Clip-Fed Machineguns

Seriously what were the Italians thinking this is a terrible idea. Why did they think that having a Machinegun that could only be loaded with a giant stripper clip and had to lubricate every round was a good idea? It’s no wonder that this is considered one of the worst weapons of WWII. At least you won't have to deal with dust causing the ammo to constantly jam. At least the Japanese figured out this was a bad idea and switched to a Bren style gun.

• Breda M30
• Type 11

Top-Loader Mag-Fed Machineguns

Light Machineguns had become an important part of a unit’s arsenal, allowing units to suppress the enemy while the rifle relent could advance on a position. Thus these weapons had to be portable and have large enough magazines to lay down fire while being able to reload quickly. Top-feed designs were the most common for squad-level support guns as they were easy to reload from a prone position, even if they were awkward to aim.

• Bren
• Chatellerault FM24/29
• DP28
• DPM
• DT29
• Nambu Type 96
• Nambu Type 99
• MG15
• Vickers K
• ZB VZ26

Bottom-Loader Mag-Fed Machineguns

Machineguns that feed from the bottom typically cannot be large as they can’t be reloaded easily while prone.

• Colt Monitor
• Charlton
• FN M1930
• KG21
• Lahti L26
• LMG-25
• M1918A2 BAR
• SIG KE7
• Thompson Automatic Rifle
• Wz. M1928

Side-Loader Mag-Fed Machineguns

Side-loading magazines have the disadvantage of causing the gun’s balance to be off, but are easier to aim down the sights while still being relative easy to reload.

• Johnson M1941
• KG M40
• MG13
• MG30

Hotchkiss-Style Machineguns

This unique feed system uses metal clips that feed from one side and are pushed through to the other side. The clips were easy to load quickly, but could get bent out of shape and become unusable.

• Hotchkiss M1922
• Type 3
• Type 92

Belt-Fed Machineguns

Compared to light Machineguns, these static Machineguns were designed to lock down a defensive position and lay down even more fire with their longer ammo belts. In a pinch, some could be carried as an infantry weapon, but they’re too heavy and cumbersome to do so easily. That hasn’t stopped soldiers from trying.

• AN/M2 Stinger
• Darne
• DShK
• M1919A6
• M2HB
• MG34
• MG42