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GAU-19
Photo: Zajje · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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GAU-19

Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) · United States · 1983
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GAU-19

GAU-19
GAU-19 Photo: Zajje · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Penetration
85
Effective Range
75
Firepower
90
Anti-Materiel Capability
88
Reliability
70
Barrel Endurance
75
Accuracy
65
Role Versatility
80
Portability
50
Cost-Effectiveness
60
Origin United States
ManufacturerGeneral Dynamics
CategoryHeavy Machine Guns (HMG)
EraCold War
In service1983
Operators11 countries
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
78
Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) MASS Rating
3/7
Cold War
9/46
All-Time
Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) · 10 axes scored
Penetration
85
Effective Range
75
Firepower
90
Anti-Materiel Capability
88
Reliability
70
Barrel Endurance
75
Accuracy
65
Role Versatility
80
Portability
50
Cost-Effectiveness
60
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the heavy machine guns (hmg) category.
01 / Overview
GAU-19
Prime contractor
Production
1983–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
HEAVY MACHINE GUNS (HMG) · COLD WAR
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
76
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
78
heavy machine guns (hmg) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the heavy machine guns (hmg) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Production Year1983
  • Service Entry Year1992
  • DesignerGeneral Electric
  • Weight (Empty)48 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
  • Notable UsersColombia, Czechia, Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United States
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
  • Muzzle Velocity887 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)1,800 m
  • Maximum Range6,000 m
◆Barrel & Sights1MOD.1
  • Barrel Length914 mm
▤Construction2MOD.2
  • Bullpup LayoutNo
  • Modularitybarrel count 3 or 6, feed linkless or M9 belt
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
  • Production Start1983
  • Variants2
◎Additional Dimensions2MOD.2
  • Width343 mm
  • Height381 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1983Production started
  2. 1985Entered service
43
years in service
11
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a flexible or rigid container (magazine) inserted into the grip or attached externally, feeding rounds into the chamber via a spring or follower.
Firearm action where an electric motor cycles the slide or cylinder via a rotary mechanism, replacing manual operation.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) entry →