M739 SAW

The M739 Light Machine Gun is a squad automatic weapon (SAW) used by the UNSC Armed Forces. 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. It is classified as a Common REQ and can be summoned in Warzone at Level 4 energy.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

 * Can now utilize the Smart Scope feature to decrease reticule bloom.
 * Increased or decreased damage, killing in 11-14 rounds instead of 13, depending on the headshot bonus.

Variants

 * Appetite for Destruction: The Appetite for Destruction features a larger magazine, increased ammo capacity, and Stabilization Jets. It requires Level 5 energy and is classified as an Uncommon REQ.
 * The Answer: While The Answer fires at an approximately 50% slower rate than other M739s, it features projectiles with proximity-fused high explosive warheads. It has also less recoil and greater accuracy than the standard M739, to the point of minimal reticule bloom even when fired full-auto, and can carry up to 3.5 reserve clips (= 252 rounds), unusual because all other weapons have their maximum clip count set to a whole number. It takes 5 rounds to kill a Spartan in War Games. It is classified as a Rare REQ and can be summoned in Warzone at Level 6 energy. It can also be found in the campaign on the level Genesis, in a pair.

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. 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.

List of appearances

 * Halo 4
 * Spartan Ops
 * Infinity Briefing Packet
 * Halo: Escalation
 * Halo 5: Guardians