FN MAG

For the hoax, see KSP 58.

MAG
FN MAG GPMG in an exhibition at Yad la-Shiryon Museum, Latrun, Israel.
Type	General purpose machine gun
Place of origin	Belgium
Service history
Used by	See Users
Wars	South African Border War, Yom Kippur War, Falklands War, Gulf War, 2003 Iraq conflict, Afghanistan Conflict
Production history
Designer	Ernest Vervier
Designed	1950s
Manufacturer	Fabrique Nationale (FN)
Produced	1958–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	11.79 kg (25.99 lb)
Length	1,263 mm (49.7 in)
Barrel length	630 mm (24.8 in)
Width	118.7 mm (4.7 in)
Height	263 mm (10.4 in)
Cartridge	7.62×51mm NATO
Action	Gas-operated, open bolt
Rate of fire	650–1,000 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity	840 m/s (2,756 ft/s)
Effective range	800 metres
Maximum range	1,500 m from tripod
Feed system	Non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt
Sights	Folding leaf sight with aperture and notch, front blade

The FN MAG 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 countries such as Argentina, Egypt, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.^[1] The weapon's name is an abbreviation for Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général,^[2] meaning general purpose machine gun (GPMG). The MAG is available in three primary versions: the standard, heavy infantry Model 60-20 machine gun, the Model 60-40 coaxial machine gun for armoured fighting vehicles and the Model 60-30 aircraft variant.

Design details

A U.S. Marine firing the British L7A2 version of the MAG.

An FN MAG mounted on a Eurocopter EC 725 Cougar MkII at the 2007 Paris Air Show held at Le Bourget airport.

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.

Operating mechanism

The MAG uses ignited powder gases vented through a port in the barrel to propel a gas piston rod connected to the locking assembly (it uses a long-stroke piston system). 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 MAG uses a series of proven design concepts from other successful firearms, for example the locking mechanism is modeled on that of the Browning M1918 (BAR) automatic rifle, and the feed and trigger mechanisms are from the WWII-era MG42 universal machine gun.

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 through an ejection port located at the base of the receiver (a spring-loaded dust cover of the MG42 type covers the ejection port). The machine gun has 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. With the safety placed in the safe setting, the sear mechanism is disabled. The safety can only be engaged with the weapon cocked.

Features

The weapon feeds from the left-hand side from open-link, metal ammunition belts: either the American disintegrating M13 belt (NATO standard) or the segmented German DM1 belt, whose 50-round sections can be linked together through a cartridge. In order to adapt 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 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 quick-change barrel has a slotted flash suppressor. The barrel's chamber and bore are chromium-lined 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 machine 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, 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.

The MAG is also equipped with a fixed wooden stock, pistol grip, carrying handle and iron sights that consist of 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 in 100 m increments and an open U-notch for ranges from 800 to 1,800 m graduated every 100 m. The rear sight is hinged to a base with protective ears that is integral with the receiver's upper forging.

The MAG's receiver is constructed from sheet metal stampings reinforced by steel plates and rivets. The front 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 the butt-stock.

In the static machine gun role the weapon is mounted on a tripod that offers a higher degree of accuracy and control than 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

FN production variants

The Type 74 machine gun, a Taiwanese version of the MAG.

7.62 Ametralladora Tipo 60-20 MAG, Argentine version of the FN MAG used by the Argentine Army.

The vehicle-mounted variant of the MAG lacks a stock, bipod, carry handle, pistol grip and ejection port dust cover, 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 the M13 belt. Thus configured weapons typically lack standard iron sights and are equipped with electrically powered triggers.

British subvariants

In 1961, the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (now British Aerospace) in the United Kingdom, undertook license production of the MAG in the following versions: L7A2, L8A2, L37A2, L20A1 and the L43A1. These models all use 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, a 10-position gas regulator valve, a plastic butt-stock and a bracket, used to mount optical day- and night-vision sights, mounted to the left side of the receiver. In a stationary defensive role, the L7A2 can be mounted on the L4A1 tripod in conjunction with a periscope sight.

The L8A2 coaxial tank machine gun (replaced the L8A1) has a different gas valve switch (closed, single-position), when compared to 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 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 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.

Swedish Army variants

Ksp 58

Ksp 58: Adapted in 1958 using the 6.5×55mm Mauser rifle cartridge which at that time was the standard cartridge in the Swedish Army. Manufactured by FFV-Carl Gustaf.

Ksp 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 NATO, same as used by the AK 4.^[3] Ksp 58 replaced the considerably heavier Ksp m/42B in the infantry units.

Ksp 58 C: On Combat Vehicle 90, this version replaces the previously used Ksp m/39 with start if autumn 2004.

Ksp 58 Strv: stripped variant mainly used for fixed mounting in tanks. Dismissed from organisation along with Stridsvagn 103.

Ksp 58 D: Reserved designation for the renovated and modified Ksp 58B. The trial version are referred to as 'Ksp 58 DF', where the 'F' stands for 'Försök' (Experimental). Some of the modifications:^[3][4]

• A MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail system added. Half of the weapons has an adjustable rail - the others a fixed.
• Red dot sight (Aimpoint).
• The carrying handle is shortened to half its original length. This was necessary to be able to have extended rail for sight systems.
• Collapsible butt stock or folding stock.
• 100 mm shorter barrel.
• Better and shorter flash hider to reduce the length of the weapon and make the muzzle flash less, not to disturb the view of the shooter by night.
• Fluted barrel in order to reduce the weight and better distribute the heat of the barrel.
• Gas regulator has only 4 settings (instead of 8). The last position is painted red and is intended for emergency use.
• Cassette (pouch) for ammo contains 100 cartridges (previously 50).
• New ammo cases.
• New equipment bags.
• Bi-pod is painted green.
• There is a sheet for protection / one side green other side white / summer & winter camouflage.
• The weight of the MG is the same, but the entire system is now 3 kg (6.5 lbs) lighter.

USA

A U.S. Marine fires a tripod-mounted M240G.

On January 14, 1977, 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 USA by FN's US wholly-owned subsidiary FNMI (FN Manufacturing Inc.) located in Columbia, South Carolina.

The M240 is built in several versions:

• M240 standard coaxial machine gun used by US armored vehicles. It is used in the M60 series of tanks (where it replaced the M73/M219 7.62 mm machine guns) and the M1 Abrams family. It has an electrically-operated trigger and a reloading lever. Compared to the MAG Model 60-40, the M240 has a different flash hider and gas valve.

• M240C with a right-hand feed system. It is used in the M2 and M3 Bradley series of infantry fighting vehicles as a coaxial gun to the main armament.

• M240E1 installed since 1987 on LAV-series wheeled armored fighting vehicles, has a spade-type grip with an integral trigger and cocking mechanism.

• M240D an upgrade of the M240E1 and is optimized for use in military helicopters in a pintle-mounted configuration. The M240D is also supplied with a kit for dismounted use.
• M240H an improved version of the M240D. The M240H features a rail equipped feed cover, an improved flash suppressor, and has been configured so it can be more quickly converted to infantry standard using an Egress Kit. The M240H is 41.2 in (1,050 mm) long, has a 23.6 in (600 mm) barrel, and has an empty weight of 26.3 lb (11.9 kg).

• M240G introduced into service with the United States Marine Corps and the 75th Ranger Regiment in the early 1990s in place of the M60E3. This was due to an interservice agreement in which the USMC swapped all M60-series weapons, parts and tools to the US Army and were given M240s built for the M1 Abrams. The USMC then developed modifications, which resulted in the G variant designation. The M240G features a different gas adjustment valve and shorter flash hider than the MAG Model 60-20. The weapon was also modified to accept optical sights through the use of a MIL-STD-1913 receiver-mounted rail. The M240G is used on the M122A1 tripod for stationary use, and is also used in vehicular and aircraft mounts. It weighs 10.99 kg (24.2 lb), has an overall length of 1,245 mm (49.0 in) and a rate of fire of 650–950 rounds/min.

M240B

• M240B is a modernized and product-improved derivative of the M240G, which features a perforated hand-guard and heat shroud, a MIL-STD-1913 rail integral with the receiver top cover, which enables the use of optical day and night sights, a new synthetic stock and a new ammunition container. It was selected to be the U.S. Army's new medium machine gun on December 1, 1995, replacing the M60 machine gun (it defeated the M60E4 during trials). It weighs 12.5 kg (28 lb) and has a length of 1,245 mm (49.0 in). The rate of fire is 650–950 rounds/min.

Users

•  Argentina: The MAG is in use in the Argentine Army as the 7,62 Ametralladora Tipo 60-20 MAG^[5] after being purchased more than two decades ago. The MAG saw action during the Falklands War. Argentinian MAGs were license-manufactured by the state-owned Dirección General de Fabricaciones Militares (DGFM) arsenal.^[6][7]
•  Australia: The MAG is the standard GPMG of the Australian Defence Force, in particular the Australian Army, where it is known as the MAG 58.^[8] It is also used by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.^[9]
•  Austria: The MAG is used by the Austrian Army as the 7,62 mm MG FNMAG/Pz and is used in the Schützenpanzer Ulan and the Leopard 2A4.^[10][11] It's also used as the armament of the new S-70A-42 Black Hawk helicopters.^[10]
•  Bahrain^[12]
•  Barbados^[12]
•  Belgium: Designated MAG M2.^[13][12]
•  Belize^[12]
•  Bolivia^[12]
•  Botswana^[12]
•  Brazil: Standard support weapon of the Brazilian Army, known as the M971.^[14]
•  Brunei^[12]
•  Burkina Faso^[12]
•  Burundi^[12]
•  Cameroon^[12]

A sailor of a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion fires an M240B, a U.S. derivative of the MAG adopted for infantry use in the 1990s.

A Canadian soldier fires the C6 variant of the MAG.

•  Canada: Used in the Canadian Forces with the designation the C6 GPMG,^[15] it is used primarily as a platoon level support weapon^[16] Two C6 machine guns are assigned to each Rifle platoon. The C6 GPMG is also mounted on a variety of vehicles, including the LAV III, the Coyote, the Leopard C2, and the G-Wagon LUVW. In these vehicles 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.
•  Chad^[12]
•  China: Made for export as the CQ, 7.62 × 51 with an adjustable butt.^[17] The XY, 7.62 × 51 is made with a wooden butt^[17]
•  Egypt: Made under license by the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries.^[1][6]
•  Colombia^[12]
•  Cuba^[12]
•  Cyprus^[12]
•  Democratic Republic of Congo^[12]
•  Djibouti^[12]
•  Dominican Republic^[12]
•  Ecuador^[12]
•  Estonia: The Swedish-made version known as the Ksp 58B has been adopted as the standard MG.^[18]
•  Gabon^[12]
•  Gambia^[12]
•  Ghana^[12]
•  Guatemala^[12]
•  Greece: EKAM counter-terrorist unit of the Hellenic Police.^[19]
•  Haiti^[12]
•  Honduras^[12]
•  India: Made under license.^[1]
•  Indonesia: Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group and Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.^[20] FN MAGs made under license as the SPM2 GPMG by PT Pindad.^[21]
•  Iraq^[22]
•  Ireland: Known as the GPMG or MAG 58.^[23]
•  Israel: Used by the Israel Defence Force.^[24]
•  Jamaica: Battalion-level fire support weapon of the Jamaica Defence Force.^[25]
•  Latvia: The Swedish-made version known as the Ksp 58B has been adopted by the national guard as the standard MG.^[26]
•  Lithuania: Lithuanian Armed Forces.^[27]
•  Netherlands: Used by the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army.^[28]
•  New Zealand: The New Zealand Defence Force originally purchased the British-made L7A2 version of the MAG in 1976. These are now being replaced by several versions of the Belgian-made MAG-58, which was originally introduced into service as part of the introduction of the NZLAV. The FN-made MAGs are now used in the infantry light machine gun (LMG) role as a flexible mounted machine gun on the LOV and UH-1H and as a heavy sustained fire machine gun.^[29]
•  Singapore: Unlicensed production carried out by Ordnance Development and Engineering Company of Singapore,^[6] now integrated to ST Engineering. Two versions produced, one infantry assault variant fitted with a bipod, the other co-axial model for armored vehicle or vehicle mountings. One MAG is issued to each rifle platoon. It is always referred to as GPMG or simply MG.
•  South Africa^[12]
•  Sweden^[30][31]
•  Turkey^[12]
•  United Kingdom: The L7 general purpose machine gun is used by the British Army.^[32] It and the related L8 are a license-built derivative 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 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,^[33] 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 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-titled as the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in 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 were supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). The British Army and Royal Marines have since been issued with the L110A1 (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 7.62 mm L7 variants continue to be used in both dismounted roles and mounted on some British military vehicles, naval vessels, and aircraft.
•  United States: US Military as the M240.^[34]

See also

• Mk 48 Mod 0 LWMG — FN Minimi in 7.62 mm calibre for US SOCOM
• Sumitomo NTK-62 — an outwardly similar Japanese weapon
• Heckler & Koch HK121 — A German deriative intended to replace the well-proven Rheinmetall MG3

References

• Popenker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony G. (2008). Machine Gun. The Development of the Machine Gun from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day. London: Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1847970305. 

External links

• FN Herstal official site
• Modern Firearms
• The Swedish Ksp 58 on the range
• Video of the Canadian C6 GPMG
• C6 tracer fire
• Canadians exercise with the C6
• Video of the L7A2 GPMG in British service
• Video of operation at YouTube (Japanese)

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