What Replaced the M60 Machine Gun?
The M60 machine gun, also known as the 7.62x51mm M60, was a belt-fed, gas-operated machine gun that was widely used by the United States military during the Cold War and Vietnam War era. Introduced in 1957, the M60 was designed to be a lightweight and portable replacement for the earlier M1919 Browning machine gun. However, as military technology evolved, the M60 was eventually phased out and replaced by newer machine guns. In this article, we will explore what replaced the M60 machine gun.
The Rise of the M249 SAW
One of the main replacements for the M60 machine gun was the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). The M249 SAW is a belt-fed, gas-operated machine gun that was introduced in the 1980s. It is designed to be used by a single soldier, known as the gunner, and is typically mounted on a tripod or carried in a backpack. The M249 SAW is fed by a 200-round belt and has a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 850 rounds per minute.
Key Features of the M249 SAW
Here are some of the key features of the M249 SAW:
- Lightweight: The M249 SAW weighs approximately 22.5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the M60 machine gun.
- Portability: The M249 SAW can be carried by a single soldier, making it a more portable option than the M60.
- High Rate of Fire: The M249 SAW has a high rate of fire, making it effective against multiple targets.
- Accuracy: The M249 SAW is accurate out to 1,000 meters, making it effective at long ranges.
The M240 Machine Gun
Another replacement for the M60 machine gun was the M240 machine gun. The M240 is a belt-fed, gas-operated machine gun that was introduced in the 1980s. It is designed to be used by a crew of two, with one soldier acting as the gunner and the other as the assistant gunner. The M240 is fed by a 100-round belt and has a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 600 rounds per minute.
Key Features of the M240 Machine Gun
Here are some of the key features of the M240 machine gun:
- High Rate of Fire: The M240 machine gun has a high rate of fire, making it effective against multiple targets.
- Accuracy: The M240 machine gun is accurate out to 1,500 meters, making it effective at long ranges.
- Reliability: The M240 machine gun is known for its reliability, with a high rate of accuracy and few mechanical failures.
The M240B Machine Gun
The M240B machine gun is a variant of the M240 machine gun that was introduced in the 1990s. The M240B is designed to be used by a single soldier, known as the gunner, and is typically mounted on a tripod or carried in a backpack. The M240B is fed by a 100-round belt and has a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 600 rounds per minute.
Key Features of the M240B Machine Gun
Here are some of the key features of the M240B machine gun:
- Lightweight: The M240B machine gun weighs approximately 25 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the M60 machine gun.
- Portability: The M240B machine gun can be carried by a single soldier, making it a more portable option than the M60.
- High Rate of Fire: The M240B machine gun has a high rate of fire, making it effective against multiple targets.
- Accuracy: The M240B machine gun is accurate out to 1,500 meters, making it effective at long ranges.
Table: Comparison of the M60, M249 SAW, and M240 Machine Gun
| Feature | M60 | M249 SAW | M240 Machine Gun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62x51mm | 5.56x45mm | 7.62x51mm |
| Rate of Fire | 400-600 rounds per minute | 850 rounds per minute | 600 rounds per minute |
| Accuracy | Out to 1,000 meters | Out to 1,000 meters | Out to 1,500 meters |
| Portability | Not portable | Portable | Portable |
| Weight | 23.5 pounds | 22.5 pounds | 25 pounds |
Conclusion
The M60 machine gun was a widely used machine gun during the Cold War and Vietnam War era. However, as military technology evolved, the M60 was eventually phased out and replaced by newer machine guns. The M249 SAW and M240 machine gun are two of the main replacements for the M60, offering improved portability, accuracy, and rate of fire. The M240B machine gun is a variant of the M240 machine gun that is designed to be used by a single soldier and offers improved portability and accuracy.
