FN MAG
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Production · 1958
Also known as: Mitrailleuse d'Appui General, M240, L7A1, L7A2, C6 GPMG, Ksp 58, MAG 58
Overview
The FN MAG (Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général, meaning General Purpose Machine Gun) is a Belgian 7.62x51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun designed in the early 1950s by Ernest Vervier at Fabrique Nationale. Entering production in 1958, the MAG combines the proven feed mechanism of the German MG 42 with the inverted gas operation system derived from the Browning BAR. It features a gas-operated, open-bolt design with a quick-change barrel system requiring less than 6 seconds for replacement. The weapon incorporates an adjustable gas regulator allowing users to set cyclic rates between 650-1,000 rounds per minute for optimal reliability under varying conditions. Known for exceptional reliability, accuracy, and durability, the FN MAG has become one of the most widely adopted machine guns in history, serving over 80 countries worldwide. It remains in production and active service across NATO forces and beyond, designated as the M240 in the United States, L7 in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, and C6 in Canada.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 11790 g (415.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1260 mm (49.61") |
| Barrel Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic Only |
| Magazine Type | Belt Fed |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3350 J (2471 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed Disintegrating, Belt Fed Non Disintegrating
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Gas Regulator, Picatinny Rail, Bipod, Open Bolt, Belt Fed, Slotted Flash Suppressor
Variants
- MAG 58 (Infantry) — Standard
- MAG 60-20 (Infantry) — Standard
- MAG 60-30 (Aviation) — Aircraft Mount
- MAG 60-40 (Coaxial) — Vehicle Mount
- M240 — Us Designation
- M240B — Us Infantry
- M240G — Us Marines
- M240L — Lightweight
- L7A1 — Uk Designation
- L7A2 — Uk Improved
- C6 GPMG — Canadian Designation
- Ksp 58 — Swedish Designation
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1958 · as MAG 58
- United States Army · adopted 1977 · as M240
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1991 · as M240G
- British Armed Forces · adopted 1961 · as L7A1/L7A2
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 1963 · as MAG 58
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 1961 · as C6 GPMG
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1958 · as Ksp 58
- New Zealand Defence Force · adopted 1976 · as L7A2
- Netherlands Armed Forces · as MAG
- Spanish Armed Forces · as MAG
- Israeli Defense Forces · as MAG
- Indian Armed Forces · as MAG 58
- Argentine Armed Forces · adopted 1960 · as MAG
- Singapore Armed Forces · as MAG
- Egyptian Armed Forces · as MAG
Conflicts
- Falklands War (1982)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 1958-present
Exact total unknown but produced continuously since 1958 across multiple countries. In service with over 80 nations, making it one of the most widely adopted machine guns in history.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Ernest Vervier
Notes
The FN MAG was initially adopted by Sweden in 1958 as the Ksp 58, originally chambered in 6.5x55mm before the standard 7.62x51mm NATO version became widespread. The weapon's design brilliantly combines elements from two of WWII's most successful firearms: the MG 42's belt-feed mechanism and the BAR's gas operation (inverted). The quick-change barrel system enables sustained fire capability, a critical feature for a general-purpose machine gun. Modern variants feature MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for mounting optics and accessories. The weapon is manufactured under license in multiple countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Egypt, and India. The M240L variant, adopted by the U.S. military in 2010, reduces weight by 2.5kg through the use of titanium components. The MAG can be deployed on bipods for infantry use, tripods for sustained fire roles, or vehicle/aircraft mounts for coaxial and pintle applications.
Background
The FN MAG's design brilliantly combines the best elements of two World War II weapons: the feed mechanism from the German MG 42 and the inverted gas operating system from the Browning Automatic Rifle. Sweden was the first country to adopt it in 1958, originally chambered for their 6.5x55mm cartridge.