CHAPTER I
DESCRIPTION AND ORGANISATION
The modern machine gun is essentially an automatic weapon of small-arm calibre, capable of firing from 100 to 600 shots a minute from a light mounting of extreme mobility, and should fulfil the following qualifications:
1. It should be able to deliver about 400 shots a minute without loss of accuracy, even with prolonged “continuous” firing.
2. It should be capable of accompanying cavalry and infantry wherever these arms can go; it should occupy the smallest space, and be able to come into action quickly at rifle range.
3. It should have a firm mounting, upon which the gun is steady, and from which it can be aimed rapidly and fired while kneeling, sitting, or lying.
4. The gun and its mounting must present a small target, and be light enough for each, and if possible, both, to be carried by one man for a considerable distance, and should admit of being dragged by a man crawling or crouching for short distances.
5. It should be in constant readiness for action, and able when limbered up to open fire in less than thirty seconds.
6. It should be simple, strong, and durable. Mobility and constant readiness for action are indispensable with cavalry, while lightness and smallness of target are essential factors.
There are eight main types of machine guns at present in use in the armies of the world, viz.: