The fifth in the Small Arms Survey's series of Research Notes provides a brief overview of heavy machine guns (HMGs), defined as having a calibre between 12.7 mm and 20 mm.

These light weapons are man-portable, but are typically mounted on vehicles or ground mounts as an anti-personnel and anti-aircraft weapon. Effective against personnel; light armoured vehicles; low, slow flying aircraft; and small boats, modern HMGs are belt-fed, gas or recoil operated, air-cooled, and have an effective range up to 2,000 meters.