The M240 Machine Gun provides Marines with a continuous and high rate of fire with which to engage long-range targets. It is a heavier automatic weapon than the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) but provides a faster rate of fire and a greater effective range.
M240 Machine Gun Specs:
- Cartridge: 7.62×51mm NATO
- Action: Gas-operated, open bolt
- Rate of Fire: 750–950 rounds/min
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s)
- Effective Range:
- Bipod: 800 m (880 yd)
- Tripod: 1,800 m (1,980 yd)
- Maximum Range: 4,074 yd (3,725 m)
- Feed System: Non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt
- Sights: Folding leaf sight with aperture and notch, front blade
- Weight:
- M240B: 27.1 pounds (12.3 kg)
- M240G: 25.6 pounds (11.6 kg)
- M240L: 22.3 pounds (10.1 kg)
- Length: 49.7 in (1,263 mm)
- Barrel Length: 24.8 in (630 mm)
- Width: 4.7 in (118.7 mm)
- Height: 10.4 in (263 mm)