Learn about the evolution, classification, and role of machine guns in warfare and culture. Explore the history of machine guns from WWI to WWII, the types of machine guns, and the legal status of machine guns in the U.S. Machine Guns are repeating firearms that when triggered will load and fire automatically until their ammunition is exhausted. In 1861, the U.S. Army was offered its first machine gun: Wilson Ager's single‐barrel, hand‐cranked weapon, often called the “coffee mill” gun due to its resemblance to a coffee grinder. At the order of President Lincoln, a few Ager guns were purchased; however, mechanical problems and the opposition of chief of ordnance, Brig. Gen. James W. Ripley, blocked ... Machine guns are usually divided into heavy-duty machine guns, light machine guns, and sub-machine guns. Heavy machine guns (HMG) are placed on the ground, supported on a tripod, or on a vehicle. Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services), MACHINE GUN 7.62 MM (MAG) 2A1 WITH CES & WITH LIGHT BARREL ASSY, Page ,2cfbd3a69597ac684a08980c9c22b2aed4933c21
