I'm not sure about the numbers, but they do feel very weak for what you got.

I have used LMGs on every map in the game (except for several of the newer maps) and I you can do just as well as an AR or a SMG, you just have to change up your play style a bit. 

For a beginner LMGs I would suggest either the L86 SW or the MK46, both of these guns have good fire rates and lowish/manageable recoil.

I also like going two attatchments with a grip and an optical or silencer, however while this what I prefer I would suggest that you try a bunch of different set ups till you find one that you like.  As an example I have a friend that likes using an ACOG with a Silencer on his MG36...I have no idea how he makes it work but he does.

as for perks, Stalker is your friend, first perk is your choice but I really like Recon, I usually either quick draw or hardline except when I am using a silencer

I generally hate all of the LMG iron sights (except for the mk46 and the PKP, too much extra crap on them so I usually use a red dot but that's a personal choice.

Important to note that you get better recoil patterns if you are either prone or crouched. 

good luck

Roumers I have heard say that this makes all the LMG's a 3 hit kill at any range. I'm at work so can't confirm it but if it's true it is awesome. It gives the LMG's a defined role.

I think they made the LMGs like they were in MW2, meaning there is no damage dropoff at any range. Definitely makes LMGs more useable, but I still think their biggest downfall is the lack of mobility. So many tight corners, and not a ton of really long sightlines make LMGs a bit tough to use

So I tried the pkp last night for a few matches, I tried lots of different games and maps. Then I started dropzone using it... it really works well in that game mode. I died a few times trying to reload after only a few rounds fired (that is a horrible habit that I have, shoot someone and reload no matter how many shells I have left in the magazine). I think an lmg might work extremely well on liberation in any game mode.

Mk and M60 are the best hands down with a buff they will be much better.  I hope this is true.  My fav classes are my M60 and MK and I use them on every map.

You wanna mind **** people grab your M60 on dome.  It pisses em off cuz everyone uses shottys and smg's.

MK46-speed-rapid fire

Ext. cond

Qdraw

Stalker.  The piss everyone off class.  Plus it looks tits gold.  The only better gold gun on the game is the Pecheneg.  That gun looks so cool gold.

Use the L86 LSW with grip and a thermal scope if you want a weapon that has next to no recoil and can 3 hit kill at any range. No need to thank me.