There has been alot of controversy about wiether the M249 or the M60 is a better LMG.

The major difference in the calibers. THe M249 Squad Automatic Weapon uses the 5.56x45mm(.223Rem) and the M60 used the 7.62x51mm(.308Win). Which do you think is superior?

[This message has been edited by Verdammnis (edited 01-27-2003).]

I think the M249 fits the Light Machine Gun role much better then the M60.

The M60 is technically a General Purpose Machine gun, and was designed to fill two roles, but it ended up excelling at neither, although it was adequate.

BTW:

Isn't the M60 getting replaced by the new 7.62mm M240?

And isn't the M249 5.56mm not 5.45mm?

[This message has been edited by Hune (edited 01-26-2003).]

Yup was probabaly a typo.

He must of been thinking russian.
Speaking (writing?) of russian what about an RPK heard that was a pretty good LMG.

[This message has been edited by Rangoon (edited 01-27-2003).]

5.56x45mm my bad, I must have mistaken the 5.45x39mm.

THe main drawback to the RPK as a light MG is it is fed by a magazine. Magazines add more weight to the weapon and unlike belt/linked ammo can not be easily carried as such. Not to mention the RPK can only hold so much ammo at a time where as linked ammo can be linked to another link of ammo removing the need to reload in a defensive position.

I would say the M60 is superior over the M249 in the "demoralizing affect". When a M249 opens up it doesn't sound intimidating, on the other hand when a M60 opens up all you see is assholes and elbows as everyone hits the deck. Not to mention the stopping power the 7.62 has over the 5.56.

Verdammnis

Although I love the M60, the M249 is a better weapon. Its smaller, weighs less, and is easier to handle. It can be changed to accept M-16 magazines, always a nice feature. And the 5.56mm ammo weighs less so troops can carry more of it. Also the M249 can be decked out with a sliding stock, a foregrip, and shit. The M60 is great but the Army needs weapons that anyone can use and handle. The M60 is just too big.

quote:

---

Originally posted by M79TIME:
The M60 is just too big.

---

It is not that big, it weighs little over 20 pounds and CAN BE fired from the shoulder in three-round bursts by a 140lb man. If you have ever noticed often times the machinegunner isn't the "liitle guy" with all the ammo and weight, even with the M249 the big guy will still be the MGner becuase they will add more ammo for the weight loss in weapon size.

Verdammnis

P.S. Abouts where in Wisconsin do you live? If I might ask...

Fully combat ready a M249 with 200 rounds, bipod, sling, and cleaning kit weighs 22lbs, which is still 1lb less than an empty M60. Now I personally don't think the M60 is too big to handle, but the higher ups want something lighter so its easier on the troops when they're marching 20 miles.
And I live in Fond du Lac, Verdammnis.

A MGner could probably carry more 5.56 rounds then he could of 7.62, which is also a plus.

I think they should cross an m 60 and an m249 keep the gun size of the m 249 and the ammo of the m 60 .The 308 is a hell of a round like Verdammnis said all u will see is assholes and elbows when that round goes off.