249/240 marksmanship and general use tips

[Wake27]

I've run a few M4 ranges in the past several months that have all gone pretty well. It was due to several factors but I know that the experience I have behind an AR definitely helped. That being said, I was recently tapped to run an upcoming 249/240 range and I have very minimal time behind either. I'm not completely foreign to the platforms but have had nowhere near the level of professional coaching as with an AR. I'd assume many of the basic principles are the same but are there any tips and tricks that you guys have learned through experience with either shooting or running an MG range? Unfortunately I don't know what I don't know so I can't really ask any specific questions.


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[USMC_Anglico]

What type of MG range? Fam fire, Zero, paper Qual, Pop Up Qual?

Each one has some different tasks to accomplish, but all have a host of the same tasks.

[Eurodriver]

Yes. We need to know what the destination is so we can give you directions to get there.

Aren't you a Sir? Don't you just sit in the back of the safety vehicle at Schofield eating honey buns anyway?

What type of MG range? Fam fire, Zero, paper Qual, Pop Up Qual?

Each one has some different tasks to accomplish, but all have a host of the same tasks.

[Failure2Stop]

I prefer to reverse-load the bipods, which reduces the burst jump. It does, however, loosen up the cone after shots 4/5.
Forward load for denial/suppression of a tight space (like a window or door) since the first two rounds really won't matter anyway and 3-8 will be more effective.
Zero both barrels' front sights, even if you are using optics.
Don't zero with single shots. I like belts of 5.
If using optics, they almost always sit too high. Build cheek height/eye position with cut iso-mat covered with duct tape. Commanders won't like this until they try it out and see how much better their gunners do.
Shoot the 240 from both tripod and bipod. Make sure gunners understand the difference in their effectiveness.
Shoot the 249s from the kneeling and standing. Work heavily on forward weight for control.
Target transitions ans tracking bursts through a moving target is highly relevant training. For tracking, I like to grip the bipod with the support hand to anchor the gun. Understood that most mil ranges do not support realistic movers.
If the range supports, track how many hits per burst the shooters are getting at specific distances. Goes a long way in determining who is a good gunner versus who is just getting lucky.

[Arctic1]

Do you guys use AG's for the M240? What is the AG responsibility in your organization?

Our AG directs the gunner's fire within the teams sector, calls out targets, assesses the effectiveness of the fire, and provides cover when the gunner has to reload, swap barrels or swap bolts. He also has a responsibility to make sure that the bipod is stable.

If similar, train target location, engagements and target transitions by having the AG call out ADDRAC/3D's.
Also focus on getting the machine gun and team into and out of position smoothly. It is an unwieldly weapon to get into position, so it needs to be trained on.

[GTF425]

Ask your WSLs.

*EDIT: Not being a smartass. You have a wealth of knowledge right there in your CP. Let your NCOs mentor you and pick their brains while you're at it. We grew up doing this shit...most PLs are just the summer help to check the block on their OERs before heading off to work in S-3.

I can tell you care about training your men. I'm sure you talk with your SLs and your PSG daily, but never underestimate the value of your NCOs. We'll work for you if you work with us, and many SLs love teaching this exact thing.

[Wake27]

Not sure on the range yet - it'll either be paper or pop up qualification. F2S, those are exactly the types of things I was looking for, thanks.

Euro - technically, yes haha. But I like to have some of my own background knowledge when I have to run something.

GTF - WSLs as in weapons squad leaders? I'm in a field maintenance company so we have armament repairers, but not too many NCOs that have a lot of experience using them.


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[Ash Hess]

Lots of good data in the FMs.

If you were at Fort Drum, 10th Mountain has a course. Send me a PM and will email you the book we have for guys just like you.

[Wake27]

Lots of good data in the FMs.

If you were at Fort Drum, 10th Mountain has a course. Send me a PM and will email you the book we have for guys just like you.

Good point, I need to dig into the FMs this week.

[Redhat]

A few other things you might consider:

Night Fire, Range Cards, Vehicle Mounted Firing

Operator pre-fire inspection and proper lubrication.