what’s the difference between an assault rifle and a light machine gun?

4 Responses

1. Mike S

   November 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am

   First and fore most yes they both fire rapidly but wile assault rifles like the M-16 fire in three round bursts a light machinegun fires at full automatic at a much high rate of fire. The light machine gun is also significantly heavier and though it normally uses the same ammunition the feed is usually by belt rather than magazine. The assault rifle is a point weapon (meaning you normally if the situation allows actually aim it). The machine gun, all machine guns are area weapons designed to deliver a lot of bullets into a certain area rather than at a single target. Well that’s about it, hope it was of some help. Good luck to you.

2. Mary Jo's Ghost

   November 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am

   Usually weight and method of feed. Truth is though, I have seen units that used M-60′s and M 240′s as assault weapons. In fact, the 82nd during the 1980′s considered the M 60 an assault weapon and did away with the tripod and ammo bearer until at least 1987.

   In a jungle environment you can do that. In an urban environment, it would be insanity.

3. grasshopper

   November 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am

   The amount of ammo each can fire without reloading. Machine gun more able to withstand constant burts without overheating the barrel and is usually belt fed..assault rifle is more portable in combat situations and is magazine fed.

4. Berderderder

   November 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am

   An assult rifles is designed more for accuracy on a point target i.e. human, truck etc. Assult rifles are also lighter, making them an "assult weapon". They are easier to manuver, are less likely to jam upon first fire and are able to be deployed more readily than a LMG. A light machine gun, such as the SAW, (Squad Automatic Weapon), is used to produce mass casualties in an area like an open field. LMG’s are also designed to be used by Support By Fire, (SBF), elements when in an area that artillery or close air support can not be used. Areas that arty and air support can’t always be used are places like Baghdad, Basra and other heavily occupied urban environments.

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