Machine guns have been an important part of military tactics for well over a century. Whether it’s the rattling ones from WWI or the sleek, electric-powered models of today, these guns all share one thing in common: their breathtaking firing speeds. Here are 18 of the fastest-firing machine guns around.
M134 Minigun
In the movies, you’ve probably seen one of those action-packed scenes where bullets stream like water from a helicopter. Chances are, that’s an M134 Minigun, which is a beast that can unload up to 6,000 rounds a minute. That’s approximately a hundred bullets every second, which is perfect for when you need a lot of firepower fast.
MG42
The MG42 was a machine gun from WWII that earned its nickname “the buzzsaw” because of how it sounded when firing. It had a rate of about 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute and could sweep a battlefield quickly. No wonder this old warhorse influenced so many of today’s guns.
FN Minimi
While it might look small, the FN Minimi can fire between 700 and 1,000 rounds per minute. But even better than that, you can feed it with a belt or pop in a magazine, making it super flexible depending on the situation. Many soldiers love it for its adaptability during the heat of battle.
GAU-19
One of the most impressive things about the GAU-19 is the fact you can mount it on vehicles and aircraft, shooting .50-caliber bullets at around 2,000 rounds per minute. It’s always ready to unleash a storm of lead to protect everyone around. After all, wouldn’t you be intimidated by firepower that strong?
Heckler & Koch MG5
Even though it’s a relatively new machine gun, the H&K MG5 has quickly become a popular choice for many armies. This firearm shoots approximately 800 rounds per minute, and many appreciate its reliability. Whether in the rain or mud, the MG5 keeps on firing, making it a solid option in the field.
Vickers Machine Gun
The Vickers machine gun is so good at its job that it has barely changed for nearly 50 years. Its main claim to fame is its steady firing rate of 450 to 500 rounds per minute and its cooling system, which means it can keep firing all day long if needed. You’ll struggle to find a machine gun that’s more reliable than this one.
PK Machine Gun
Since the 1960s, the PK machine gun has been a hit among the then-Soviet, now-Russian, arsenal. It can fire around 650 rounds per minute, which is clear proof of its reliability. Over the decades, many soldiers have begun using this firearm, and it has become famous for just plain working, no matter the conditions.
M60
The M60 represents the Vietnam era through and through, mostly due to its 550 rounds per minute firing rate. Troops loved it while their enemies hated it, and it played an important role during ‘Nam because it could provide continuous firepower during long skirmishes. Since then, the M60 has continued to symbolize American military might.
Negev NG7
Israel’s Negev NG7 allows the soldiers to choose how wild they want to go with a rate of 850 rounds per minute in high gear. It’s especially handy in close quarters or when laying down a precise fire curtain. It’s also pretty adaptable, meaning that you can quickly respond to any changes in the battlefield conditions.
KPV Heavy Machine Gun
The KPV heavy machine gun is all about going big because it can fire large 14.5mm rounds at 600 rounds per minute. The KPV can tear through barriers and light vehicles like paper, so it’s perfect for defensive positions where you can use its impressive penetration capabilities to full effect. Its long-range accuracy and powerful impact make it a big threat even in fortified positions.
MG3
Meet the MG3, a direct descendant of the WWII-era MG42, that still rocks the battlefield with up to 1,300 rounds per minute. Many soldiers prefer this machine gun for its exceptional reliability, and it’s become an important part of military strategies worldwide. That’s not a huge surprise, given the MG3’s endurance in combat situations.
Gatling Gun
The Gatling Gun dates back to the American Civil War, and its design was revolutionary then. It used multiple barrels to keep firing without overheating, which was important during battles where sustained fire could turn the tide. It gave soldiers a huge advantage over the single-shot rifles of the time.
Type 11 Light Machine Gun
Japan’s Type 11 was another machine gun ahead of its time, thanks to its unique hopper feed system allowing continuous firing at around 400 rounds per minute. Its creation completely changed how you reloaded and deployed automatic weapons. During longer battles, the Type 11 was particularly effective for Japanese forces.
Lewis Gun
During WWI, ground troops and pilots used the Lewis Gun because it could fire 500 to 600 rounds per minute and had an air-cooling drum. You can’t get more versatile than this machine gun, particularly since its lightweight design makes it easy to handle. This was one valuable firearm in the Allied arsenal.
Browning M2
The Browning M2 has been around the block and then some, particularly since it can fire .50-caliber rounds at 450 to 575 rounds per minute. When you need to make a big impact, look no further than the Browning M2. It has a deserving reputation for durability and power, which have made it the perfect machine gun for ground troops and during vehicular combat.
M1919 Browning
Looking for something a little more adaptable but also powerful? Then, the M1919 Browning is the one you want, with a rate of 400 to 550 rounds per minute. It’s a machine gun that’s been everywhere and done everything, including charging beaches and holding down fortresses.
ShKAS
During WWII, the ShKAS machine gun was a Soviet secret weapon for the skies that fired an incredible 1,800 rounds per minute. As you might expect, such impressive firepower gave the Soviets a deadly edge in dogfights because they could spew out bullets faster than their opponents could react. It was particularly effective against fast-moving targets.
XM214 Microgun
The XM214 Microgun, nicknamed “Six-Pac,” proved that powerful things can come in small packages. Although it was so small, it fired 5.56mm rounds at 4,000 rounds per minute. The gun’s compactness and amazing rate of fire made it a good choice during special tactical situations.
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