it is an unbelievably reliable and rugged machine gun that will just keep going. Riflemen are just there to protect the GPMG so it can get in position to cover the riflemen and allow them to close with the enemy position and drop a grenade down the enemy's pants.

[@samhaines8228]

enjoyed the information given in this video, offered insight into applied use and theory

[@dr4109]

Excellent video!! You paid attention in the crew served weapons course and it shows. This is a great basic understanding for the uninitiated and would be a great preface for anyone preparing to attend a course.

[@mcfragger2605]

I am really hopeful that one day Chris can do one on the Vietnam People's Army squad doctrine. Battle hardened from the 40s right up to the 90s, against France, the U.S and later, China; Vietnamese seems to adopt a bit of both the East and the West equipment-wise and doctrine-wise. These includes the use of general purpose machine gun like the West, but keeping both the designated marksman role (with their dragunov) while also developing a seperated, dedicated sniper role within the Special Forces (which uses the Galatz with the NATO 7,62 round unlike the Soviet 7,62 found on the Dragunov and Mossin Nagant). A regular infantry squad also packs some heavy firepower, with both RPG 7s and reverse-engineered M79s and soon adopting the m203 over the Russian/Soviet GP-25. The special force however employ a mix of soviet ak47s, car-15 and uzi. The marines however are using Tarvor-21...as you can see they are using weapons that uses both NATO and soviet ammunitions. Really strange from the logistic aspect given that they have fought for so long

[@cadesmandela1935]

I agree, sadly you’ll never get these NATO brainwashed worshippers to admit that other nations are in fact capable of good infantry tactics 🤡

[@fiendishrabbit8259]

One of the most important parts of MG use is interlocking fields of fire. That allows you to enfillade enemy attackers while still being in a position that's not exposed to most enemy fire. Because an MG will attract shitloads of enemy fire.

[@Truthbomb918]

U won't get that in the normal infantry role

[@hypervious8878]

Fascinating video! Please make more like these! I've argued with armchair historians in the past (well, I'm one too, but I get my history from books, not video games) that a weapon system is indivisible from its doctrine, and doctrine is often very, very multifaceted.

[@wpherigo1]

Awesome. Thanks for not sticking to KZbin’s recommended 10 minutes.

[@thomaszhang3101]

But can’t you apply the same doctrine of the M240 to the PKM as well?

[@Taskandpurpose]

My understanding is that the PKM isn't as well suited for that doctrine because it cannot sustain the same rate of fire since the barrel is lighter weight. The new PKM has a heavier barrel for longer sustained fire but it cannot be quick changed. Russian forces do not want to invest in as much training on these kind of machine gun principals so they have the PKM in a different role. They use it as kind of their M249 and their M240. That's what my opinions on it is though, other's might have different thoughts !

[@thomaszhang3101]

@@Taskandpurpose I see! I only formed my opinion based on their weight - PKM needs to be light for infantry to carry on foot, while M240 can be heavier since NATO armies are more defensive and can afford mechanization. Edit: I was surprised by Marines switch to M27 though, saw your video on that.

[@chlebowg]

@@thomaszhang3101 M27 replaced the M249 SAW not the M240

[@TheKGBsrbija]

@@Taskandpurpose you know little about pkm or in my country case m84 barrel can be easily change in the field

[@Mortablunt]

@@Taskandpurpose A PKM barrel is easy to quick change. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4KwpYWGbqitnKM There's a little latch on the left forward side of the receiver. Lift up your cover, lift up the feed tray, twice the carry handle, push forwards, grab new barrel, pull backwards, twist down, lower covers, resume. The PKM is applied for heavier fire dominance and mostly for suppression. The squad leader will usually try to keep with it so he can direct it. The bulk of Russian squad fire is brought by the riflemen using automatic fire from their AK's. For extra fire there are RPK's. The ideal squad is 11 men with 1 PKM, 2 RPK, 8 AK-74, + 3 RPG.

[@nhansemark]

I had a MAG 58 in my squad of G3:s, but in retrospect I feel it was used more as an Automatic Rifle rather than a (Heavy) Machine Gun in a supporting role. Guess a PKM in the squad and MAG at platoon level would have been more optimal here.

[@fiendishrabbit8259]

Well. Norway is in NATO, so it required NATO weapons. One of the advantages of the FN MAG was that it was very tolerant to cold and snow. Sweden used the FN MAG as well until it was replaced on the infantry level by the FN Minimi (it's still used on vehicles and from static positions).

[@EpicThe112]

You might be looking at Poland or Bulgaria in NATO alliance due to them having 7.62x51 NATO PKM LMG.

[@llKeey]

Being on the gun team gave me some of my favorite memories from my time in. It was so fun competing against the other platoons for the fastest set up time.

[@TheKnightWatch365]

Awesome vid man. Speaks to my heart

[@Dzonssi]

Can you please give us more updates on the Russian - Ukrainian war?

[@davidty2006]

There has been alot in a week. From a bold attack on a russian oil depot to signs of possible ethnic clensing...

[@Spartan265]

I'm sure he will. I imagine those videos take more time to research though. Gotta wade through the propaganda and stuff to really get the true hard facts.

[@conormcmaster1113]

Flip to Facebook because that seems like the source of half his information

[@ssnaut1871]

Russians had massive retreat from Kiev though it's giving me ominous feeling

[@dylannix4289]

@@ssnaut1871 With the Sov- I mean Russians, it’s never really a _retreat_ when you’re still in their artillery range...

[@theimmortal4718]

We've been through this before. The PKM does not have a max range any greater than the M240. Same size bullet, with the same velocity. It's impossible for one to shoot farther than the other.

[@jameson1239]

The cartridge is larger though 7.62x51 for the M240 and 7.62x54r for the PKM I could see where people get it from

[@kriminalkeagz153]

Effective range is not the max distance the bullet will travel.

[@theimmortal4718]

@@kriminalkeagz153 Yes, I'm fully aware. The PKM doesn't have a max effective range farther than the M240. Same BC, same bullet weight, same bullet velocity. Get it yet? It's physically impossible for the PKM to have a greater max effective range. What people do is state the max effective range of an M240 on a BIPOD and compare it to the PKM on a TRIPOD.

[@theimmortal4718]

@@jameson1239 Yeah the size of the cartridge doesn't mean much. There's actually the same case capacity. The external ballistics are identical.

[@cod6guy12]

The bullets aren't the same size, just the same diameter - The 7.62x54r bullet is heavier. If you take two bullets with identical diameter and speed, the heavier of the two will fly farther because it has more kinetic energy (And thus is less susceptible to air friction).

[@kiaurutis5158]

Love the tactics part explained. Please give me some more of this knowledge :)

[@projectixj9868]

As a Military History Major, I like all the historical information you include in your videos Chris. Keep it up!

[@bthorn5035]

The weight of the weapon is only an asset when controlling recoil impulses off the bipod. Other than that, 27.6 lbs is downright excessive. The 240 is a damn fine weapon, but is better suited for coax or fixed positions on a tripod. If I'm patrolling, I think I'd rather take the pkm.

[@Truthbomb918]

It's heavy because it's also used in the sf role and needs that weight for reliability

[@blchfnby]

M240L which is the infantry variant, weighs 21 pounds, not 27.6, which is for the vehicle mounted variants where you dont have to worry about compressing a poor ground pounders spine. Nice job payin attention to the video.

[@bthorn5035]

@@blchfnby Funny, I never had a 240L when I was in. I had a 240B. And I had to carry that heavy 27.6lb fucker all over God's creation. The coax version is the 240C, genius. Got any more smart ass remarks?

[@Marti_Docus47]

Cappy: "if your country is in the NATO military alliance, then your military most likely uses the m240 as it's general purpose regular infantry machine gun" Me from Denmark "haha.. nope"

[@celebrim1]

Taking applications right now. Act now and you'll get free Article 5 before Orcs decide your land is and always had been part of historical Mordor.

[@Marti_Docus47]

@@celebrim1 Where do you want me to sign?

[@Pwj579]

Funny, you posted this video on 4/4/22 and Ian from Forgotten Weapons, posted his video about the FN MAG today.....lots of love for this system

[@jeffhines979]

Chris, another excellent video. Fond memories of the M240 coax vs. the M60. We would go out to the range, and the M240 (Coax on M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle) would just sing all day long while the M60 would constantly need attention. So glad that the Army went strictly M240.

[@napsiuslebelche5846]

If you want a smaller and lighter FN MAG just use the 7.62 FN Minimi. That's what the Belgians did, and it seems to be working pretty well (right now it completely has replaced the FN MAG, except for the ISTAR Battalion's voltigeurs who still use it. And of course it's still used mounted on vehicles)

[@greenefieldmann3014]

The FN Macromi

[@kevinhekers2380]

Same for the dutch i don't know if they have the 5.56 or 7.62

[@brycejohnson3906]

Maximi is the 7.62, minimi is the 5.56

[@brycejohnson3906]

@@napsiuslebelche5846 everyone calls it something different, depends on the country that uses it, and which factory/fit out it is.

[@napsiuslebelche5846]

@@brycejohnson3906 No, the "Maximi" is just a nickname, absolutely not a real name used anywhere. When you change the caliber of a Minimi, it still is a Minimi. You can change "Minimi" with "M249" "OOW249" "C9" "F89" "L108" "L110" "Ksp 90" "LMG 05" or whatever military nomenclature the countries use. But Maximi isn't a name officially used by anyone

[@Butter_Warrior99]

So, when am I getting an update on geopolitical news from my favorite Cappy?

[@agjld7]

Pretty good summary on our MG tactics. I was a MG squad leader where we integrated the M2 dismount air mobile. To increase effectiveness against light armor. Same tactics, worked beautifully.

[@CousinDP]

Thanks for the informative video. Great as usual. I hope everything goes well backstage too. Hold on!