The machine gun-often called the killing machine-revolutionized modern ground combat, brought an end to the traditional infantry and cavalry charge, and changed the battlefields of war forever. * Provides technical details on all significant models of machine guns from their introduction in the late 1800s to the present * Includes a comprehensive reference section that lists the machine guns in chronological order and provides an illustration and a description of the weapons system, including characteristics, number made, and other pertinent information