A six-barreled machine gun is not just a weapon, but a real symbol of firepower. Systems such as legendary M134 Minigun or Soviet GShG-7.62, are capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute, turning any vehicle into a mobile fortress. But that performance comes at a price—and it's not just about cost. Weight A six-barreled machine gun often becomes a critical factor when choosing a platform for installation, be it a helicopter, an armored vehicle or even a civilian vehicle (in some jurisdictions).

Many people mistakenly believe that the main weight comes from the trunks themselves. In fact, the mass is distributed between the rotation mechanism, power system, electric drive and ammunition. For example, empty M134 weighs about 16 kg, but with a 2000-round belt and a power source, this figure easily exceeds 50 kg. And if we are talking about a stationary installation with armor protection, the weight can reach hundreds of kilograms. Next, we’ll figure out what the mass of such systems depends on and how to minimize it without losing combat qualities.

The design of a six-barreled machine gun: what affects the weight?

Six-barreled machine guns belong to the class multi-barrel systems with a rotating block of barrels. Their key feature is the high rate of fire (from 2000 to 6000 rounds per minute), which is ensured by alternate firing from each barrel. But you have to pay for this with a complex design. The main elements that form weight:

  • 🔧 Barrel block - usually made of high-strength steel or alloys. The weight of one barrel (for example, in M134) is ~1.5 kg, but there are six of them, plus fastenings.
  • ⚙️ Drive mechanism - electric motor (in M134 this is a 24V DC motor) or hydraulics (as in XM214). Adds 3–8 kg.
  • 📦 Power system - belt or drum magazines. A belt for 2000 rounds of 7.62x51 mm caliber weighs ~12 kg, and an ammunition load for 4000 rounds weighs 24 kg.
  • 🛡️ Mounts and armor protection — on military equipment, a machine gun is often installed in an armored turret, which adds tens of kilograms.

I wonder what the weight of a machine gun can vary 2–3 times depending on the modification. For example, a light version M134D for helicopters weighs 14 kg, while the stationary version for armored vehicles weighs up to 40 kg without ammunition. And if you compare with GShG-7.62 (Soviet analogue), then its weight starts from 25 kg due to the more massive design of the receiver.

One more nuance - power supply. Electric machine guns require batteries or connection to an on-board power supply. For example, for M134 you need a 24V source with a current of up to 30A, which means an additional 5–10 kg for batteries or converters.

📊 Which six-barreled machine gun are you familiar with?
M134 Minigun
GShG-7.62
XM214
Other
None

To better understand the spread of masses, we will collect data on the most famous six-barreled machine guns. Please note: the table indicates weight without ammunition and fastenings, since these options are highly dependent on the installation platform.

Model Caliber Weight (empty), kg Rate of fire, rds/min Application
M134 Minigun 7.62x51mm NATO 16–18 2000–6000 Helicopters, armored vehicles, ships
M134D (lightweight) 7.62x51mm NATO 14–15 2000–4000 Light helicopters, drones
GShG-7.62 7.62×54 mm R 25–28 4000–5000 Armored vehicles, Mi-24 helicopters
XM214 Microgun 5.56x45mm NATO 10–12 4000–10000 Light equipment, drones
GAU-17/A 7.62x51mm NATO 20–22 3000–4000 US Navy ship and aircraft

From the table it is clear that XM214 Microgun - the lightest model thanks to the 5.56 mm caliber and compact design. However, its high rate of fire (up to 10,000 rounds/min) requires a powerful power source, which offsets the weight advantage. On the other hand, GShG-7.62 heavier M134 by 30–40%, but uses a more powerful 7.62x54 mm R cartridge, which increases penetration power.

It is important to consider that ammunition weight often exceeds the mass of the machine gun itself. For example, a belt for 4000 rounds of 7.62x51 mm cartridges weighs ~24 kg, and if you add a box with spare belts, the total weight of the system can reach 100 kg or more.

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The weight of a machine gun is not only the mass of the weapon, but also the ammunition, mountings and power source. The total load on the platform can be 3-5 times the dry weight of the system.

How does weight affect installation and application?

The choice of platform for a six-barreled machine gun directly depends on its weight. Let's look at the key scenarios:

  • ✈️ Helicopters — every kilogram is critical here. For example, on AH-64 Apache install M230 (30-mm cannon), and not a six-barreled machine gun, since the weight of the latter with ammunition would exceed the permissible load. The exception is the lungs. XM214 on drones.
  • 🚗 Armored vehicles — here weight is less critical, but stability is important. For example, on Hummer install M134 with an armored shield, which adds ~50 kg to the base weight.
  • 🚤 Ships and boats — on small vessels they use lightweight options (for example, GAU-17/A by 20 kg), whereas on large ships weight does not limit the choice.
  • 💂 Infantry options - extremely rare due to weight. The only serial example is experimental XM556 Microgun for special forces (weight 8 kg, but ammunition is limited).

Particular attention is paid mass centering. For example, when installing M134 On the roof of the jeep, it is necessary to move the batteries and ammunition closer to the center of the car, otherwise there is a risk of tipping over when cornering. On helicopters, the machine gun is mounted on special dampers so that vibration does not upset the balance.

⚠️ Attention: Installing a six-barreled machine gun on a civilian vehicle (even in countries with liberal weapons, for example, the USA) requires platform certification. Exceeding the permissible load on the roof or trunk may result in loss of control at high speeds.

Another aspect - ergonomics. For example, in infantry variants (like XM556) use bipods and shock absorbers so that the shooter can hold the weapon when firing in bursts. Otherwise, recoil and weight will make accurate shooting impossible.

Ways to reduce weight: technologies and modifications

Manufacturers are constantly working to make the design lighter without losing firepower. Here are the key approaches:

  • 🔬 Materials - replacement of steel with titanium alloys (for example, in barrels XM214) reduces weight by 20–30%. However, titanium is expensive and requires special processing.
  • ⚡ Electronics — modern control systems (for example, in GAU-17/A) make it possible to reduce the size of the drive mechanism.
  • 📉 Caliber - transition from 7.62 mm to 5.56 mm (as in XM214) reduces the weight of barrels and ammunition by 40%. But the penetrating power is lost.
  • 🔄 Modular design - for example, in M134D the barrel block can be quickly replaced, which reduces the overall weight due to the lack of spare parts on the platform.

One of the most promising areas is the use composite materials. For example, a corporation General Dynamics tests carbon fiber barrels, which are 50% lighter than steel but withstand the same loads. While such technologies are expensive for mass production, they could revolutionize the market in the future.

Weight is also reduced due to platform integration. For example, on armored vehicles Striker machine gun M134 Mounts directly into the housing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. This saves up to 15 kg.

Check the possibility of replacing steel parts with titanium|Assess the feasibility of reducing the caliber|Use modular systems with quick replacement of barrels|Integrate the power source into the on-board network of the platform|Optimize the placement of ammunition closer to the center of mass-->

Ammunition weight: hidden load

Many people forget that ammunition often weighs more than the machine gun itself. Let's look at an example M134 Minigun:

  • 📦 Ribbon for 1000 rounds 7.62×51 mm - ~6 kg.
  • 📦 Ribbon for 2000 rounds - ~12 kg.
  • 📦 Ribbon for 4000 rounds - ~24 kg.
  • 🔋 Battery 24V/30A - ~5 kg.
  • 🛠️ Mounts and armored shields - ~10–15 kg.

Total: empty M134 weighs 16 kg, but in combat configuration the weight reaches 50–60 kg. For comparison: GShG-7.62 with a belt for 2000 rounds and fastenings it will pull 70–80 kg.

In practice this means that:

  • On light platforms (for example, pickup trucks), the ammunition load has to be reduced to 1000–1500 rounds.
  • Used on helicopters two-belt system, where one tape is empty (to reduce weight in flight).
  • In infantry variants (for example, XM556) ammunition is limited to 200–300 rounds due to weight.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a six-barreled machine gun on a vehicle, check roof or trunk load capacity. For example, at Toyota Hilux maximum roof load is 75 kg. This means that M134 with 2000 rounds of ammunition already exceeds the limit!
Why are six-barreled machine guns rarely installed on civilian vehicles?

Apart from legal restrictions, the key problem is dynamic load. When firing, the recoil creates a moment of force that can destabilize the vehicle. For example, at a rate of fire of 4000 rounds/min, the recoil impulse is equivalent to a constant force of 20–30 kgf applied to the roof. This requires strengthening the body, which increases the overall weight and cost of the conversion.

In most countries of the world, six-barreled machine guns are classified as categories of military weapons, and their circulation is strictly regulated. Let's consider the key nuances:

  • 🇺🇸 USA - legal possession is possible by Class 3 licenses (NFA), but weapons registration is required as Machine Gun ($200 license fee, plus $200 tax per weapon). However, since 1986, the release of new models for the civilian market has been prohibited.
  • 🇷🇺 Russia — six-barreled machine guns are prohibited for civilian use. The exception is museum exhibits and weapons for filming (permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs is required).
  • 🇪🇺 Europe - in most countries (Germany, France) such weapons are available only to the military and police. In the Czech Republic or Switzerland, exceptions are possible for collectors.
  • 🌍 Middle East - in some countries (for example, the UAE), legal ownership is possible for citizens with a special permit.

Even if you manage to legally purchase a machine gun, it car installation will require:

  1. Platform certification (testing for stability and security).
  2. Obtaining permission to transport weapons (in the USA - ATF Form 5320.20).
  3. Payment of additional taxes (in some US states - up to $1000 per year).

It is important to understand that even in countries with liberal legislation (for example, Texas, USA) using a machine gun in a public place may be regarded as a terrorist act. Therefore, such systems are usually installed on private property (ranches, landfills) or used in the film industry.

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If you want the "look" of a six-barrel machine gun without the legal hassles, consider electrical layouts (for example, from a company MG Props). They imitate the rotation of barrels and the sound of firing, but are not weapons. Cost - from $2000.

Alternatives: When is a six-barreled machine gun overkill?

Despite their impressive firepower, six-barreled machine guns are not always justified. In many cases they can be replaced with lighter and cheaper systems:

Problem Six-barreled machine gun Alternative Weight savings
Armored vehicle protection M134 (40 kg + ammunition) PKM (7.62×54 mm, 9 kg) ~30 kg
Suppression of manpower XM214 (12 kg + 20 kg of ammunition) M249 SAW (5.56×45 mm, 7 kg) ~25 kg
Installation on a drone XM214 (10 kg) M134 Minigun (light version) (14 kg) -4 kg (but higher rate of fire)
Perimeter security GShG-7.62 (50 kg with fastenings) Two PCT (7.62x54 mm, 10 kg each) ~30 kg

Key advantages of alternatives:

  • 💰 Cost - for example, PKM costs ~$5000, whereas M134 - from $50,000.
  • ⚖️ Weight — even with ammunition, single-barreled machine guns are 2–3 times lighter.
  • 🔧 Service — six-barrel systems require frequent replacement of barrels (every 5–10 thousand shots), which is expensive.

However, there are tasks where a six-barreled machine gun is indispensable:

  • 🚁 Helicopter installations — high rate of fire compensates for low accuracy when shooting with vibration.
  • 🛡️ Active protection systems (for example, Phalanx CIWS on ships) - where you need to create a “wall of lead”.
  • 🎬 Film industry - for special effects (for example, in films about “Terminator” or “Rambo”).
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A six-barreled machine gun is justified only where maximum fire density is needed. In all other cases, single-barreled or coaxial machine guns will be more effective and cheaper.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the weight of six-barreled machine guns

How much does the M134 Minigun weigh with full ammunition?

Base weight M134 — 16 kg. With a 2000 round belt (12 kg), battery (5 kg) and mountings (10 kg) the total weight reaches 40–45 kg. On helicopters, another 10–15 kg is added for dampers and the control system.

Is it possible to install a six-barreled machine gun on a civilian pickup truck?

Technically - yes, but legally - only in some countries (for example, the USA with a license NFA). Main problems:

  • Roof load (maximum 75–100 kg for most pickups).
  • The need to strengthen the body to compensate for recoil.
  • Legal restrictions on the transportation and storage of ammunition.

In practice, such installations are found only at closed training grounds or in the film industry.

What is the lightest six-barreled machine gun?

The lightest production model - XM214 Microgun (10–12 kg). It uses the 5.56x45mm cartridge and is designed for light platforms. However, its rate of fire (up to 10,000 rounds/min) requires a powerful power source, which offsets the weight advantage.

How does the GShG-7.62 differ from the M134 in weight?

GShG-7.62 heavier M134 by 30–40% (25 kg versus 16 kg) due to:

  • A more massive receiver (designed for the 7.62x54 mm R cartridge).
  • Using a hydraulic drive instead of an electric one.
  • Armor protection integrated into the design.

But GShG-7.62 has great penetrating power and reliability in extreme conditions.

How many rounds can a six-barreled machine gun carry without exceeding the weight?

It depends on the platform:

  • 🚁 Helicopter - usually 2000–3000 rounds (maximum 4000, but with the risk of overloading).
  • 🚗 Armored vehicle — up to 6000 rounds (weight ~36 kg).
  • 🚤 Boat — 4000–8000 rounds (almost no weight restrictions).
  • 💂 Infantry - no more than 300 rounds (due to weight and ergonomics).