Talk:Light machine gun

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I think we have to differentiate between LMG's and general-purpose machine guns, any one have plausible distinction criteria? Oberiko 13:15, 28 Jan 2005 (UTC)

I think the classification of all MG's blurs at the edges. Certainly an LMG and its ammo can be identified - carried without great strain by a single soldier, tends to be issued one to a squad, , needs only a bipod, and is used for extra weight of firepower in short bursts and may also be referred to as a Light infantry support weapon.

The GPMG seems to be capable of and is normally used for extra firepower in bigger amounts hence belt fed rather than a magazine. Portable but heavy, with the extra ammo needed spread across the gunner and another soldier. Issued at 1 per platoon, so more less common than the LMG.

Heavy machine guns tend to be big, probably carried on a vehicle or semi-permanently mounted needing two or more soldiers and a vehicle to move around eg the Maxim heritage (Vickers) and 50 cals. GraemeLeggett 16:13, 11 Feb 2005 (UTC)