SAW, LSW, LAR, LMG, call it what you will, but in reality you must have a robust weapon which is capable of barrel changes, and firing from the open bolt, and be belt fed. I don't reckon the ole AR (even the belt fed job) could cut the abuse.
Failures are the SA-80 LSW, Cdn FN C2/ Aussie L2 and metric FALO types, the RPK and RPK74s etc.
Try laying down some 'fair dinkum' covering fire for any SHORT period of time, and you are fucked! Plain and simple! Rooted! Stoppages which = cook-offs etc. They just sieze up! Been there and done that (too often)over the yrs.
I'd go any day a F89A1, M60, or MAG 58 over anything else, but in the 5.56mm calibre the F89A1 has got things beat. Two per Inf Sect, the rest with AUGs with (two with M203PIs on board of the AUGs) with 66s (M72s) and F1 frag grenades, shit one can lay down a wicked bit of fire power. And what about the PL and Coy levels on top of that, plus what you can drum up on the radio (fast Air, Art etc). I think I am getting 'warry' and leaving the topic a bit. Time for a Tassie Cascade Premium Lager!
The F89A1 LSW Minimi or C9 ( NZ and Cdn) US its a M249 (I think) or whatever you call in your Army, it is a good example of being both mag fed and belt fed, although here in Australia the mag fed bit is not used, as we use AUGs. The LSW was for some time issued 20rd Viet Nam vintage mags, but this was generally a waste of time, so the mag bit is no longer used.
Now for that beer......