Marines and US Army Secretly Obsessed with THIS Monstrous Weapon!

Since the invention of the Maxim gun in 1884, the concept of machine guns has evolved dramatically. Initially, they were revolutionary, offering an edge in warfare. Over the next century, these weapons were refined, becoming either lighter for easier use or sturdier for stationary positions and mounted operations. One standout development is the M240, a medium machine gun that has been used by the United States military and other NATO countries for years.

The M240 can be used on the ground via a tripod or attached to a vehicle. (Photo Credit: Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images)

The Development of the M240

Both the US Army and Marine Corps use the M240, but in different ways. It’s also seen use by the US Coast Guard. (Photo Credit: LIU JIN / AFP / Getty Images)

The M240 was crafted by Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal, a Belgian arms company. It first caught the US Army’s attention in the late 1970s, specifically for use on tanks. Soon, the versatility of the gun made it indispensable to both the Army and the Marine Corps.

This belt-fed, gas-operated machine gun fires the standard 7.62 x 51 mm NATO round. What makes it unique is its adjustable firing rate, which can be set to three different speeds: 650-750 rounds per minute, 750-850 rounds, or a blazing 850-950 rounds per minute. This flexibility allows soldiers to adapt their firepower depending on the mission’s needs.

The M240 replaced earlier models, like the M73 and its variant, the M219, after rigorous testing. In trials comparing mean rounds before stoppage and mean rounds before failure, the M240 emerged as the clear victor, solidifying its place in the US military’s arsenal.

Different Approaches Between Army and Marine Corps

The M240 has saw use in a number of conflicts since the 1990s. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Julieanne Morse / U.S. Army National Guard / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

Although both the US Army and the Marine Corps use the M240, they operate it differently. The Army mounts the gun on an M192 Lightweight Ground Mount tripod, first introduced in 2005. This tripod is known for its portability and ease of adjustment, making it ideal for fast-moving ground operations.

The Marine Corps, on the other hand, prefers an updated version of the legendary M2 tripod—the M122A1. This newer model allows operators to control the gun with one hand and works with a variety of machine guns without needing an adapter.

M240’s Battlefield Experience

The M240 has seen action in several major conflicts. It was first deployed during the Gulf War and has since become a staple for US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Iraqi forces have also relied on the M240 in their fight against ISIL and ISIS.

The machine gun’s use isn’t confined to American forces alone. For instance, members of the Free Syrian Army have adopted the M240 during the Syrian Civil War. They often mount it on “technicals,” which are makeshift military vehicles—typically pickup trucks armed with heavy weaponry like machine guns and anti-aircraft guns.

The Ukrainian military was provided with M240s to help repel the 2022 Russian invasion. (Photo Credit: Scott Peterson / Getty Images)

A Weapon Used Worldwide

The M240’s reliability and power have made it a favorite for many other nations beyond the US. Indonesia mounts it on their Leopard 2 tanks, while Poland equips its M1A2 Abrams tanks with the gun. Spain’s Army Airmobile Force uses the M240 on its Chinook helicopters, while Georgia switched to the M240 from older Russian-made guns in 2017.

In recent years, the M240 has played a role in modern conflicts. Iraq has received these guns to combat groups like the Taliban, and Ukraine has been supplied with M240s to defend against the ongoing Russian invasion.

Variants of the M240

Since its inception, multiple variants of the M240 have been developed for different military needs. The M240E1 is primarily used by the Marine Corps on vehicles like the LAV-25, while the M240B is the standard medium machine gun for US infantry. Even the US Coast Guard uses the “B” variant.

For those looking for a lighter option, there’s the M240L, which is made from titanium and is 18% lighter than the original version. The only downside is that its lighter materials make it more expensive and slower to produce.

In an effort to push the envelope even further, Barrett has developed the 240LW, which incorporates the M240’s specifications but is significantly lighter due to advanced materials. They’ve also introduced the 240LWS, a shortened version of this already reduced-weight model.

A Machine Gun for Every Battlefield

The M240’s versatility, power, and durability have made it a favorite not only for US forces but for militaries around the world. Whether mounted on vehicles or carried by infantry, this weapon continues to play a critical role in modern warfare, proving that even after decades of service, its legacy is far from over.