Mechanically based upon the German FG42 automatic rifle of the Second World War, the M60 was designed as a belt-fed light machine gun firing the then-new 7.62 × 51 mm NATO round, and entered service in 1957.

It developed a reputation for unreliability and required the use of an absestos glove to change an overheated barrel. It was also adapted for use as an aircraft door-gun, where the ability to give sustained fire might be less crucial.

In any case, in improved form it remains in production and U.S. military service today, as it is relatively light in weight for its calibre.