M247 machine gun
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Description
The M247 is a general purpose machine gun that is normally seen as a stationary gun emplacement usually placed near defensive positions surrounding bases and fortifications. The gun, the Machinegun Turret is capable of spewing out an incredible number of .30-cal rounds, however, it can be taken off the base, where it can be used as a weapon. "7.62x51mm" is printed on the large UNSC crates seen during campaign missions and the Halo 2 multiplayer map Headlong, with a picture of the M247 GP machine gun on the same container, indicating the weapon uses this type of ammunition. The M247 turret makes quick work of anything foolish enough to get in its path. There are four types of UNSC turrets:
- Fixed - The standing turret with a plate of armor to protect its operator from incoming fire. This one is used as a defensive weapon usually by the UNSC.
- Portable - The second version is the mobile version in which the main gun is placed on a foldable tripod or bipod for quick relocation and setup in the field. Though it lacks shielding (and possibly rate of fire), it can be moved from location to location by a single Marine
- Vehicle Mounted - The third variation is mounted on the loading bay of the pelican drop ship, it gives suppression fire for unloading troops. (This model comes with a optional 25mm grenade launcher for use against vehicles or possibly firing smoke grenades)
- Machinegun Turret- It is able to be detached from the fixed version and have a total of 200 ammunition. It is planned to appear in Halo 3 beta. This weapon may however use .50 caliber ammunition given it's designation as a "heavy" machine gun. 7.62mm, or .30 caliber, rounds are generally considered more of a light machine gun cartridge.
The gun emplacements are mounted in various positions throughout the Campaign game and appear in a number of multiplayer maps.
Advantages
They are very handy in reducing an enemy force or giving vehicle drivers anguish with their unlimited ammo supply. Although not as powerful as the LAAG it still has a very high rate of fire and powerful rounds. It is excellent against infantry and useful when trying to destroy an enemy vehicle.
Disadvantages
While using one you are extremely exposed to enemy fire: you immediately become a target that all good commanders will order neutralized with haste. A simple grenade or rocket explosion can destroy the whole turret, and snipers or really any weapon with a scope can take you out. You are also vulnerable in the back, for turrets have a limited range of motion.
Multiplayer Glitch
A bug is easily found when multiplaying. When destroying the turret with grenade or rocket, sometimes you can still use it, only now you are shooting with a pole and what seems to be an invisible gun. You are less protected because the gun's armor is missing.
