WWII: annual production of machine guns 1939-1945, by country
The United States produced the largest number of machine guns in the Second World War, at over 2.6 million units. Machine guns, not to be confused with more mobile automatic rifles or submachine guns, were essential in holding or gaining positions on the battlefield by providing suppressive fire or inflicting a large amount of damage on enemy positions. One of the United States' most popular heavy machine guns was the Browning M1917, which was capable of firing 600 rounds per minute. The primary German machine guns, the MG 34 and (later) the MG42, could respectively fire up to 900 and 1,200 rounds per minute.
Light machine guns (LMGs), used by just one infantryman, grew more popular as the war progressed, although they were more difficult to produce - most of the machine guns used in the war were categorized as medium machine guns, and required multiple personnel to operate. Additionally, heavy machine guns were more static and used in fixed, defensive positions, and required a crew to operate. Machine guns were not only used on the ground, but were also mounted to tanks and armored vehicles, as well as aircraft and ships.
Light machine guns (LMGs), used by just one infantryman, grew more popular as the war progressed, although they were more difficult to produce - most of the machine guns used in the war were categorized as medium machine guns, and required multiple personnel to operate. Additionally, heavy machine guns were more static and used in fixed, defensive positions, and required a crew to operate. Machine guns were not only used on the ground, but were also mounted to tanks and armored vehicles, as well as aircraft and ships.
