LMG

LMG (Light Machine Gun) is a light machine gun designed to provide sustained fire support for an infantry squad. It typically combines a higher rate of fire than an assault rifle, the ability for prolonged firing (high-capacity magazines or belts), while still maintaining acceptable mobility for a single operator. In contrast, an HMG (Heavy Machine Gun) is a heavy machine gun, differing mainly in caliber, weight, and deployment role. While an LMG is a squad-level weapon, an HMG is usually a crew-served weapon (crew, tripod, vehicle mount). There is also the designation GPMG (General-Purpose Machine Gun), known in Czech as a universal machine gun, which is an automatic weapon designed to fulfill both the role of a light LMG and a medium machine gun (larger caliber like an HMG, but mobility close to an LMG). Airsoft machine guns from LAMBDA Defence belong to the absolute top tier. They offer real steel bodies, realistic weight, and workmanship close to their real-world counterparts. They are intended for demanding players and MilSim teams seeking maximum authenticity. These machine guns are available in stock on our e-shop. Among collectible and rare pieces are machine guns by Inokatsu, known for extreme quality and limited availability. At the same time, it has been confirmed that LCT is preparing its own series of M60 machine guns, which the community is eagerly awaiting. The LMG is therefore a key element of infantry fire support, while the HMG represents a heavy weapon for engaging targets at long distances. Development from the Gatling Gun through the MG34 to the modern M249 shows the effort to combine firepower and mobility. In airsoft, LMG replicas are an icon of MilSim – from affordable A&K models to premium, highly realistic machine guns from LAMBDA Defence or Inokatsu.

Difference between LMG, GPMG, and HMG

LMG: lower calibers (5.45×39, 5.56×45, 7.62×39), lighter construction, mobile use, often with a bipod.
GPMG: medium caliber (7.62×39), lighter construction, mobile use with a bipod.
HMG: large caliber (e.g. 12.7×99 / .50 BMG), extreme weight, tripod or vehicle-mounted, fire against vehicles and hard targets.

History and early prototypes

The Gatling Gun of the 19th century is considered the predecessor of machine guns – a manually powered, multi-barrel rotating weapon. The first truly automatic machine guns appeared at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, fundamentally changing the nature of the battlefield. During the 20th century, machine guns rapidly evolved from heavy, static systems to lighter and more mobile designs, which we now classify as LMGs.

Development from the MG34 to modern LMGs

MG34 / MG42: pioneers of the general-purpose machine gun concept, extremely high rate of fire.
M60 / M60VN: American machine gun from the Vietnam era, providing strong infantry fire support.
M249 SAW / PARA: modern squad automatic weapon, 5.56 NATO caliber, high mobility.

FN MINIMI (M249 SAW) in PARA configuration in service with the Czech Armed Forces

Currently used LMGs worldwide

M249 SAW: USA and NATO.
FN Minimi: widely used across Europe.
PKM / PKP: Russian equivalent with a higher caliber.
Negev: Israel.

LMGs in airsoft

Airsoft LMG replicas are known for their massive construction, high durability, and ability to sustain long periods of fire. They typically use:

reinforced or proprietary gearboxes,
high-performance motors,
box magazines with capacities of thousands of BBs.

Famous airsoft LMG replicas

A&K M249: a legend among airsoft machine guns, a reliable MilSim platform with a “brick-style” gearbox capable of withstanding extreme abuse.
A&K M60E4 (MK43): massive replica with an authentic look, brick-style gearbox, less refined wiring layout.
CA249
A&K PKP