>>64276506
>b-but the MG42
A GPMG is not an LMG, in doctrine or actual employment. It's more akin to a modern MMG
>inb4 liechtes maschinengewehr
And the British called submachineguns "machine carbines", but that doesn't mean the STEN is an Assault Rifle by proxy
>m-muh mauser 98k
Worse ergonomics, longer bolt throw, greater unlocking angle, worse sights, no useable cocking piece. These things make it an objectively worse combat rifle
>H&K fixed the SA80
As a subsidiary of BAE Systems, a British Military and Aerospace industrial conglomerate, who acquired them when buying out Royal Ordnance, under whom H&K had already been working in British Military interest
>>64276640
Hence why I specified that I was including them. They're roughly equivalent and I'm not read enough to determine whether one was notably better than the other. The bayonet mounting lug gets them extra points though, I love bayonets