heavy machine gun
Quick Summary
A heavy machine gun (HMG) is an automatic weapon of small caliber designed for sustained, rapid fire. Typically belt-fed, HMGs can fire 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute, continuing as long as the trigger is held and ammunition is available.1
Developed in the late 19th century, HMGs have significantly changed modern warfare. Post-1945, the term "heavy machine gun" refers to automatic weapons firing ammunition larger than standard combat rifles, commonly .50 inch or 12.7 mm caliber. These weapons are often gas-operated or recoil-operated and can be mounted on tripods or vehicles for use against ground targets or aircraft. The HMG abbreviation can also stand for Her Majesty's Government or His Majesty's Government.12345
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machine gun…War II the term “heavy machine gun” designated a water-cooled machine gun that was belt-fed, handled by a special squad of several soldiers, and mounted on a tripod. Since 1945 the term has designated an automatic weapon firing ammunition larger than that used in ordinary combat rifles; the most…
Read More…War II the term “heavy machine gun” designated a water-cooled machine gun that was belt-fed, handled by a special squad of several soldiers, and mounted on a tripod. Since 1945 the term has designated an automatic weapon firing ammunition larger than that used in ordinary combat rifles; the most…
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small armHeavy machine gunsSelf-actuated machine guns, which operated under energy generated by a fired round, became militarily effective after the introduction of nitrocellulose propellants. These burned at a more controlled rate than did the older black-powder propellants, generating pressures that built up over a longer…
Read MoreSelf-actuated machine guns, which operated under energy generated by a fired round, became militarily effective after the introduction of nitrocellulose propellants. These burned at a more controlled rate than did the older black-powder propellants, generating pressures that built up over a longer…
Read More- small armLarge-calibre machine guns
…water-cooled machine guns, the term heavy was applied to machine guns firing cartridges of several times rifle calibre—most often .50 inch or 12.7 millimetres.
Read More…water-cooled machine guns, the term heavy was applied to machine guns firing cartridges of several times rifle calibre—most often .50 inch or 12.7 millimetres.
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