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The general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) originated with the [[MG 34]], designed in 1934 by [[Heinrich Vollmer]] of [[Mauser]] on the commission of [[Nazi Germany]] to circumvent the restrictions on [[machine gun]]s imposed by the [[Treaty of Versailles]]. It was introduced into the [[Wehrmacht]] as an entirely new concept in [[Automatic firearm|automatic]] firepower, dubbed the ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'', meaning "universal machine gun" in [[German language|German]].<ref>Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 375</ref><ref name="autogenerated326">Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 326</ref><ref name="autogenerated245">The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Chris Bishop. Sterling Publishing Company. 2002. page 245 & 246</ref> In itself the MG 34 was an excellent weapon for its time: an [[air-cooled]], [[recoil-operated]] machine gun that could run through belts of [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] ammunition at a rate of 850 [[rounds per minute]], with lethality at ranges of more than 1,000 [[meters]].<ref name="autogenerated326"/><ref name="autogenerated245"/> The main feature of the MG 34 is that simply by changing its mount, [[Gunsights|sights]] and feed mechanism, the operator could radically transform its function: on its standard [[bipod]] it was a [[light machine gun]] ideal for [[infantry]] assaults; on a [[tripod]] it could serve as a sustained-fire [[medium machine gun]]; mounting on [[aircraft]] or [[vehicle]]s turned it into an [[air defence]] weapon, and it also served as the [[coaxial machine gun]] on numerous German [[tank]]s.<ref name="autogenerated326"/><ref name="autogenerated245"/>
The general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) originated with the [[MG 34]], designed in 1934 by [[Heinrich Vollmer]] of [[Mauser]] on the commission of [[Nazi Germany]] to circumvent the restrictions on [[machine gun]]s imposed by the [[Treaty of Versailles]]. It was introduced into the [[Wehrmacht]] as an entirely new concept in [[Automatic firearm|automatic]] firepower, dubbed the ''Einheitsmaschinengewehr'', meaning "universal machine gun" in [[German language|German]].<ref>Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 375</ref><ref name="autogenerated326">Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 326</ref><ref name="autogenerated245">The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Chris Bishop. Sterling Publishing Company. 2002. page 245 & 246</ref> In itself the MG 34 was an excellent weapon for its time: an [[air-cooled]], [[recoil-operated]] machine gun that could run through belts of [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] ammunition at a rate of 850 [[rounds per minute]], with lethality at ranges of more than 1,000 [[meters]].<ref name="autogenerated326"/><ref name="autogenerated245"/> The main feature of the MG 34 is that simply by changing its mount, [[Gunsights|sights]] and feed mechanism, the operator could radically transform its function: on its standard [[bipod]] it was a [[light machine gun]] ideal for [[infantry]] assaults; on a [[tripod]] it could serve as a sustained-fire [[medium machine gun]]; mounting on [[aircraft]] or [[vehicle]]s turned it into an [[air defence]] weapon, and it also served as the [[coaxial machine gun]] on numerous German [[tank]]s.<ref name="autogenerated326"/><ref name="autogenerated245"/>


During [[World War II]], the MG 34 was supplemented by a new GPMG, the [[MG 42]], although it remained in combat use.<ref  
During [[World War II]], the MG 34 was supplemented by a new GPMG, the [[MG 42]], although it remained in combat use.<ref
   name="autogenerated376">
   name="autogenerated376">
   Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 376
   Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 376
Line 20: Line 20:
</ref> The MG 42 was more efficient and cheaper to manufacture, and more robust, as well as having an extremely high [[Rate_of_fire#Cyclic_rate|cyclic rate of fire]] of 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute.<ref name="autogenerated376"/><ref name="autogenerated329"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/> One of the ''Einheits Maschinengewehr'' GPMG roles was to provide low level anti-aircraft coverage. A high cyclic rate of fire is advantageous for use against targets typically exposed to fire for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets minimizing their exposure by quickly moving from cover to cover. It was nicknamed "[[Hitler]]'s [[buzzsaw]]" by [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] troops, and alongside the MG 34 it inflicted heavy [[casualties]] on Allied soldiers on all [[European theatre of World War II|European]] and [[North African Theatre (World War II)|North African]] fronts of World War II.<ref name="autogenerated376"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/><ref>
</ref> The MG 42 was more efficient and cheaper to manufacture, and more robust, as well as having an extremely high [[Rate_of_fire#Cyclic_rate|cyclic rate of fire]] of 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute.<ref name="autogenerated376"/><ref name="autogenerated329"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/> One of the ''Einheits Maschinengewehr'' GPMG roles was to provide low level anti-aircraft coverage. A high cyclic rate of fire is advantageous for use against targets typically exposed to fire for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets minimizing their exposure by quickly moving from cover to cover. It was nicknamed "[[Hitler]]'s [[buzzsaw]]" by [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] troops, and alongside the MG 34 it inflicted heavy [[casualties]] on Allied soldiers on all [[European theatre of World War II|European]] and [[North African Theatre (World War II)|North African]] fronts of World War II.<ref name="autogenerated376"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/><ref>
   Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 328 & 329
   Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 328 & 329
</ref>  Following the war the victorious Allied nations took an interest in the MG 34 and MG 42, influencing many post-war general-purpose machine guns, many still in use today. They lent design elements to the Belgian [[FN MAG]] and the American [[M60 machine gun|M60]], while spawning the Zastava M53, Swiss M51, and Austrian MG 74. The MG 42's qualities of firepower and usability meant that it became the foundation of an entire series of postwar machine guns, including the MG 1 and [[MG 3 machine gun|MG 3]]; the latter, {{as of|2023|lc=y}}, is still in production.<ref  
</ref>  Following the war the victorious Allied nations took an interest in the MG 34 and MG 42, influencing many post-war general-purpose machine guns, many still in use today. They lent design elements to the Belgian [[FN MAG]] and the American [[M60 machine gun|M60]], while spawning the Zastava M53, Swiss M51, and Austrian MG 74. The MG 42's qualities of firepower and usability meant that it became the foundation of an entire series of postwar machine guns, including the MG 1 and [[MG 3 machine gun|MG 3]]; the latter, {{as of|2023|lc=y}}, is still in production.<ref
   name="autogenerated376"/><ref  
   name="autogenerated376"/><ref
   name="autogenerated329"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/><ref>
   name="autogenerated329"/><ref name="autogenerated247"/><ref>
   MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns. by Chris McNab. Published by Random House Publishing Group. Oct 23, 2012. Quote taken from leaf.
   MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns. by Chris McNab. Published by Random House Publishing Group. October 23, 2012. Quote taken from leaf.
</ref>
</ref>


==Post-WWII examples==
==Post-WWII examples==
* [[Germany|German]] [[Rheinmetall MG 3]], a direct descendant of the [[MG 42]], still in service with the [[German Army]] and others and widely exported.
* [[Germany|German]] [[Rheinmetall MG 3]], a direct descendant of the [[MG 42]], still in service with the [[German Army]] and others and widely exported.
* German [[Heckler & Koch HK21]], is based on the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] rifle and widely exported.
* German [[Heckler & Koch HK21]], is based on the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] rifle and widely exported.
* German [[Heckler & Koch MG5]], the new standard machine gun of the German Army.
* German [[Heckler & Koch MG5]], the new (2015) standard machine gun of the German Army.
* Italian [[:it:Beretta MG 42/59|MG 42/59]], a direct descendant of the MG 42 and a licensed MG 3 variant, is still in service with the [[Italian military]]
* Italian [[:it:Beretta MG 42/59|MG 42/59]], a direct descendant of the MG 42 and a licensed MG 3 variant, is still{{When|date=October 2025}} in service with the [[Italian military]]
* [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[FN MAG]], which copied the MG 42's feed-system and trigger-mechanism. It is the most widely used GPMG among western armies.
* [[Belgium|Belgian]] [[FN MAG]], which copied the MG 42's feed-system and trigger-mechanism. It is the most widely used GPMG among western armies.
* Belgian/American [[Mk 48 machine gun|Mk 48]]/[[FN_Minimi#Minimi_7.62|Minimi 7.62]], is a GPMG based on the [[FN Minimi]] [[light machine gun]] and [[M249 squad automatic weapon|M249 SAW]].
* Belgian/American [[Mk 48 machine gun|Mk 48]]/[[FN_Minimi#Minimi_7.62|Minimi 7.62]], is a GPMG based on the [[FN Minimi]] [[light machine gun]] and [[M249 squad automatic weapon|M249 SAW]].
*[[United States|American]] [[M60 machine gun|M60]], which is based on the German [[FG 42]] and uses the MG 42's feed system and stamp-steel construction.<ref>Military Small Arms Of The 20th Century. Ian Hogg & John Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. p379</ref><ref>Weapons: An International Encyclopedia From 5000 B.C. To 2000 A.D. Diagram Visual, p. 217. {{ISBN|0-312-03950-6}}.</ref>  
* [[United States|American]] [[M60 machine gun|M60]], which is based on the German [[FG 42]] and uses the MG 42's feed system and stamp-steel construction.<ref>Military Small Arms Of The 20th Century. Ian Hogg & John Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. p379</ref><ref>Weapons: An International Encyclopedia From 5000 B.C. To 2000 A.D. Diagram Visual, p. 217. {{ISBN|0-312-03950-6}}.</ref>
* American [[M240 machine gun|M240]], itself an FN MAG variant. It replaced the M60 in U.S. service.
* American [[M240 machine gun|M240]], itself an FN MAG variant. It replaced the M60 in U.S. service.
* [[France|French]] [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]] [[AA-52]], which more or less copies the MG 42 feed-system. It has been largely phased out in favour of the FN MAG and FN Minimi.
* [[France|French]] [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]] [[AA-52]], which more or less copies the MG 42 feed-system. It has been largely phased out in favour of the FN MAG and FN Minimi.
* [[Czechoslovakia]]n [[Uk vz. 59]], is based on the Vz. 52 and Vz.52/57, and originating with [[ZB vz. 26]] and [[Bren gun]] designs.
* [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[Uk vz. 59]], is based on the Vz. 52 and Vz.52/57, and originating with [[ZB vz. 26]] and [[Bren gun]] designs.
* [[Russia]]n [[PK machine gun|PK/PKM]], family of multi-purpose machine guns, is based on the [[AKM]] assault rifle featuring stamped receivers, widely exported.
* [[Russia]]n [[PK machine gun|PK/PKM]], family of multi-purpose machine guns, is based on the [[AKM]] assault rifle featuring stamped receivers, widely exported.
* Russian [[AEK-999]], is an improved version of the PK/PKM.
* Russian [[AEK-999]], is an improved version of the PK/PKM.
* Russian [[Pecheneg machine gun|Pecheneg]], is a variant of the PK/PKM with a fixed barrel and cooling jacket.  
* Russian [[Pecheneg machine gun|Pecheneg]], is a variant of the PK/PKM with a fixed barrel and cooling jacket.
* [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] [[Zastava M84]], is a direct copy of the Russian PK machine-gun.
* [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslav]] [[Zastava M84]], is a direct copy of the Russian PK machine-gun.
* [[Poland|Polish]] [[UKM-2000]], is based on the Russian PK machine-gun.
* [[Poland|Polish]] [[UKM-2000]], is based on the Russian PK machine-gun.
* [[People's Republic of China]] [[Type 80 machine gun|Type 80]], is based on the Russian PK machine-gun.
* [[China|Chinese]] [[Type 80 machine gun|Type 80]], is based on the Russian PK machine-gun.
* People's Republic of China [[Type 67 machine gun|Type 67]], and later improved models.
* Chinese [[Type 67 machine gun|Type 67]], and later improved models.
* People's Republic of China [[QJY-88|Type 88 Machine Gun]]
* Chinese [[QJY-88|Type 88 Machine Gun]]
* People's Republic of China [[QJY-201]]
* Chinese [[QJY-201]]
* [[Japan]]ese [[Sumitomo Type 62|Sumitomo NTK-62]], is a GPMG based on the [[FN MAG]].
* [[Japan]]ese [[Sumitomo Type 62|Sumitomo NTK-62]], is a GPMG based on the [[FN MAG]].
* [[South Africa]]n [[Vektor SS-77]], is based on the Russian PK/PKM.
* [[South Africa]]n [[Vektor SS-77]], is based on the Russian PK/PKM.
Line 54: Line 53:
* Swiss [[SIG MG 710-3]]
* Swiss [[SIG MG 710-3]]
* Swiss [[SIG MG 50]]
* Swiss [[SIG MG 50]]
* Austrian [[MG_42#MG_74|MG 74]], a direct descendant of the MG 42/59 and since 1974 the standard machine gun of the [[Austrian Armed Forces]].
* Austrian [[MG 42#MG 74|MG 74]], a direct descendant of the MG 42/59 and since 1974 the standard machine gun of the [[Austrian Armed Forces]].
* Israeli [[Negev NG7]], is a GPMG based on the [[IWI Negev]] light machine gun.
* Israeli [[Negev NG7]], is a GPMG based on the [[IWI Negev]] light machine gun.
* Canadian [[C6A1 FLEX]], an improved version of C6 that is a Canadian version of FN MAG.
* Canadian [[C6A1 FLEX]], an improved version of C6 that is a Canadian version of FN MAG.
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
<gallery class="center">
File:MG34.jpg|[[MG 34]] belt-fed tripod version (top) and saddle-[[drum magazine]] bipod version (below)
File:MG34.jpg                                     | [[MG 34]] belt-fed tripod version (top) and saddle-[[drum magazine]] bipod version (below)
File:Poligono Mg.jpg|MG 42/59
File:Poligono Mg.jpg                               | MG 42/59
File:BundeswehrMG3.jpg|[[MG3]]
File:BundeswehrMG3.jpg                             | [[MG3]]
File:MG74 Dreibein und ZF.jpg|MG 74 mounted on its tripod
File:MG74 Dreibein und ZF.jpg                     | MG 74 mounted on its tripod
File:Machine gun p1040625.jpg|[[AA-52]]
File:Machine gun p1040625.jpg                     | [[AA-52]]
File:M60 Medium Machine Gun (7414626098).jpg|[[M60 machine gun|M60]]
File:M60 Medium Machine Gun (7414626098).jpg       | [[M60 machine gun|M60]]
File:FN MAG white background.jpg|[[FN MAG]]
File:FN MAG white background.jpg                   | [[FN MAG]] (Fabrique Nationale de Herstal)
File:7,62 KK PKM Helsinki 2012.JPG|[[PK machine gun|PKM]]
File:7,62 KK PKM Helsinki 2012.JPG                 | [[PK machine gun|PKM]]
File:HK 21 LMG RIGHT SIDE.jpg|[[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21A1]]
File:HK 21 LMG RIGHT SIDE.jpg                     | [[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21A1]]
File:Japan Type 62 General Purpose Machine Gun.jpg|[[Sumitomo Type 62|Type 62]]
File:Japan Type 62 General Purpose Machine Gun.jpg | [[Sumitomo Type 62|Type 62]]
Image:ChineseType672MG.jpg|[[Type 67 machine gun|Type 67]] on a tripod field mount
File:ChineseType672MG.jpg                         | [[Type 67 machine gun|Type 67]] on a tripod field mount
File:QJY-201Zhuhai.jpg|[[QJY-201]] at airshow china 2022
File:QJY-201Zhuhai.jpg                             | [[QJY-201]] at Airshow China 2022
File:PEO M240B Profile.jpg|[[M240]]
File:PEO M240B Profile.jpg                         | [[M240]]
File:Демонстрация стрельбы из пулеметов ПКП Печенег - 4-й гвардейской Кантемировской танковой дивизии 01.jpg|[[Pecheneg machine gun|Pecheneg]]
File:Демонстрация стрельбы из пулеметов ПКП Печенег - 4-й гвардейской Кантемировской танковой дивизии 01.jpg | [[Pecheneg machine gun|Pecheneg]]
File:UKM2000P REMOV.jpg|[[UKM-2000|UKM-2000P]]
File:UKM2000P REMOV.jpg                           | [[UKM-2000|UKM-2000P]]
File:Mk 48 PEO Soldier.jpg|[[Mk 48 machine gun|MK48 MOD 0/1, 7.62mm Lightweight Machine Gun]]
File:Mk 48 PEO Soldier.jpg                         | [[Mk 48 machine gun|MK48 MOD 0/1, 7.62mm Lightweight Machine Gun]]
File:S&T Motiv K12.JPG|[[S&T Motiv K12|K12]]
File:S&T Motiv K12 (cropped).JPG                   | [[S&T Motiv K16|K16]]
File:Heckler & Koch MG5.jpg|[[Heckler & Koch MG5|MG5]]
File:Heckler & Koch MG5.jpg                       | [[Heckler & Koch MG5|MG5]]
File:Latvian soldiers with machine guns.jpg|[[Latvia]]n soldiers with MG3, FN MAG and HK21 machine guns
File:Latvian soldiers with machine guns.jpg       | [[Latvia]]n soldiers with MG3, FN MAG and HK21 machine guns
</gallery>
</gallery>


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* [[Fully powered cartridge]]
* [[Fully powered cartridge]]


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{General Purpose Machine Guns}}
{{General Purpose Machine Guns}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:General Purpose Machine Gun}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:General Purpose Machine Gun}}
[[Category:Machine guns]]
[[Category:Machine guns]]
[[Category:General-purpose machine guns|*]]
[[Category:General-purpose machine guns|*]]

Latest revision as of 06:33, 18 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:Multiple issues

File:MG42-Display.jpg
The MG-42 type general-purpose machine guns in both bipod and tripod configurations. The tall tripod on the right is for anti-aircraft use.

A general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is an air-cooled, usually belt-fed machine gun that can be adapted flexibly to various tactical roles for light and medium machine guns.[1] A GPMG typically features a quick-change barrel design calibered for various fully powered cartridges such as the 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×54mmR, 7.5×54mm French, 7.5×55mm Swiss and 7.92×57mm Mauser,[2] and be configured for mounting to different stabilizing platforms from bipods and tripods to vehicles, aircraft, boats and fortifications, usually as an infantry support weapon or squad automatic weapon.

History

The general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) originated with the MG 34, designed in 1934 by Heinrich Vollmer of Mauser on the commission of Nazi Germany to circumvent the restrictions on machine guns imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. It was introduced into the Wehrmacht as an entirely new concept in automatic firepower, dubbed the Einheitsmaschinengewehr, meaning "universal machine gun" in German.[3][4][5] In itself the MG 34 was an excellent weapon for its time: an air-cooled, recoil-operated machine gun that could run through belts of 7.92×57mm Mauser ammunition at a rate of 850 rounds per minute, with lethality at ranges of more than 1,000 meters.[4][5] The main feature of the MG 34 is that simply by changing its mount, sights and feed mechanism, the operator could radically transform its function: on its standard bipod it was a light machine gun ideal for infantry assaults; on a tripod it could serve as a sustained-fire medium machine gun; mounting on aircraft or vehicles turned it into an air defence weapon, and it also served as the coaxial machine gun on numerous German tanks.[4][5]

During World War II, the MG 34 was supplemented by a new GPMG, the MG 42, although it remained in combat use.[6][7][8] The MG 42 was more efficient and cheaper to manufacture, and more robust, as well as having an extremely high cyclic rate of fire of 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute.[6][7][8] One of the Einheits Maschinengewehr GPMG roles was to provide low level anti-aircraft coverage. A high cyclic rate of fire is advantageous for use against targets typically exposed to fire for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets minimizing their exposure by quickly moving from cover to cover. It was nicknamed "Hitler's buzzsaw" by Allied troops, and alongside the MG 34 it inflicted heavy casualties on Allied soldiers on all European and North African fronts of World War II.[6][8][9] Following the war the victorious Allied nations took an interest in the MG 34 and MG 42, influencing many post-war general-purpose machine guns, many still in use today. They lent design elements to the Belgian FN MAG and the American M60, while spawning the Zastava M53, Swiss M51, and Austrian MG 74. The MG 42's qualities of firepower and usability meant that it became the foundation of an entire series of postwar machine guns, including the MG 1 and MG 3; the latter, Template:As of, is still in production.[6][7][8][10]

Post-WWII examples

Gallery

See also

References

Template:Reflist

Template:General Purpose Machine Guns Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 375
  4. ↑ a b c Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 326
  5. ↑ a b c The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Chris Bishop. Sterling Publishing Company. 2002. page 245 & 246
  6. ↑ a b c d Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Ian Hogg & Terry Gander. HarperCollins Publishers. 2005. page 376
  7. ↑ a b c Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 329
  8. ↑ a b c d The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Chris Bishop. Sterling Publishing Company. 2002. page 247
  9. ↑ Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 7th Edition. Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. page 328 & 329
  10. ↑ MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns. by Chris McNab. Published by Random House Publishing Group. October 23, 2012. Quote taken from leaf.
  11. ↑ Military Small Arms Of The 20th Century. Ian Hogg & John Weeks. Krause Publications. 2000. p379
  12. ↑ Weapons: An International Encyclopedia From 5000 B.C. To 2000 A.D. Diagram Visual, p. 217. Template:ISBN.
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