M240 Machine Gun - Feedback On The M240B

Feedback On The M240B

The M240B is a successful and well-regarded weapon system that has proven itself in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, serving as a powerful supplement to the lighter 5.56 mm-based M249, M16 and M4. Its 7.62 mm round provides good penetration and stopping power, a characteristic that is especially appreciated in the urban environments where many Iraqi engagements took place. Overall, the M240B's combat record must be considered superior to the problematic M60 that it has entirely replaced in US service. An April 2002 presentation by the Natick Soldier Center reported on lessons learned from M240B use in Afghanistan:

17% reported engaging the enemy with their M240B;
42% reported problems getting spare parts in Afghanistan (barrels, springs, small roll pins, T&E pin, heat shields, sear pins, spare barrel bag, cleaning materials);
1 soldier reported a double feed in combat;
50% reported that they need better ways to carry ammunition (ammo bag, etc.);
100% were confident in their weapon;
82% felt that their M240B was reliable;
60% felt it needed to be easier to carry, and to set up.
Suggestions: improved sling; lighter, more durable tripod; more durable heat shield.

On 15 May 2003, An "Operation Iraqi Freedom PEO Soldier Lessons Learned" report by LTC Jim Smith, U.S. Army, was published. The report made the following comments on the M240B:

Soldiers have great confidence in this weapon. Again, the vast majority of comments were positive. Most negative comments were relative to the AG's load. Soldiers recommended fabricating the tripod out of a lighter material. The AG bag is not integrated into the remainder of the MOLLE and, therefore, is not easily carried. Additionally, the nylon bag melts when it comes in contact with a hot barrel. Other suggestions included adding collapsible bipod legs like the squad automatic weapon (SAW), wiring down the heat shields and an ammunition carrying system to carry 300–400 linked rounds.

A May 2006 presentation by the US Army Infantry Center reported these conclusions on the M240B: