5 Facts About The Fn Herstal Saw M249

The FN Herstal SAW M249 is a versatile and reliable light machine gun that has been used by various military forces around the world. Here are five key facts about this iconic firearm:

The M249 SAW is a Belgian-made light machine gun designed by FN Herstal, a renowned firearms manufacturer. The SAW acronym stands for Squad Automatic Weapon, which reflects the gun's intended role as a compact, portable machine gun for infantry squads. The M249 was first introduced in the 1970s and has since become a staple in many military arsenals.

One of the primary advantages of the M249 SAW is its reliability and durability. The gun is designed to withstand harsh environments and rough handling, making it an ideal choice for military operations in challenging terrain. The M249 features a stainless steel barrel and a durable polymer stock, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of combat.

In terms of performance, the M249 SAW is a formidable firearm. It fires 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition at a rate of 750 rounds per minute, making it an effective suppressive fire tool. The gun also features a long, 19.75-inch barrel, which allows for impressive accuracy at longer ranges. The M249's bipod and adjustable stock make it easy to deploy and use in a variety of situations.

The M249 SAW has seen extensive use in various conflicts around the world. The gun was first introduced to the US military in the 1980s and has since been used in numerous operations, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The M249's reliability, accuracy, and high rate of fire make it a popular choice among military forces.

In addition to its military applications, the M249 SAW has also gained popularity among civilian shooters and collectors. The gun's unique design and impressive performance make it a sought-after addition to many firearms collections. However, due to its military origins and fully automatic capabilities, the M249 is heavily regulated in many countries and may require special permits or licenses to own and operate.

Design and Development

The M249 SAW was designed by FN Herstal in the 1970s as a response to the US military's request for a new light machine gun. The gun was developed from the FN MINIMI, a Belgian-made light machine gun that had gained popularity among European militaries. The M249 was designed to be more compact and lightweight than traditional machine guns, making it easier to carry and deploy in a variety of situations.

The M249 features a gas-operated, air-cooled design, which allows for reliable and consistent performance in a variety of environments. The gun's stainless steel barrel and durable polymer stock ensure that it can withstand the rigors of combat and harsh environments. The M249 also features a long, 19.75-inch barrel, which allows for impressive accuracy at longer ranges.

In terms of its operating system, the M249 SAW uses a gas-operated, rotating bolt mechanism. This allows for reliable and consistent performance, even in dirty or harsh environments. The gun's gas system is also adjustable, allowing the user to fine-tune the gun's performance to suit their specific needs.

Key Features

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
Rate of fire: 750 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 915 meters per second
Effective range: 800 meters
Weight: 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs)
Length: 103 cm (40.6 in)
Barrel length: 50 cm (19.75 in)

The M249 SAW is a highly versatile firearm that has been used in a variety of roles and situations. Its reliability, accuracy, and high rate of fire make it an effective suppressive fire tool, while its compact and lightweight design make it easy to carry and deploy.

Operational History

The M249 has also been used by various other military forces, including the British Army and the Canadian Forces. The gun's reliability and accuracy make it a popular choice among military forces, and it continues to be used in a variety of roles and situations.

Notable Conflicts

Gulf War (1990-1991)
War in Afghanistan (2001-present)
Iraq War (2003-2011)
Libyan Civil War (2011)
Syrian Civil War (2011-present)

Variants and Derivatives

The M249 SAW has several variants and derivatives, including:

M249 SAW: The standard US military version of the gun.
M249 PIP: A variant of the M249 with a number of improvements, including a new barrel and a redesigned gas system.
M249 MK 48: A variant of the M249 designed for use by US special operations forces.
FN MINIMI: The Belgian-made light machine gun that the M249 is based on.

The M249 SAW has also been used as the basis for a number of other firearms, including the FN FAL and the FN SCAR.

Comparison to Other Firearms

The M249 SAW is often compared to other light machine guns, such as the PKM and the M240. However, the M249 has a number of advantages over these firearms, including its reliability, accuracy, and high rate of fire.

The M249 SAW is also often compared to other firearms in the 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, such as the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle. However, the M249 has a number of advantages over these firearms, including its higher rate of fire and longer effective range.

Gallery of M249 SAW Images

M249 SAW Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW is a light machine gun designed by FN Herstal and used by various military forces around the world.

What caliber is the M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

What is the rate of fire of the M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW has a rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute.

Is the M249 SAW reliable?

Yes, the M249 SAW is known for its reliability and durability in harsh environments.

Is the M249 SAW used by civilians?

Yes, the M249 SAW is used by some civilian shooters and collectors, although it is heavily regulated in many countries.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the M249 SAW and its features. Whether you're a military enthusiast or just interested in learning more about firearms, the M249 SAW is an iconic and impressive gun that continues to be used around the world.