THE
GMG: GRENADE MACHINE GUN
The
HK Grenade Machine Gun is presently being fielded with
select U.S. Special Operations units, replacing the U.S.
MK19 GMG. The HK GMG is available from series production
at a unit cost well below the purchase cost of the MK19.
Its
advanced features, excellent accuracy, operator convertible
feed direction and removable barrel, night fighting capability
with NVGs and unmatched operator safety features are all
unique hallmarks of the HK GMG.
The
GMG uses an aluminum receiver for reduced weight and manufacturing
costs. Other features include a fluted chamber for equal
pressure on the cartridge case and positive extraction
and ejection, advanced primer ignition, and a barrel that
is easily removable for field stripping, with the use of
tools. This is also an advantage in the event that a high
explosive projectile becomes lodged in the bore.
The
bolt reciprocates on a massive guide rod and is stabilized
by two steel rails, all of which are bolted to the receiver,
eliminating the need for welding in the receiver.
The
gun mounts on the standard U.S. tripod, on various vehicle
mounts, or on an aluminum multi-purpose tripod that provides
assorted high slow firing positions. An adjustable stabilizing
shoulder rod is mounted to the receiver for additional
controllability during free gun firing.
Clearing
the gun simply consists of lifting the feed tray cover
and removing the belt. The position of the ambidextrous
charging
handle allows the shooter to cock and clear the gun without
reaching near the ammunition belt and feed way.
Both
the gun and the tripod can be easily transported in a "backpack" configuration,
by a two-man team.
GMG
Specifications |
Caliber
|
Cyclic
|
Length
|
Width
|
Height
|
Sights
|
Bbl
|
Weight
|
40mm
x 53
|
330
rpm
|
46.5
|
8.9
|
8.2
|
Ladder
and reflex
|
18.7
|
64
lbs gun only
|
|
|