What is the firing mechanism of the M240?

The firing mechanism of the M240 is an open bolt system. In this design, the bolt is held to the rear when the weapon is not firing. When the trigger is pulled, the bolt moves forward, strips a round from the fed ammunition, and then chambers it before firing. This system has several advantages for a machine gun like the M240, including better cooling of the barrel since the weapon is not constantly firing rounds in a closed bolt configuration. Additionally, the open bolt system helps in preventing negligent discharges, as the mechanism requires the bolt to be fully forward for the round to be fired, thus minimizing the risk of accidental firing when the weapon is being handled or if it was jostled. This firing mechanism is especially useful in sustained fire scenarios, where the ability to manage heat and reliability are crucial factors.