M249 SAW
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Production · 1984
Also known as: FN Minimi, Squad Automatic Weapon, C9 LMG, F89, L108A1
Overview
The M249 SAW is a automatic machine gun chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by FN Herstal since 1984. Featuring a 200-round magazine capacity, this machine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7500 g (264.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1040 mm (40.94") |
| Barrel Length | 465 mm (18.31") |
| Height | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 35 N (7.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Disintegrating Link Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1730 J (1276 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3576 m (3911 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 775 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 177.8 mm (7.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt, Stanag Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety, Open Bolt System
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Folding Bipod, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Dual Feed System, Picatinny Rail, Changeable Barrel
Variants
- FN Minimi — Original
- M249 Para — Compact
- M249 PIP — Improved
- M249 SPW — Special Operations
- Mk 46 Mod 0 — Lightweight
- Mk 46 Mod 1 — Lightweight
- Mk 48 — Different Caliber
- FN Minimi 7.62 — Different Caliber
- C9 LMG — Canadian
- F89 Minimi — Australian
Service history
Operators
- United States Armed Forces · adopted 1984
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1985 · as M249
- United States Special Operations Command · as Mk 46/Mk 48
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1982 · as FN Minimi
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 1980 · as C9 LMG
- Australian Defence Force · as F89 Minimi
- French Armed Forces · as Minimi Para
- Italian Armed Forces · as Minimi
- Japan Self-Defense Forces · as Minimi
- Netherlands Armed Forces · as Minimi
- Polish Armed Forces · as Minimi
- Spanish Armed Forces · as Minimi
- Swedish Armed Forces · as Minimi
- Turkish Armed Forces · as Minimi
- United Kingdom Armed Forces · as Minimi
- German Armed Forces · as Minimi
Conflicts
- Invasion of Panama (1989-1990)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1982-present
Adopted by over 45 countries; produced under license in multiple nations. Exact total unknown.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Ernest Vervier
Notes
The M249 Product Improvement Program (PIP) introduced several enhancements including a polymer buttstock with hydraulic recoil buffer, Picatinny rail system for mounting optics and accessories, and improved heat dissipation. The Para variant features a shortened 349mm barrel and telescoping stock for airborne operations. Special operations variants like the Mk 46 eliminate the magazine feed capability to reduce weight by approximately 4.1 pounds and feature enhanced rail systems. The Mk 48 variant chambers the larger 7.62x51mm NATO round. The rate of fire varies between 750 rpm for belt-fed operation and approximately 1000 rpm when fed from magazines due to reduced mechanical resistance. The weapon's cold hammer-forged steel barrel features hard chrome plating in both the bore and chamber for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
Background
The M249 was the first squad-level light machine gun adopted by the U.S. military since the BAR in 1938. Its unique dual-feed system can accept both belt ammunition and standard M16/M4 STANAG magazines, giving the automatic rifleman unmatched flexibility in combat. The Para variant with shortened barrel and telescoping stock was developed specifically for airborne and special operations forces.