Favorite MG selection?

[Ian]

Okay, so I know the "if you could only have X guns..." threads are really old news, but I've actually been thinking about this for a while (and the limited quantity premise is a lot more realistic, thanks to the prices). If you could pick 3 pre-86 machine guns - one SMG, one bipod-mounted LMG/GPMG, and one tripod-mounted GPMG/HMG - what would you pick? The purpose would be general shooting enjoyment, so important factors would include reliability, durability, ammo availability, etc.

My tripod-mounted choice is/was (it's the one MG I actually own) a Vickers. It has a world-class record for reliability and parts durability, and it will let me play with things like indirect fire (when I have appropriate range facilities). It's also pretty easy to change calibers to use the least expensive ammo possible - I have it set up in 7.62x54R right now, plus conversions for 8x57 and .303. I could add .30-06 and .308 as well, if that ammo was cheap.

For an LMG, I'm thinking an 8mm Bren gun. The Bren is without a boubt one of the classic excellent LMG designs, and in 8mm you can convert to 7.62x39 and .308 as well. A normal .303 can change to 7.62x54R, but the mags are a bit tricky to work out. A ZB-26 or ZB-30 would be really cool for the same basic reasons.

For the SMG, I feel like I have to go with the Sterling (and I really didn't plan to make this all British). Sterlings are very durable guns, and have an excellent magazine design (unlike the Sten). They're very compact and also comfortable to shoot.

What do you think?

 

[Chevelle SS]

No assault rifles?

MP 40
MG-42
M2

 

[Ian]

Nah, assault rifles are boring and impractical.

Feel like giving your reasons for those choices?

 

[JTW Jr.]

Belt Fed - MG08/15 , reason: it's already here, and uses 8mm ammo which is somewhat readily available, controllable slow rate of fire and its GERMAN.


trigger time MG08 by the45guy, on Flickr

Subgun : UZI - for me it balances the best in my hands, the ergos fit me well and I have been shooting one in local competition for about 10 years now.


SaraSubgun914 by the45guy, on Flickr

**2nd place would be the American 180 - ammo is cheap, its very controllable, accurate and pretty much problem free if you maintain it and take care of the drums**

IMG_2650 by the45guy, on Flickr

Assault: M16. same reason as the MG-08, its here... .223 readily available, controllable , plenty of parts.
**sorry,can't find any images of me shooting it**

 

[Chevelle SS]

MP-40: Because I like the way it looks and it is German WW2 weaponry(My main era of study)

MG-42: See above and it will scare the neighbors.

M2: I saw one firing a few years ago and I'm still impressed.



If I actually had to pay for the ammo though: 1 1928 Tommy gun would be enough

 

[Robert]

Tripod- Vickers for all the reasons you listed.

Bipod- Lewis. Yes I know the main spring is from a clock. Yes I have seen the "thump, thump, thump click... rattle... broke." cartoon. But I just really want one. Plus it would go great with my WWI Brodie Helmet.

SMG- MP40. Cause I can write my name in the snow with it. No really. It has to be one of the easiest shooting subguns I have ever fired. But man is it heavy.

 

[Swing]

Gotsa love the classics.

SMG: Thompson Model 1928
Bipod: Browning Automatic Rifle M1918A1
Tripod: M2 Browning

 

[foghornl]

Heavy MG Ma Deuce (M2 BMG)
Light MG Bren
SMG toss-up Thompson or MP-40

 

[Ian]

I totally understand the Lewis, Robert. I shot one side by side with a Bren once, and while the Bren is the better gun technically, the Lewis was (to be honest) more fun to shoot. I just don't ever want to have to disassemble one again.

 

[Landric]

Well, it is a tough set of choices, but mine are:

Tripod MG, M2HB

Bipod/LMG, BAR M1918A1

SMG, Thompson M1

 

[Mauser lover]

Submachine gun, Ruger 10/22, full auto; yes I know that it isn't quite a SMG, but it is close enough for me.

LMG, M1919A6

HMG, M2 Browning.

I don't have any of these, probably never will, but it still is a fun academic exercise.

I would take the 10/22, slap a bull barrel onto it, a nice scope and a bipod and go obliterate squirrels.

That would be the only one that I could actually afford the ammo to, so I won't mention what I would want an M1919 or an M2 for, but I would choose them because they are definitely American. The M2, in service since the twenties, and the 1919, in service until... Vietnam? I think?

 

[Ian]

In my experience, Browning M2s are really cool until you have to move them anywhere.

 

[shotgunjoel]

Subgun: Uzi. They're just really cool, the Israelis are total masters of modern combat, and it shoots 9 mm. I'd love to have a PPSh 41 as I love the 7.62 Tokarev round, and the fast rate of fire, but I see the Uzi being more user-friendly.

LMG: The MG 34 is a pretty cool gun. I'd probably go with that.

HMG: That would have to be a Maxim. Probably a German MG08 just because when someone says Maxim everybody thinks about the Germans during WW1.

 

[Robert]

I'd love to have a PPSh 41 as I love the 7.62 Tokarev round, and the fast rate of fire

When I fired one it was "BRRRRRAP" and then I stood there confused. Oh wait that was it. Man those things are fast.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Have to agree with Robert the MP 40 was absurdly easy to shoot accurately.

BAR is still my favorite full auto of all time.

Tripod mounted? Hmmm. If it's gotta be on a tripod might as well be a big one. M2. But I would prefer a Rat Patrol jeep than a tripod.

 

[icanthitabarn]

I am suddenly feeling very under gunned

 

[qwert65]

If I could have any 3 full auto they'd be m-16, tompson, and an M-60

 

[Ian]

I get the Americana appeal of the Thompson and the incredibly versatility of the M16 (although not in an LMG role...), but why the M60? It's a pretty mediocre design.

 

[Robert]

It's a pretty mediocre design.

Indeed, but I still love it. Dunno why.

Off to put on my Brodie and dream about a Lewis...

 

[clem]

My all time favorite is:

Browning M1919A4. The machine gun that shoots like a rifle.

 

[smkummer]

I guess its what I have.

MP40, runs like a sewing machine

Colt M16A1 just because its a M16 but also it converts to a 9mm subgun, commando 223 and a light machinegun (squad automatic weapon) with a bipod and carry handle. And of course more options.

Uzi because its the best of what a subgun should be

Grease Gun because everyone smiles when they shoot it and it runs closest to 100% of any full auto I have.

I guess a Thompson, just because its a thompson.

I really love beltfeds when they are someone elses. Its hard enough to drag out subguns, ammo and magazines: let alone all that goes with getting a beltfed to the range. Of course I don't own a beltfed.