M240
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Production · 1977
Also known as: FN MAG, GPMG, Gimpy, L7A2
Overview
The M240 is a automatic machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by FN Herstal since 1977. Safety features include manual safety selector, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 12290 g (433.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1263 mm (49.72") |
| Barrel Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Height | 295 mm (11.61") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Automatic Only |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3456 J (2549 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3725 m (4074 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 | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed 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, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Flash Suppressor, Fixed Headspace
Variants
- M240B — Infantry
- M240G — Usmc Infantry
- M240L — Lightweight
- M240D — Aircraft Mount
- M240H — Modernized Aircraft
- M240C — Vehicle Mount
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1977 · as M240 / M240B / M240L
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1991 · as M240G / M240B
- United States Navy · adopted 1977
- United States Air Force
- Colombian Armed Forces
- Iraqi Armed Forces · as M240B
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- Falklands War (1982-1982)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1958-present
Total for all FN MAG/M240 variants; produced in Belgium, USA, UK, Argentina, Egypt, India, and others
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Ernest Vervier
Notes
The M240 was first adopted for vehicle mounting, predating its infantry adoption by two decades. The M240B features a single gas setting with hydraulic buffer limiting cyclic rate to 550-650 RPM, while the M240G retains a three-position gas regulator allowing 650-950 RPM. The M240L, adopted in 2010, uses titanium for the receiver body reducing weight by 2.5 kg (18%) compared to the M240B. All infantry variants feature cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels with fixed headspace and timing. Manufactured in the US by FN Manufacturing LLC in Columbia, South Carolina. Unit cost approximately $6,600.
Background
The M240 was originally adopted by the U.S. Army in 1977 only as a coaxial weapon for tanks, two decades before it replaced the M60 in the infantry role. Its mean rounds between failure exceeding 50,000 made it far more reliable than the M60 it replaced, and troops came to view its extra weight as a worthwhile trade-off for near-absolute dependability.