What is a key characteristic of the rate of fire in machine guns?

Machine guns are designed to deliver a high volume of firepower, but they are also engineered to manage their rate of fire effectively to avoid overheating. Sustaining a high cyclic rate, which refers to the number of rounds fired per minute when the trigger is held down, can lead to excessive heat build-up within the barrel and other components. Therefore, machine guns can be operated at a lower rate of fire, often referred to as the sustained rate of fire, in order to mitigate this risk and maintain operational effectiveness over a prolonged engagement.

In contexts where overheating can compromise performance and safety, controlling the rate at which ammunition is expended is vital. This strategic choice allows operators to balance offensive capabilities with weapon longevity, ensuring the machine gun remains reliable throughout its use during combat scenarios. The understanding of these dynamics is crucial for effective machine gun employment in the field.