What is the primary function of a machine gun?

The primary function of a machine gun is to fire continuously with a single trigger pull. This characteristic distinguishes machine guns from other firearms, allowing them to deliver sustained firepower, which is essential in various combat scenarios. The ability to maintain rapid fire enables military personnel to suppress enemy positions and provide cover for advancing troops.

Unlike firearms that operate in semi-automatic mode or have a single-shot function, machine guns are designed for higher rates of fire, which can be crucial in both offensive and defensive operations. The option that refers to firing only a specific size of ammunition does not accurately encompass the machine gun’s primary function, as machine guns can be fed various ammunition types depending on the design and model. Thus, the continuous fire capability accurately reflects the essence of what makes a machine gun distinct within the larger category of firearms.