Canon

M739 SAW

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(Redirected from M739 Light Machine Gun)
M739 SAW
H5G-Render-SAW.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2][3][4][5]

Type:

Light machine gun

Cost:

3182 cR[3]

Variants:

Specifications

Length:

117 centimeters (45.9 in)[4][5]

Width:

23 centimeters (9 in)[4]

Height:

31 centimeters (12.3 in)[4]

Weight:

9.6 kilograms (21 lb)[3]

Ammunition type:

7.62×51mm FMJ-AP

Feed system:

64-, 72- (standard), or 128-round linked belt[3]

Operation:

Gas-operated, drum-fed [3]

Service history

In service:

 

The M739 Light Machine Gun (M739 LMG) is a squad automatic weapon (SAW) used by the United Nations Space Command armed forces. Designed and manufactured by Misriah Armory, the M739 is used in protracted engagements where sustained or suppressive fire is required.[1][2][3][4][5] The weapon is fed ammunition by a 72-round belt in a drum magazine.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M739 is a gas-operated, drum-fed fully-automatic light machine gun that fires 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP ammunition, something shared with other UNSC weaponry such as MA5 series-assault rifles and the M392 DMR.[2][5] The fore of the weapon is covered in a heat shroud similar in visual design to the M247 GPMG in UNSC service, with an ammunition readout located mounted atop the weapon. The ammunition readout consists of a series of stacked yellow bars representing the magazine capacity of the weapon, which slowly deplete as ammunition is fired - transiting to orange and then red as the magazine nears empty. The drum magazine itself is located in front of the trigger.

The weapon itself has no built-in optics or magnification available.[5] However, it is capable of smart-linking with UNSC helmets (such as MJOLNIR) to provide a heads-up display readout on an operator's visor. The weapon does have smart scope functionality, which projects a holographic HUD readout in front of the user.[6]

Development history[edit]

SAWs increased in usage over the 22nd century during the first major colonial conflicts. In response, Misriah Armory began development of light machine guns that could serve in a SAW role. The M739 is the most recent addition to this, being introduced during the late years of the Insurrection, and continuing on into the Human-Covenant War. As of 2558, the UNSC continues to use the M739.[4]

Variants[edit]

Gameplay[edit]

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • Can now utilize the Smart Scope feature to decrease reticle bloom and increase range by 80%.
  • Increased/decreased damage and added headshot bonus, killing in 11-14 rounds instead of 13, depending on the headshot bonus.
  • It is classified as a Common REQ and can be summoned in Warzone at Level 4 energy.

Trivia[edit]

  • The SAW has the same damage properties as the Assault Rifle in Halo 4's multiplayer, with 10 rounds to disable shields and 3 rounds to the body for a kill. This effectively makes the SAW an overall upgrade to the Assault Rifle with its higher rate of fire, higher accuracy, and higher magazine capacity. This similarity makes canon sense as both weapons use the same 7.62×51mm FMJ round.
  • Earning four kills with the SAW without dying in Majestic DLC matchmaking will unlock the Last Man Grinning achievement.
  • The Appetite for Destruction variant of the SAW is a reference to the Guns N' Roses' debut studio album of the same name.
  • "The Answer" variants name and description may be a reference to Douglas Adam's Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, specifically the question to life, the universe, and everything, the ANSWER of which was 42.

Gallery[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians REQ cards[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12 (Retrieved on Oct 1, 2012) [archive]
  2. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Weapons: Saw (Retrieved on May 1, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4 Limited Edition, Infinity briefing packet
  4. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 67
  5. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 175
  6. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, SAW in-game weapon
  7. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: Appetite for Destruction "Raze everything to the ground. Improved SAW fitted with a high capacity drum magazine."
  8. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card: The Answer "Inquiring sentients want to know. Advanced SAW with slightly slower rate of fire, but each projectile has a proximity-fused high explosive warhead."