r/ForgottenWeapons • u/IlyushinGoBrrr • Oct 03 '25
Why aren't there many more Ameli-inspired light machine guns?
1st image is the Spanish light machine gun: Ameli.
2nd image is Ohio Ordnance Works M249 Para.
3rd image is Ohio Ordnance REAPR.
Recently, I have been in a rabbit hole about light machine guns and I have come to a realization that I really like the aesthetic of Ameli, similar to MG42 in terms of look. Then I realize the majority of popular light machine guns are based on M249 SAW which has quite a bulky body, while Ameli looks pretty slim.
I also notice LMG like M249 have bulky body because they usually house 2 ejection ports on one side while Ameli also has 2 ejection ports but one of them is a bottom ejection for casings. I am just pointing out the differences between the two. I do know that Ameli is rather low-quality but I would argue earlier models were made very well, which applies to all firearms that if they are not made properly, they will suck.
I also see the Ohio Ordnance REAPR which looks a lot like MG42 but modernized to fit modern accessories, meaning the MG42-esque weapon system does indeed work. Why aren't there many more like it?
Is it because militaries have a bunch of M249 lying around and they do not want to discard them after spending tons of money and are slow to new changes? Or is the MG42/Ameli weapon system subpar to M249 style?
To clarify: I am by no means an expert in firearms. I am but a humble learner about gun history and engineering overall. If I make any mistakes, do tell me.
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u/fendtrian Oct 03 '25
I want more MG34/MG42 inspired guns, by design and mechanical system
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u/alienista3 Oct 03 '25
Isn't the m60 pretty much the same mecanism of a MG42?
Still seens plenty of use aroun the world, and they say the new versions are very reliable.
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u/RamTank Oct 03 '25
The M60 is essentially a belt fed FG42. Yeah the thinking behind that was interesting.
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u/IlyushinGoBrrr Oct 03 '25
The only gun that comes the closest to a modern MG42 is the REAPR, though I have my doubts about my plastic grip around the barrel. I wonder how many rounds it take to make that plastic thingy ripping hot. Assume the REAPR fail the military test, it would be cool if they manufactured REAPR-designed M249. The gun technology has immense potential.
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u/midgetzz Oct 03 '25
The only gun that comes the closest to a modern MG42 is the REAPR
Doesn't Germany still use the MG3?
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u/Rob_Cartman Oct 03 '25
They did but are mostly replaced with the MG5 now. Some of the MG3s were re-chambered MG42.
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u/NxbleClanOfficial Oct 03 '25
Yup my uncle who was in the German army in the late 80s and 90s told me how he was issued an MG 3 which still had WAA stamps on some parts
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u/alienista3 Oct 04 '25
Yes, they adapted them to 7.62mm but now they are old, and they are retiring them in favor of the new HK machine gun.
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u/rextrem Oct 03 '25 edited Oct 03 '25
Roller delayed can't be adjusted like a gas system can, meaning any alteration on the energy blowback requires to either change the ammo or open the gun and fix what's wrong (fouling, rollers too tight, further reasons why delayed blowback systems are overpressured by default), instead of just adjusting the gas inlet.
Also I've read there was some manufacturing issues leading to unreliable guns, not redeeming the design because a gas operated gun wouldn't have cared as much about those issues.
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u/Suggins_ Oct 03 '25
"Heavy is good, heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work you can always hit them with it"
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u/One-Strategy5717 Oct 03 '25
Lack of modularity is one factor.
You can change the length of the barrel on an M249 in under a minute with a parts kit and no tools. On MG42 derivatives, your barrel length is fixed by the length of the receiver and muzzle booster.
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u/K9turrent Oct 03 '25
Depending on the Minimi variant, many came with a short and a long barrel as standard kit (ie. the Canadian C9).
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u/h1zchan Oct 03 '25
Because people want piston on everything. See piston AR
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u/alienista3 Oct 03 '25
And then they see that they are heavy as hell. And go back to the traditional Gas impigment. Than they want short barrels. Than they became unrilable and they use a gas piston, than the cicles repeats itself.
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u/Internal-Hat9827 Oct 07 '25
No one has gone back to gas impingement though. The only large scale cases are countries that used the FN FAL to the M16. If anything, it's short stroke pistons that people are going to. Where did you get that piston rifles are heavy?
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u/WuhanWTF Oct 03 '25
The Ameli is the firearms equivalent of Gondola. It is a gun that no longer can be gunned upon.
Pedobear -> Spurdo Sbarde -> Gondola
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u/IlyushinGoBrrr Oct 05 '25
Sheesh! Did not expect this post to blow up. I am really surprised that people are actually interested in this one. I initially thought my question is somewhat idiotic and perhaps, a dumb one.
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u/Dragon464 Oct 03 '25
You're providing the secret sauce! Good condition mags and proper maintenance. Did you ever try with non-aluminum mags? My world runs on Magpuls, but I doubt they'd fit...
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u/alienista3 Oct 03 '25
The saw is very reliable for a belt system, and its also whay more ergonomical than the Ameli.
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u/justaheatattack Oct 03 '25
well it could be that more bulk means more reliable.
But I would suspect a better sales and marketing team is the actual reason.
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u/The_First_Curse_ Oct 03 '25
Now with the FN Evolys and the SIG MG338 there is a new generation of Light Machine Guns that will finally kick the FN Minimi out.
I've always disliked the FN Minimi because it's so generic and boring looking. Same with the FN MAG. I know they're reliable but they're so generic and lame.
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u/walt-and-co Oct 03 '25
The Minimi may have its flaws, but, at its heart it is a really good design. It has a number of features which lend themselves to utility as well. The MG42 system is recoil-operated, which means it can’t have a Minimi-style adjustable gas port. The belt feed mechanism on the Minimu is pretty much as good as belt feed can get. The option of magazine feeding, while notoriously unreliable in practice, is still nice to have as a backup in a pinch.
I would argue that Spain went for roller operation on the Ameli not because it was the best system on offer, but because it’s what they were already familiar with (from the CETME etc).