What is classified as a malfunction in a machine gun?

A malfunction in a machine gun encompasses any issue that prevents it from operating as intended. This can include various specific problems such as a failure to extract, which occurs when a spent cartridge case does not leave the chamber, potentially causing a jam. Similarly, a failure to feed happens when a round does not enter the chamber correctly, preventing the weapon from firing. Additionally, a general failure of the gun to function satisfactorily can refer to any other operational issues that impair the gun's performance, such as frequent jams, misfires, or erratic fire.

Since each of these issues can negatively affect the reliability and capability of the machine gun, identifying all of them together as malfunctions highlights the importance of addressing any of these failures during maintenance and operation. Understanding this broad definition is crucial for effective operation and troubleshooting of machine guns in training and combat scenarios.