SMGs of course are “submachineguns” because they’re generally full auto like other machine guns, despite firing pistol-caliber cartridges. However, my question is, why are “automatic rifles” not simply called a different form of machine gun? Surely every SMG and LMG isn’t smoothbore right? Why aren’t “assault rifles” just called “intermediate machine guns” or something of the sort when they’re fully automatic just like SMGs?
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The previous two responses sum up the technical and historical answers very well. The practical test to figure out if you are handling a machine gun (of any size – sub, heavy, etc) is a bit more simple though. What is the primary firing mode and purpose of the gun/rifle?
An M4 is a select fire rifle, capable of single fire or full auto (burst on earlier models instead of full auto). However, it is not a machine gun as it is primarily designed to be operated in single fire or controlled, controlled bursts. This is demonstrated by the weight and durability of the barrel as well as the size of the magazine.
In contrast, a M249 SAW, which fires the same round, is a light machine gun. It only has two modes: safe and fire. It can be fed by a standard AR magazine and the operator can use trigger control to fire single rounds at a time, but it is designed to be belt fed and run wide open. The heavier gun and barrel can hold up to these stresses.
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