What type of weapon is the M60?

The M60 is classified as a machine gun, which is a fully automatic firearm designed to fire ammunition in rapid succession. This type of weapon is typically used for sustained fire to provide suppressive support during military engagements. The M60 was designed in the 1950s and has been used extensively in various conflicts due to its reliability and versatility in various combat environments. Unlike rifles, which are generally designed for individual marksmanship, machine guns like the M60 are intended to be fired from a stable firing position, often supported by a bipod, and are used to deliver a high volume of fire to saturate an area or suppress enemy forces. This differentiation highlights the unique role that machine guns play in military operations compared to other types of firearms.