Machine Guns Go Back Heavy Machine GunA large, fully automatic weapon capable of delivering sustained fire, usually mounted on vehicles or tripods. It fires larger rounds than light machine guns and is designed for long-range, high-volume fire.Light Machine GunA portable, fully automatic firearm designed for rapid fire, often used by infantry squads for suppressive fire. It is lighter than heavy machine guns but still capable of sustained bursts.General Purpose Machine GunA versatile, fully automatic weapon that can be used in multiple roles, from light support to vehicle-mounted operations. It usually fires rifle-caliber rounds and can be used in both offensive and defensive actions.Hand-Cranked Machine GunAn early type of machine gun, such as the Gatling gun, which uses a hand crank to operate the firing mechanism. These guns were the precursors to modern automatic firearms.