M739 SAW

The M739 Light Machine Gun is a squad automatic weapon (SAW) used by the UNSC Defense Force. Designed and manufactured by Misriah Armory, the M739 is used in protracted engagements where sustained or suppressive fire is required. The weapon is fed ammunition by a 72-round belt in a drum magazine.

Overview
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.

Tactics

 * As with the MA5D Assault Rifle, the player must fire the M739 SAW in short, concise bursts to allow for all rounds to inflict maximum damage on intended targets. This strategy also reduces recoil.
 * With the strength of the light machine gun combined with the large magazine size, the M739 can serve as a portable turret. While participating in game types such as Team Slayer or Capture the Flag in which vehicles are involved, a teammate can ride on the back of a Mongoose with the SAW; converting the Mongoose into a downsized Warthog. Another advantage to this method is the increased looking mobility which is twice than that of a Warthog turret.
 * This same principal of a "mobile turret" can be employed defensively as well. A M739-armed player can effectively single-highhandedly protect an objective from any small assaults and seriously cripple larger ones, allowing the rest of their team to focus on dealing with the enemy and their own objective.

Trivia

 * The SAW has the same damage properties as the Assault Rifle in Halo 4 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.
 * The SAW could be considered the gameplay equivalent to the Needler, as both are automatic "ordnance" weapons with similar effective range, kill time, and frequency of appearance.
 * Earning four kills with the SAW without dying in Majestic DLC matchmaking will unlock the Last Man Grinning achievement.
 * In-universe the SAW can accommodate magazines ranging in size from 64 to 128 rounds.

List of appearances

 * Halo 4
 * Spartan Ops
 * Halo: Escalation