What prevents the M240 machine gun from overheating during operation?

The quick-change barrel system is crucial in preventing the M240 machine gun from overheating during operation. This system allows operators to quickly replace a hot barrel with a cooler, spare barrel without the need for tools, significantly reducing downtime during firing and helping to maintain operational readiness.

When the M240 is fired continuously, the barrel can heat up rapidly due to the high volume of rounds discharged, which can lead to decreased accuracy and potential weapon failure. The ability to change the barrel swiftly helps to mitigate these issues, as it ensures that the gun can keep firing with minimal interruption while maintaining consistent performance. By accessing cooler barrels, soldiers can sustain their rate of fire without the risk of overheating damaging the weapon or impacting their effectiveness in combat scenarios.

This design feature is especially valuable in combat situations where prolonged firing is necessary, as it directly contributes to the reliability and functionality of the machine gun under demanding conditions.