10 Best World War II Machine Guns

World War II witnessed a brutal clash of firepower, with machine guns playing a central role in shaping the battlefield. From the blistering firestorms of the Eastern Front to the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific, these guns carved a bloody path through history.

Nations poured resources into developing and deploying innovative machine gun designs, each striving for the ultimate advantage.

Today, we delve into some of the most iconic and effective machine guns that emerged from this crucible of innovation. (Not in particular order)

1 | The Type 99 LMG: A Powerful Upgrade for the Japanese Army

The Type 99 light machine gun (LMG) marked a significant improvement in firepower for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Building upon the earlier Type 96 LMG, the Type 99 chambered the more potent 7.7mm Arisaka cartridge, delivering over 50 percent more power than its predecessor’s 6.5mm round. This upgrade provided greater range and lethality on the battlefield.

Entering service in 1939, the Type 99 saw action not only in World War II but also in the Chinese Civil War, the Korean War, and even the Vietnam War. While hefty at 22.9 pounds, the gun boasted a user-friendly top-mounted, 30-round detachable magazine. A key feature was the finned barrel, designed for rapid replacement to prevent overheating during sustained fire.

Aiming options included a blade front sight and a leaf rear sight with windage adjustments, offering graduations from 200 to 1,500 meters. Additionally, a 2.5x telescopic sight with a 10-degree field of view could be mounted for more precise long-range fire, often issued to skilled marksmen. While a standard infantry bayonet could be attached, its weight and the flash suppressor’s presence made it an impractical option.

The Type 99 delivered a respectable rate of fire, between 450 and 500 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,300 feet per second. Notably, the Japanese produced a compact version specifically for airborne troops. This variant came in a weapon container, facilitating quick assembly upon landing.

2 | The Type 92 “Woodpecker” of the Imperial Japanese Army

The Type 92 heavy machine gun, nicknamed the “Woodpecker” by Allied forces, served as the backbone of Japanese heavy firepower during World War II. This air-cooled, gas-operated weapon relied on a unique 30-round side-mounted clip feed rather than a belt.

While hefty at 122 pounds and requiring a three-man crew to operate effectively, the Type 92 was designed for stability when mounted on a tripod. It unleashed a steady stream of fire at a rate of 400-450 rounds per minute. An unusual feature was the off-center sight picture, positioned on the right side of the weapon.

The distinctive “pecking” sound it produced during firing earned it the memorable “Woodpecker” nickname from American troops. Interestingly, the designation “Type 92” reflects the year of its Japanese imperial calendar introduction (2592), corresponding to 1932 in the Gregorian calendar.

3 | The Soviet DShK: A Workhorse From World War II to Today

The Soviet DShK Model 1938 heavy machine gun, often nicknamed “Dushka,” is a true legend. A mainstay of Russian firepower since before World War II, it remains in service worldwide with over a million produced. Whether in Syria, Libya, or anywhere Soviet influence reached, the DShK’s distinctive silhouette is a familiar sight. Even the Afghan Mujahideen found captured DShKs surprisingly effective against their former owners, using them as anti-aircraft weapons.

The DShK’s lineage began in the early 1930s with Vasily Degtyaryov’s design. This initial version, however, was hampered by a slow rate of fire and a cumbersome 30-round drum magazine. Enter Georgi Shpagin, the mind behind the iconic PPSh submachine gun. Shpagin’s ingenious improvements included a reliable belt-feed mechanism and a more efficient muzzle design. This transformed weapon, a collaboration of Degtyaryov and Shpagin (hence the designation DShK), entered production in the late 1930s.

The DShK boasts a robust air-cooled, ribbed barrel and delivers a punishing 600 rounds per minute downrange. Its effective range of 1.5 miles makes it a potent weapon for suppressing enemy positions. While the DShK itself weighs a hefty 75 pounds, the Soviets often deployed it on a two-wheeled carriage, bringing the total weight to a formidable 346 pounds. This hefty platform ensured stability when unleashing its impressive firepower. The DShK also found a home mounted on top of Soviet tanks and armored vehicles, further solidifying its role as a versatile weapon.

For those fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to fire a DShK, the experience is unforgettable. The combination of sound, flash, and recoil creates a powerful impression that speaks to the raw power this machine gun brings to the battlefield.

4 | The Degtyaryov DPM: A Simple Yet Effective LMG for the Soviet Arsenal

The Degtyaryov DPM LMG, nicknamed the “Record Player” for its distinctive top-mounted magazine, was a mainstay of Soviet infantry throughout World War II. Chambered for the ubiquitous 7.62x54mmR cartridge, the DPM embodied the Soviet design philosophy of simplicity, ruggedness, and affordability.

The gas-operated DPM fed from a unique 47-round pan magazine, a feature that earned its quirky nickname. While this magazine offered a decent capacity, reloading was slow and cumbersome compared to belt-fed designs. Despite this limitation, the DPM delivered a respectable rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. However, this firepower was often overshadowed by the sustained fire capability of German belt-fed machine guns.

In 1943, the DPM received a welcome upgrade with improvements to the bipod and recoil spring. These enhancements further solidified the weapon’s reputation for reliability and durability, allowing it to function dependably even in harsh environments filled with dust, mud, and grime. The DPM’s legacy extends far beyond World War II. It has been a ubiquitous presence in conflicts around the world, most recently documented in the hands of insurgents in Mali in 2014.

5 | The Vickers K (VGO): From the Skies to the Battlefield

The Vickers K, also known as the Vickers Gas Operated (VGO), holds a unique place in World War II history. Initially developed by Vickers-Armstrongs for use in British aircraft, this .303 caliber machine gun found itself adapted for land combat as well.

A gas-operated, air-cooled weapon, the Vickers K offered a significant firepower upgrade. Weighing in at 29.5 pounds, it packed a punch with a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute, rivaling the German MG-34. This impressive firing rate was achieved thanks to a top-mounted pan magazine, typically holding 100 rounds. However, for enhanced reliability, SAS troops often opted to limit magazine capacity to 96-97 rounds.

The Vickers K’s adaptability proved to be a valuable asset. While its aerial origins are intriguing, its adoption by land forces like the SAS demonstrates its effectiveness in ground combat situations.

6 | The Bren: A Reliable Workhorse for British Forces

The Bren LMG, a mainstay of British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War II and beyond, cemented its reputation for reliability and adaptability. First produced in the 1930s, the Bren remained in service until 1992, a testament to its enduring design.

The Bren employed a gas-operated, air-cooled system, similar to the Vickers K, but chambered for the standard British .303 ammunition. Its rate of fire, ranging from 480 to 540 rounds per minute depending on the model, was moderate compared to some contemporaries. This, however, was a deliberate design choice. The 30-round, top-mounted curved magazine not only facilitated reloading but also aided in barrel cooling during sustained fire.

Manned by a two-person crew, the Bren weighed a manageable 25 pounds fully loaded. The assistant gunner played a crucial role, carrying extra magazines and a spare barrel. The Bren’s ingenious design allowed for quick and easy barrel changes using a rotating carrying handle, protecting the assistant gunner from burns.

The Bren’s dependability shone on the battlefield. It delivered effective fire out to 600 yards when deployed on a bipod. While initial challenges arose in desert environments, these were overcome through improved maintenance procedures. Overall, the Bren’s simplicity, user-friendliness, and ruggedness made it a beloved weapon for generations of British troops.

7 | The MG 34: A Pioneering Machine Gun with a Sting

The German Maschinengewehr Modell 34, or MG 34, was a revolutionary weapon that forever changed the landscape of machine guns. Debuting in 1934, it’s widely considered the world’s first general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), a true jack-of-all-trades capable of both laying down suppressing fire and engaging targets at range.

The MG 34’s innovative design packed a punch. This 26.5-pound weapon boasted a remarkable rate of fire, switchable between 600 and 1,000 rounds per minute. Adding to its versatility was a select-fire option, allowing for single shots or automatic bursts. The MG 34 delivered a punishing muzzle velocity of 2,500 feet per second, with an effective range reaching out to 1,200 meters. Feeding options included belts or drum magazines, providing flexibility for various combat situations. Barrel changes were a breeze – a simple latch and swivel mechanism allowed for quick swaps, keeping the gun in action.

Praised by some as the best machine gun of World War II, the MG 34 undeniably earned its reputation. However, it wasn’t without drawbacks. The weapon’s complexity, with its precision-engineered parts and specialized alloys, hindered mass production. This stood in stark contrast to the simpler, more readily manufactured designs that Germany would adopt later in the war.

8 | The MG 42: Hitler’s Buzzsaw – A Ruthless Force on the Battlefield

The Maschinengewehr Modell 42, or MG 42, needs no introduction. This German-designed 7.92mm Mauser general-purpose machine gun, introduced in 1942, earned the chilling nickname “Hitler’s Buzzsaw” from Allied troops. More than just a moniker, the sound of the MG 42 ripping through the air like tearing cloth instilled fear in its enemies.

Intended as a simpler, more cost-effective replacement for the MG 34, the MG 42 proved to be a brutal workhorse. Its design prioritized ease of production and user-friendliness, ensuring reliable operation in the heat of battle.

But the MG 42’s true terror lay in its blistering rate of fire. Clocking in at a staggering 1,200 rounds per minute, it unleashed a torrent of bullets, devastating enemy formations and suppressing their movement. This firepower came at a cost – ammunition was devoured quickly, demanding frequent reloads of the 50 or 250-round drums or belt feeds. The high rate of fire also necessitated frequent barrel changes, a process thankfully kept swift by the weapon’s efficient design.

The MG 42’s versatility extended beyond its raw firepower. It could be deployed in multiple configurations: bipod-mounted for mobile use or crew-served with a hefty 45-pound tripod for added stability. The MG 42’s legacy extends far beyond World War II. Its innovative belt-feed mechanism heavily influenced the American M60 machine gun, and elements of its trigger design can be found in the FN MAG (also known as the MAG-58).

Perhaps most remarkably, the modern German MG 3, chambered for NATO ammunition, retains a high degree of interchangeability with its forefather, the MG 42. This enduring legacy is a testament to the weapon’s effectiveness and ingenuity.

9 | The “Chain Gun”: Feeding the Browning M1919

The Browning M1919, a .30 caliber medium machine gun, was a stalwart of American firepower throughout major conflicts of the 20th century. From its introduction in World War II to its use in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the M1919 provided a vital role for US infantry. Its versatility extended beyond the infantry role, as it was also seen coaxially mounted on tanks and vehicles and even found a place in aircraft armament.

The M1919 was an air-cooled weapon, drawing inspiration from Hiram Maxim’s World War I designs. It fed from a hefty 250-round cloth belt, loaded through a unique pull-tab mechanism. Safety features were emphasized, with the gunner required to cock the weapon twice with a palm-up grip to prevent accidental firing. Troops were trained to fire the M1919 in short bursts, typically three to five rounds, to manage barrel heat – a crucial tactic for sustained fire.

The M1919A4 variant, typically used by infantry, weighed in at 31 pounds. For increased stability, it was usually mounted on a 14-pound, low-slung tripod. The weapon operated using a reliable short-recoil system, delivering a rate of fire of approximately 550 rounds per minute. Chambered for the standard U.S. .30-caliber (30.06 Springfield) cartridge, it boasted a muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet per second, making it effective out to 1,500 yards. While barrel changes were a cumbersome process, the M1919 earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and a long service life.

Even today, some variants can be found in use by militaries around the world.

10 | The Browning M2: An Enduring Legacy of Firepower

The Browning M2, also known as the “Ma Deuce,” is a legend in the world of firearms. This .50 caliber heavy machine gun, designed by John Browning near the end of World War I, entered service in 1933 and remains a vital part of the U.S. military arsenal to this day. In fact, its longevity surpasses nearly every other firearm in US inventory except for the M1911 pistol, another Browning creation. This enduring legacy is a testament to the M2’s unmatched firepower and adaptability.

The M2 fires the devastating .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge, a testament to the weapon’s close association with its ammunition. This powerful round delivers exceptional range, accuracy, and stopping power, making the M2 deadly effective against a wide range of targets. Infantry, unarmored vehicles, fortifications, and even low-flying aircraft all fall within the M2’s destructive reach.

An air-cooled, belt-fed weapon, the M2 operates using a short-recoil principle. It unleashes a punishing rate of fire, between 450 and 600 rounds per minute. Originally fed from 105-round box magazines loaded from the left side, the M2 later transitioned to 100-round magazines feeding from the left for improved handling.

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Beyond their technical prowess, these machine guns also stand as symbols of the immense destructive power unleashed during World War II. The relentless thunder of these weapons serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Understanding these weapons is not just about appreciating their engineering marvels but also about acknowledging the profound impact they continue to have on the world stage.

This article has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.