GPMGs

General-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is a class of belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated firearms designed to function as both a light machine gun and a medium machine gun. In its light role, a GPMG is deployed with a bipod to provide squad-level fire support; in its heavy role, it is mounted on a tripod or vehicle for sustained, more accurate fire.

Most GPMGs are chambered for 7.62×51 NATO cartridges, though variants exist in other calibers such as 7.62×54R. Key design traits include a quick-change barrel, a robust feed system for linked belts, and the ability to accept standard ammunition from general supply chains. They are built for reliability under different conditions and are typically capable of high cyclic rates to enable suppression and volume of fire while controllable on a tripod.

The GPMG concept emerged in the mid-20th century as armies sought a single weapon system capable of filling both light and medium machine gun roles, reducing logistical burdens. It became a cornerstone of many armed forces and remained common into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, even as some forces began replacing older designs with lighter or heavier systems.

Notable examples include the FN MAG family (Belgian origin), giving rise to the U.S. M240 in service. The German MG3 is a direct descendant of the MG42 lineage. Russian and former Soviet forces adopted the PKM and PKP family for similar roles, while the American M60 has also served as a widely used GPMG. Together, these weapons illustrate the diverse implementations of the GPMG concept.