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.

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 7.62x51mm round FMJ round.
 * 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
 * Halo 5: Guardians