Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon)
The M-249 is a light machine gun based off of the Belgium Fabrique Nationale FN Minimi system. By Staff Writer
The M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) is nothing more than a locally produced version (FN Manufacturing in South Carolina) of the Belgium firm of Fabrique Nationale's FN Minimi light machine gun. A small subtle difference in the addition of a heat shield above the barrel system has been added and the overall weapon has been designed to be production-friendly for common United States manufacturing processes. Beyond that, the M249 retains all of the appearance and functionality of the FN Minimi.
As a light machine gun, the M249 has now see extensive combat action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The base 30-round detachable box magazine can give way to a more traditional 200-round metal link belt. The system can put upwards of 750 rounds per minute in sustained fire and generate a muzzle velocity of 3,000 feet per second. The barrel itself makes up nearly half of the weapon's length and is of a six-groove type, requiring a right-hand twist to remove.
Available in bipod or shoulder sling, the M249 SAW is a light machine gun that is just beginning its foray into frontline service with the United Army (production began in the early 1990's).
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Image Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense
1992
Designation:Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) Classification Type:Light Machine Gun Manufacturer:FN Manufacturing, Incorporated - USA Country of Origin: United States
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