What is the primary method of adjusting fire for a machine gun?

The primary method of adjusting fire for a machine gun involves making elevation and lateral adjustments using the sight system. This method is crucial because it allows the gunner to accurately align the weapon with the target by utilizing the machine gun's optical sight or iron sights. These adjustments are essential for ensuring that rounds are delivered on target effectively, particularly in dynamic combat situations where enemy positions may change and require quick corrections.

When employing a machine gun, the gunner needs to account for various factors such as distance to the target, type of ammunition, and environmental conditions. By making precise elevation and lateral adjustments, the gunner can compensate for these factors and maintain effective fire accuracy and control over the engagement area.

This method of adjustment leverages the inherent design of the machine gun's sighting system, which is optimized for rapid and effective targeting, making it the most practical and reliable option available to the gunner in the field. Other methods, while they may have their uses, do not provide the same level of precision and immediate feedback necessary for adjusting machine gun fire.