How long should the barrel ideally be changed during sustained rate of fire for the 240?

The ideal frequency for changing the barrel during sustained fire with the M240 is every 10 minutes. This guideline is crucial to prevent overheating, which can lead to a number of operational issues such as malfunctions or decreased accuracy. The heat generated during prolonged firing can compromise the integrity of the barrel, potentially leading to warping or other forms of damage that could adversely affect performance.

Changing the barrel every 10 minutes ensures it can cool sufficiently between changes, maintaining the weapon's reliability in sustained engagements. This practice is part of the overall maintenance routine that emphasizes the importance of proper barrel temperature management to ensure the machine gun operates effectively and safely. Understanding this timing is essential for users of the M240 to maximize weapon performance and longevity during extended fire missions.