mmarsh

The Chauchat was bad design, but as the article stated it did introduce features that would become standard such as select fire and a pistole grip. Therefore it does have a minor redeeming value, as it inspired future innovation.

2dold4this already mentioned it so I will give a 2nd nomination the Original Japanese nambu 11 (not the 2nd edition). Like most Japanese small arms it was unreliable due to its 'hopper' magazine, it fired a low power rifle cartridge and was designed to carry a Bayonet. Not exactly redeeming qualities for a LMG.

Japanese infantry weapons were among the worst in WWII, some were actually dangerous to use (i.e type 11 pistol). Its a mystery when they had such genius designers in the Imperial Navy and Imperial Air Forces and the army got all the washouts.