FN M249 SAW

From Gunpedia

The FN M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) series are gas operated and fire from the open bolt position. They can fire from a 200 round ammunition belt or an M16 or M4 magazine. The magazine is inserted in the magazine well underneath the port where the ammunition belt is inserted. All FN M249 variants fire the 5.56*45mm NATO round at a rate of 750 RPM(Rounds Per Minute). The design of the FN M249 SAW series was developed from the FN MINIMI series design.

Variants

M249E1

This was the first M249, this variant was made of steel, with a side folding stock, similar to the FN MINIMI.

M249E2

This variant is an upgraded version of the M249E1, the use of a PIP(Product Improvement Program) kit allowed the M249E2 to be more lightwieght, due to the fact that some upgraded parts were plastic. This variant is used in the US military. Because the gun is an upgraded M249E1, it is usually reffered to as M249 SAW.

M249E3

The M249E3 has all the same features of the M249E2. This variant is also used in the US military. The M249E3 features a collapsible buttstock instead of the solid buttstock on the M249E2. It also features a shorter barrel for airborne, armored infantry, and CQC(Close Quarters Combat). When the stock is collapsed, it is 10 inches shorter than the M249E2, it is usually reffered to as M249 PARA.

Note: The acronym SAW is usually mistaken for the M249, SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon, provide suppressive fire in a squad or section.

[edit] External links

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• FAS Military Analysis Network — M249 SAW
• Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), M249 Light Machine Gun
• Army study guide M249 study guide

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