Favorite T2K-era SAW/LSW/LMG

[Raellus]

My last poll seems to have been a disappointment to many here so I thought I would try to make ammends with a new one. For classification purposes, I'm differentiating LSW/SAW/LMG from GPMG in that the former is not usually employed in the sustained fire mode or mounted on a tripod whereas with the latter this method of employment is more common.

EDIT: Whoops! I forgot to include the AUG HB. I figure a few of these could be found in the German army c. 2000 after the Austrian army had been absorbed.

[perardua]

I went with the Minimi, on the grounds that, of the two weapons on the poll that I have used (the other being the LSW), it is the only one that is actually a good LMG. <Insert longwinded rant on the LSW and its status as a 'crow cannon' here>

[StainlessSteelCynic]

My last poll seems to have been a disappointment to many here so I thought I would try to make ammends with a new one.

As one of those people causing the dissent on the first poll, I would just like to say that I don't see the poll as a disappointment. I'd get into the reasons but I fear it would just derail this poll and you don't deserve that.
Having used none of the weapons on your list I'm going with what I thought was the best based on nothing more than what I've read and how cool I think it looks - I chose the Ultimax

[Matt Wiser]

HK-21; more stopping power than a M-249 with that big 7.62-mm NATO round, belt or mag fed, and is reliable.

[Targan]

I chose other. Assuming that the G11 was issued to West German forces before the Twilight War, I also assume that they would issue the LSW version of the G11, the LMG11. I have a book which contains a photo of the only prototype they built and internal diagrams. Its magazine held 200 rounds and was contained in a detachable buttstock. I've never tried using the scanner I have at home but if I figure it out I'll try to post a picture here.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

I chose other. Assuming that the G11 was issued to West German forces before the Twilight War, I also assume that they would issue the LSW version of the G11, the LMG11. I have a book which contains a photo of the only prototype they built and internal diagrams. Its magazine held 200 rounds and was contained in a detachable buttstock. I've never tried using the scanner I have at home but if I figure it out I'll try to post a picture here.

You may be interested in this page from HKPro

http://www.hkpro.com/index.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=24:the-lmg11-caseless-mg&catid=11:rare-prototypes&Itemid=5

[Targan]

You may be interested in this page from HKPro
http://www.hkpro.com/index.phpoption...types&Itemid=5

Yeah, that's the one. I didn't have the book out when I wrote my post so I had a few things in error. 300 rounds, not 200. And maybe the picture I have is the model shown on the website and not a prototype. Still, no reason it would not have worked had they gone ahead with it.

[pmulcahy11b]

Yeah, that's the one. I didn't have the book out when I wrote my post so I had a few things in error. 300 rounds, not 200. And maybe the picture I have is the model shown on the website and not a prototype. Still, no reason it would not have worked had they gone ahead with it.

Well, got to do some fixes! I've noticed that HKPro.com has re-done their site; it looks better in many places.

[waiting4something]

I have only used the big full size M249 SAW and hated it. I saw the the Ultimax in Singapore and it looked awesome how the guys could move around with it because it was so light weight. I have only read about it's A+ reviews, but never got to shoot or handle it. I went with the Stoner 63 LMG/commando. The Stoner just looks sexy and I always have had a hard-on for it ever since I was a kid after reading The Element of Surprise.

[Legbreaker]

To me an LMG is around a 5-6mm weapon which immediately rules out 7.62 types. However, if it's magazine rather than belt fed, 7.62S is acceptable.

Therefore I couldn't go with something as hard hitting as a 7.62mmN or 7.62L, much to my disappointment. Also, as this is a T2K era and not modern, it's eliminated a couple more weapons.

As an ex-machinegunner, I simply can't go past belt fed weapons - they don't require reloading anywhere near as often as magazines (ruling out RPK's, L86, and the superbly accurate Bren just to name a few).

So, to me there's only a handful of weapons which fit and so I've gone with the F89 Minimi (the Australian made ones, not Belgian, US, etc).

[pmulcahy11b]

I have only used the big full size M249 SAW and hated it. I saw the the Ultimax in Singapore and it looked awesome how the guys could move around with it because it was so light weight. I have only read about it's A+ reviews, but never got to shoot or handle it. I went with the Stoner 63 LMG/commando. The Stoner just looks sexy and I always have had a hard-on for it ever since I was a kid after reading The Element of Surprise.

I understand they've improved it since I was in, but most troops I knew hated the SAW, and for the same reason as the M16 -- excessive dirt sensitivity.

The Marines are testing a version of the Ultimax -- they don't like the M249 either.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Ah yes the Stoner LMG, I hadn't thought of that one. I do like the look of it very much. Other LMG type weapons that could be found in some areas would be the French MAC 24/29, the Soviet DPM and the Spanish Ameli (okay I cheated, I got interested in the subject and checked some websites).

The LMG designation surely makes for a difficuly decision at times, the Lewis Gun is considered a Light MG but at approximately the same weight as the M60 I wouldn't call it such. The Bren Gun is only about 2kg lighter than an M60 and it's classed as a Light MG but it too is heavier than I'd like to carry.

[pmulcahy11b]

Where's our BRIPAC poster I've heard that even the Spanish don't like the Ameli, due to a tendency towards fragility. Is that true

[waiting4something]

I understand they've improved it since I was in, but most troops I knew hated the SAW, and for the same reason as the M16 -- excessive dirt sensitivity.

The Marines are testing a version of the Ultimax -- they don't like the M249 either.

Yeah, they must have improved the M249 when I was in, because when I was a boot we all hated it and where pissed if we got stuck with it. Then when we became the seniors our boots talked about how awesome it was.
The Marines have been dicking around with a a replacement for awhile, but I wouldn't hold my breath. When I was in one of my sister companies was doing some SAW tests with 3 other type of SAW's. The 3 at the armory were the COLT CAR, Ultimax 100, and HK G36 LMG. That was back in 2001 though and I never heard anything about it since. I was hoping we would have got one of them, since they a real automatic rifles not a LMG like the M249. I want something that is light weight and magazine fed for fast reloading. Nothing worse fumbling around with a belt of ammo on a assualt and having to carry more weight on top of it.

[waiting4something]

Ah yes the Stoner LMG, I hadn't thought of that one. I do like the look of it very much. Other LMG type weapons that could be found in some areas would be the French MAC 24/29, the Soviet DPM and the Spanish Ameli (okay I cheated, I got interested in the subject and checked some websites).

The LMG designation surely makes for a difficuly decision at times, the Lewis Gun is considered a Light MG but at approximately the same weight as the M60 I wouldn't call it such. The Bren Gun is only about 2kg lighter than an M60 and it's classed as a Light MG but it too is heavier than I'd like to carry.

Yes, the Spanish Ameli is bad ass looking. It always reminded me of a minature MG3. I rarely even think about Spanish weapons or their military for that matter. I guess no one else does either, since you never hear about Spain, except maybe the whole running with the bulls thing. It's weird they used to be such a major player in world afairs back in the day too.