The M240: A Reliable Weapon for Infantry
It doesn’t matter what branch it is, they all rely on small arms weapons for immediate action when under attack. The infantry in the Army utilizes a few different weapons in their platoons and the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force are pretty much the same. Additionally, the Military Police and other combat arms use the same weapons.
Combat Arms Weapons
One of the best weapons in an infantry platoon is the squad automatic weapon (SAW). This is a devastating weapon in any combat arms unit.
In the combat arms unit, each squad will be assigned at least two M249 SAWs. Depending on the mission, the platoon or company will also assign their personnel a M2 and a Mk 19. But after that, there’s the infantry’s best weapon, the M240.
The Best, Hands Down
It doesn’t matter what the situation is the M240 is the best weapon in the United States military. The M240 is a belt-fed gas operated weapon that was first used by the United States in 1977. Since then, it has been used by every branch of military in combat situations.
M240 Specifications
- Ammo size is a NATO cartridge 7.62x51mm
- Barrel length is 24.8 inches
- Overall length is 49.7 inches
- Rate of fire (depending on the gas setting) is 650 rpm to 950 rpm
- Muzzle velocity is 2800 fps
- Effective firing range is 800m on bipod and 1100m on tripod
The M240 is most often used in rifle companies, ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft. Despite being heavier than some weapons, it’s highly regarded for its reliability.
Variants of the M240
There are many different models of the M240 that are used by the Unites States military:
- M240B
- M240G
- M240C
- M240E1
- M240D
The M240B and M240G are both normally fired from an integrated bipod, tripod, or a vehicle mount.
The M240C and M240E1 are used by tanks and they’re mounted on other military vehicles.
The M240D is used by aircraft.
Hands-On Experience
During my time in the military, I’ve been in several combat situations and thanks to the M240, I’ve been secure.
I’ve used the M240B while it was mounted on a humvee, a MRAP, and a ASV. I’ve also used them in fixed tower-positions and in sandbag fighting-positions.
The M240 is, by far, more reliable than any other infantry weapon. It has less malfunctions and jams than the M2 .50 Caliber and it has greater firepower than the SAW M249.
Throughout the years, the M240 has proved its worth. It’s the best infantry weapon and one of the best overall weapons in the United States military.
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