rkhannaji, thanks for the info. This is more or less in line with my understanding of the topic.rkhanna wrote:^^ got this off another forum.. Hope it helps in some way.
FN-MAG ..Aka GPMG
The thing about the GPMG is that is is "general purpose" – the usual definition of this is that it can be light enough to accompany the squad in normal ops, whilst also being "heavy" enough to provide sustained fire support from a tripod when required.SAW
- shares ammo with assault rifles
- carry more rounds per unit weight means more ammo
- shorter effective range compared to GPMG
- less stopping power compared to GPMG
- changeable barrel (but not done as much in practice?)
Bipod-Mounted GPMG
- rifle caliber ammo can't be shared
- fewer rounds per unit weight means less ammo
- longer effective range compared to SAW
- more stopping power compared to SAW
- changeable barrel (done more often in practice?)
Some of the posts that debated choosing between the INSAS LMG and MAG/Bren triggered my comment. While I agree that they are not mutually exclusive and do have overlapping roles in certain contexts, I would still think each has its own place. IMHO of course.
A while ago, I remember that there was a nice discussion on the same topic on TankNet, I will try to dig up the links if I can.