M739 SAW

Template:Weapon Infobox 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.^[1]

Strategies

As with the MA5D Assault Rifle, the player must fire the M739 SAW in short, concise bursts to allow for all rounds to inflict maximum damage on intended targets. This strategy also reduces recoil.^[2]
With the strength of the light machine gun combined with the large magazine size, the M739 can serve as a portable turret. While participating in game types such as Team Slayer or Capture the Flag in which vehicles are involved, a teammate can ride on the back of a Mongoose with the SAW; converting the Mongoose into a downsized Warthog. Another advantage to this method is the increased looking mobility which is twice than that of a Warthog turret.

The SAW has the same damage properties as the Assault Rifle in Halo 4 multiplayer, with 10 rounds to disable shields and 6 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.
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.

In-game blueprint of the M739 LMG.
Concept art of the M739 SAW.
Multiple conceptual art of the SAW.
A SPARTAN-IV wielding the M739.
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A Red Team SPARTAN-IV wielding the M739 Light Machine Gun in War Games.
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The M739 LMG being used against opposing SPARTAN-IVs in War Games.
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The M739 LMG at the Banshee spawn point in Exile.
A SPARTAN-IV firing an M739 LMG at an opposing SPARTAN-IV.
Side view of a SPARTAN-IV wielding an M739 LMG.