MMGs

MMGs, short for medium machine guns, are belt-fed firearms designed to provide sustained automatic fire to support infantry operations. They sit between light machine guns and heavy machine guns in many military doctrines, offering greater range and firepower than LMGs while remaining more portable than heavy-caliber weapons. Calibers commonly used include 7.62×51mm NATO and 7.62×54R, with some designs adopting larger rounds for specialized roles.

Most MMGs are gas-operated and belt-fed, firing from a tripod or similar mount to maximize stability during sustained fire. They are designed to deliver a high volume of rounds at a rate of fire of several hundred rounds per minute, with lower sustained rates to manage heat and ammunition use. They are typically operated by a crew of two or more, who carry ammunition and manage loading, aiming, and belt changes. Variants range from lighter, portable tripod-mounted systems to heavier, vehicle-mounted or emplaced machines.

Examples and history: The class emerged in the early 20th century and saw widespread use in World War II; notable models include the German MG34 and MG42, and later the FN MAG, PKM, M60, and MG3. In many armed forces the term “medium machine gun” is used interchangeably with general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) or simply as a category of 7.62mm belt-fed systems.

Role and limitations: MMGs provide base-of-fire support and suppressive capability across longer ranges than light machine guns, but are heavier and less mobile than LMGs, requiring a crew and logistical support for ammunition. They remain in use worldwide, though some forces increasingly favor flexible GPMGs that can operate as both light and medium platforms depending on configuration.