MCTP 3-01C — Machine Guns And Machine Gun Gunnery

MCTP 3-01C governs tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing machine guns in support of Marine Corps units.

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  • Publication number: MCTP 3-01C
  • Title: MACHINE GUNS AND MACHINE GUN GUNNERY
  • Date: 9 Sep 2022
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCTP 3-01C on armypubs.army.mil


MCTP 3-01C covers machine gun fundamentals, range estimation, traversing and elevating, and machine gun gunnery. It describes range determination, target engagement, T&E data, and mask clearance.

Applies to: This publication is intended to be used as a reference by units employing machine guns, regardless of unit type.

Topics covered

  • Machine gun fundamentals
  • Range estimation
  • Laser range finders
  • Traversing and elevating mechanisms
  • T&E data
  • Mask clearance

Questions and answers

Do all machine guns need to be zeroed before applying a determined range?

All guns must be zeroed beforehand so that the range determined for one gun can be applied to the others. (paragraph 9)

What can be used to determine range more quickly and accurately?

Laser range finders can determine range more quickly and accurately than other techniques. (paragraph 9)

How are average vehicle dimensions used to determine range?

Once memorized, they may be applied in conjunction with the reticle pattern on the M22 or M24 binoculars to determine the range of any corresponding target. (paragraph 9)

What is the basic rule for manipulating the T&E mechanism?

The basic rule for T&E manipulation is “push right up, pull left down,” referring to the movement of the thumb on the left hand: push on the elevating hand wheel to go up and push on the traversing hand wheel to go right. (paragraph 2-14)

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