READING MATERIAL: K-ISOM SPECIAL NATO Machine Guns

"Happiness is a belt fed weapon", we agree with this saying and so does K-ISOM. That's why they even made a whole special issue about our belt-fed iron pigs. We'll give you a little insight.

Content of the Special Issue

01 Content.
02 Introduction.
04 Current developments: SIG Sauer, General Dynamics, Textron, H&K.
08 Light support weapons: HK (LM)G36, L86 LSW (UK), HK M27 IAR.
12 Light machine gun (LM)G8 / HK21.
16 Rheinmetall MG3 + KWS.
28 Machine gun HK MG4 (HK43) in 5.56 mm x 45.
40 HK MG5 (HK121) in 7.62 mm x 51.
48 Dillon Aero M134 / MG6 Bw.
58 M60E6 DAN maskingevær.
59 Arme automatique modèle 1952 in 7.62 mm x 51.
60 FN Herstal Minimi / M249 SAW FN MINIMI® 5.56 Mk3 & FN MINIMI® 7.62 Mk3.
70 FN Herstal MAG ® (Mitrailleuse d’Appui Général).
76 FN Herstal FN® M2HB-QCB 12.7 mm x 99 (.50 BMG).
84 FN Herstal FN ® M3M / GAU-21 12.7 mm x 99 (.50 BMG).
90 Carriages and aiming systems: KMW, DND, FN Herstal, Kongsberg.
94 NATO-East machine guns: DSchK, PK, RPK.

Germany

We start with the German MGs. The HK LMG 36 is unfortunately not present in the units, but it exists. The required 2,250 pieces were never introduced, but there are beautiful pictures and some information about the heavier version of the G36, which has fallen into disrepute.

Germany? Machine guns? Of course, the MG 3 immediately comes to mind. This workhorse is still widely used.

As a Bikingirl, you can admire the Kampfwertgesteigerte (KWS) MG3. Unfortunately, this upgrade kit was never procured. What a shame.

This is probably because the Bundeswehr relies on the MG4 and MG5 from Heckler & Koch. These machine guns are modular and are increasingly seen in the troops.

When it comes to machine guns, the M134 Gatling Gun is a must. Introduced in the Bundeswehr as the MG6, this six-barreled monster can deliver up to 7,000 rounds per minute to the target. BRRRRRRRT.

Other NATO Countries

Outside Germany, the FN Minimi or M249 is very popular. A very iconic machine gun that everyone recognizes quickly. Of course, the other models from FN Herstal are also widespread.

For all NATO forces, the heaviest regular machine gun is probably the M2 from Browning. With its caliber of 12.7 x 99mm and its weight of over 40kg (with tripod), it is no longer classified as traditional infantry weaponry. The machine gun is omnipresent on vehicles of all kinds.

On the last two pages, there is a brief excursion to the East, as some states there are now also members of NATO. PKM, RPK, and DSchK are well-known representatives of the machine gun class.

CONCLUSION: BRRRRT, BRRRT, BRRRT! Solid knowledge and information about machine guns in one magazine. Exciting reading with good pictures, not just for holiday days.

K-ISOM Special "NATO Machine Guns" has 96 pages and costs €11.90 (DEU), €13.10 in Austria. It is available at well-stocked newsstands or directly from the publisher.

K-ISOM on the internet: k-isom.com