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MAG 58 - 7.62mm Machine Gun

The MAG 58 is used in a variety of configurations across the NZDF to provide offensive and defensive support. It can be fired off its own integral bipod, a sustained fire tripod or various vehicle and aircraft mounts.

Two New Zealand Army soldiers lie in the tussock grass with the MAG 58 - 7.62mm Machine Gun. One soldier looks through the scope and the other looks toward the target. The sky is pink and yellow sunset skies.

The MAG 58 machine gun is a gas operated, air cooled, belt fed machine gun and is provided with multiple spare barrels to enable greater rates of fire. It can be configured in a number of ways and is capable of being carried, or fitted to a vehicle or aircraft for use in a wide range of roles and is capable of effective employment beyond 1000m.

Calibre 7.62 x 51mm NATO
Length 1300mm
Weight 12+ kg (depending on configuration and ancillaries)
Rate of fire 650-1000 rounds per minute

Currently, within the NZDF it is used as: a portable light machine gun, a co-axial machine gun for the NZLAV, a flexible mounted machine gun on various vehicles, a sustained fire machine gun (when used with the tripod), and a helicopter 'door-gun'.

To meet mission requirements it can be fitted with a range of ancillaries such as: optical sights, night vision equipment, blank firing devices, and auxiliary aiming devices.