What is the 240 sustained rate defined by?

• A. 200 rpm, 6-8 rnd burst, 2-3 sec pause, barrel change every 2 min
• B. 100 rpm, 6-8 rnd burst, 4-5 sec pause, barrel change every 10 min
• C. 550-650 rpm, continuous burst, barrel change every 1 min
• D. Less than 40 rpm, 6-9 end burst, 10-15 sec pause, barrel change at EOD or if damaged

Answer: (B)

Understanding sustained rate of fire means knowing how a machine gun can fire for extended periods without overheating or wearing out too quickly. For the M240, the sustained rate is set to be manageable over long bursts, not just a quick burst or the gun’s maximum theoretical speed.

The sustained setting uses about 100 rounds per minute, delivered in bursts of 6–8 rounds. After each burst you pause for 4–5 seconds to let the weapon cool slightly, and you change barrels roughly every 10 minutes to prevent overheating and maintain accuracy. These guidelines together keep the weapon controllable and reliable during continuous operation.

The other options describe faster or slower regimes or the weapon’s maximum theoretical speed, which aren’t how the sustained rate is defined.