The increased number of enemy targets engaged, suppressed, and destroyed will also enhance the survivability of the machine gun crew. Use of the Machine Gun Optic eliminates the need for sight alignment and will allow the firer to engage targets more quickly than with iron sights. The CCO eliminates the need for sight alignment and allows the firer to keep both eyes open while engaging targets. The CCO is effective out to 400 meters. Soldier survivability should also be substantially improved through quick suppression and likely destruction of close-in targets that might not have been seen or engaged by a Soldier using irons sights and firing with one eye closed.
Ammunition is belt-fed through the left side of the weapon by a disintegrating metallic link belt.
The MK19 supports the Infantryman in both the offense and defense. It provides the rifleman with the heavy volume of close, accurate, and continuous fire necessary to accomplish his mission in the attack. The long range, and final protective fires delivered by this gun form an integral part of the units defensive fires. Several improvements to the MK19 system have been initiated. An improved mount is being developed which will provide a more stable platform assuring decreased dispersion and increased accuracy.