American M249 light machine gun: photos, characteristics

General information

The light machine gun was originally developed in Belgium by FN Herstal and is called FN Minimi. The designers wanted to bring to life the idea of ​​a machine gun with an interchangeable power supply chambered for a 5.56x45 mm caliber cartridge. The name Minimi perfectly matches the functionality of this weapon: it is light and sleek. To this day, this model is one of the most popular on the world market.

A sample marked M249 SAW was sold to the US Army. The last three letters translate as “saw”, which is how the gun was nicknamed among military personnel. In fact, the abbreviation - Squad Automatic Weapon - stands for "platoon automatic weapon."

FN Minimi SPW

FN Minimi SPW with 100-round cloth ammo bag and RIS foregrip – 5.56x45mm
The Minimi SPW or M249 SPW (Special Purpose Weapon) is a modified SAW with shorter barrel and collapsible buttstock. The carrying handle, STANAG magazine well, and vehicle mounting lug have been removed to reduce weight. Several times seen as a modified Daewoo K3.

Video Games

A little history

During the Second World War, cartridges appeared that were more powerful than standard pistol ammunition, but not up to rifle ammunition. They are called "intermediate". Many designers have become interested in this type of ammunition. And, as a result, the first weapons began to appear. The Degtyarev machine gun (RPD-44) was manufactured in the USSR, which was later refined and transformed, and was later replaced by the RPK.

Western design bureaus thought in a similar way. In Germany, Heckler & Koch created the HK21, in the UK - the L86 LSW, in Belgium - the Steyr AUG LMG. The decision to create a cannon chambered for an intermediate cartridge was completely justified: this is an opportunity to bring uniformity to the weapon in terms of equipment, method of ammunition supply, basic spare parts and methods of training in its use.

In a combat situation, such a product makes it possible to conduct heavy suppressive fire using a minimum amount of manpower. However, most design bureaus limited themselves to the production of heavy machine guns to perform relevant combat missions. Lower infantry ranks (such as support, supply or support platoons) were still armed with submachine guns, which were not intended to perform tasks that involved prolonged firing. But these units were not equipped with machine guns due to the specific nature of the military branches: preference was given to lightweight weapon models.

However, the Belgians decided not to rest on their successes and set themselves the goal of developing a lightweight machine gun for lower army levels with a replaceable barrel and belt feed.

American direction

Very successfully, the American government announced a competition for the creation of platoon automatic weapons (SAW) in 1970. The decision was due to the inadequacy and inconvenience of operating the M14 in the jungles of Vietnam.

The creation of the American M249 machine gun did not come immediately. But this idea was prompted by the opinions of war veterans who had to fight in urban conditions. It was believed that in battles in confined spaces, the rate of fire, rather than accuracy, played a big role. At that time, the United States was considering the idea of ​​​​creating a machine gun chambered for 6x45 mm caliber, but the post-war financial crisis forced the idea to be postponed.

Difficult choice

Testing of the “Belgian” began back in 1974. At that time, competitors for the SAW title were:

• an advanced version of the M16, designated XM106, was proposed by the US Marine Corps;
• model XM248 from the aerospace department, which was a modification by the Rodman Laboratory of the XM235 machine gun;
• sample XM262 from (Germany).

There is reason to believe that the Americans were inclined towards models of their own production, based on patriotic considerations, but due to the fact that Belgian weapons (FN FAL and FN MAG) were increasingly in demand on the world market (while interest in American models was recession), there were more and more supporters of European machine guns in the US government.

Belgium victory

As a result, the crisis dragged on so long that the choice of a candidate for the SAW title was postponed until 1979. By this time, the prototype of the future FN Minimi had undergone a number of changes in accordance with the wishes of the American military: a replaceable type of power supply was implemented - both from a machine gun belt and from a box magazine.

“Rodman’s sample” successfully passed the race, since with each modification, not the wishes of the customer were taken into account, but the advice of the military, which did not always benefit the weapon. As a result, subsequent modifications completely ruined the initiative to create a purely American machine gun model.

But the model took an honorable second place, but unfortunately, there were no incentive prizes based on the results of the competition.

FN Minimi was recognized as the winner and began to be produced in the states under the M249 marking. The machine gun (photo below) is still in service with the US Army. But at the end of the twenty-first century, the Marine Corps received a version of the German automatic rifle from Heckler-and-Koch.

Interesting facts about the M249

• The machine gun in Counter-strike:Global Offenssive has been reduced in price compared to Counter-Strike 1.6 by $550. Now its price is $5,200, but it was $5,750;
• The heaviest weapon in the game. Reduced model speed by more than 22%. During shooting, this figure drops to 45%;
• Negev and M249 - very similar in characteristics, but have radically different prices;
• The included device + hostage transfer will be the most difficult thing in the game. The character will be practically motionless.

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Peculiarities

The M249 SAW light machine gun is manufactured in Southern California. Due to a number of difficulties identified during attempts to adapt the product for cartridges of other calibers, mass production was established only in the early nineties.

The main differences from the Belgian original are mainly related to the technological aspects of serial production. If the Minimi is produced with both a folding stock and a permanent one, then the American M249 SAW machine gun is produced with a folding one.

The external differences of the M249 machine gun are the presence of a shield above the barrel, which is responsible for thermal insulation. A folding bipod has been added to the design, and mounting of the product on a tripod is also provided. There are mounts for mounting a sight, as well as a gun sling. The kit includes interchangeable barrels, a buffer, grips and sights, as well as a separate stock.

Machine guns

M249 SAW. Light machine gun. (USA)

The M249 SAW is a 5.56x45mm version of the FN Minimi light machine gun for the US Army, manufactured by Fabrique National (Belgium), mass production began in the 1980s.

The “Minimi” automatic system operates according to the scheme of removal of powder gases from the barrel bore with locking by turning the bolt. Feeding comes from a belt (usually a box or bag of 200 or 100 rounds of ammunition is suspended from the machine gun) or from a 30-round STANAG magazine. The machine gun is equipped with an open sight; modern versions carry standard RIS rails on the receiver and forend for installing collimator, optical and night sights and other accessories. A bipod folding back into the forend channel is attached to the gas tube. The barrel is quick-changeable and equipped with a handle for replacing the barrel or carrying the machine gun.

M249 SAW. Light machine gun. (USA)

The machine gun entered service in the armed forces of a number of countries, including: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America (M249 SAW). The weapon is currently manufactured at FN Herstal factories, as well as under license in Australia, Greece and the USA. Minimi is manufactured in several versions: a standard model as a fire support weapon for an infantry squad or a Marine fire group (Squad Automatic Weapon) with a regular or FN FNC-type folding stock, lightweight versions with a shortened barrel for paratroopers and special forces (Minimi Para, Minimi SPW - Special Purpose Weapon, Mk. 46 mod. 0. The first two versions have a retractable stock when rotated 90 degrees, the last two have a removed magazine receiver and feed only from the belt), versions for mounting on pivot and turret installations of armored vehicles without a stock.

FN also produces the Minimi machine gun chambered for 7.62x51 mm as a more mobile alternative to the FN MAG machine gun. Versions include Mk. 48 mod. 1 for US special operations forces.

Direct competitors of the Minimi machine gun are the German HK MG4 and the Israeli IMI Negev. It's worth noting that of the three, only the HK MG4 is not chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO, making it less versatile.

In the United States, after the 5.56-mm M16 assault rifle (M16A1) of the Stoner system was adopted, many attempts were made to create a light machine gun chambered for the same cartridge. The obvious idea to unify the machine gun and rifle was embodied in several prototypes. The CAR-15 family of small arms, based on the M16A1, included the CAR-15 M2 belt-fed light machine gun with a folding bipod. Several machine guns, having different power systems and installations, were included in the experimental Stoner-63 family of small arms and were tested during the Vietnam War. However, of these, only a 5.56 mm belt-fed light machine gun (with a capacity of 50/100 rounds) was adopted by special forces units of the US Navy under the designation Mk23 and was purchased in small quantities.

After the adoption of the NATO cartridge 5.56×45 (M855) and the M16A2 assault rifle, on its basis they developed the M16A2 HBAR light machine gun (mod. 741) with a weighted barrel and folding bipod, the ability to use a Beta Company double-disc magazine with a capacity of 100 rounds. However, it was not accepted into service either. The United States military has never adopted a unified family of weapons, although some of its NATO partners have done so.

Marine Corps and US Army in the late 70s. joint requirements were announced for a light machine gun intended for arming squads. A number of systems were tested - the American Stoner-86, CMG-2 Colt, XM233 Maremon, Rodman, XM234 Philco-Ford, as well as the Belgian FN Minimi. After intense testing, high reliability in various conditions was demonstrated by the Minimi, which in 1984 was adopted by the Marine Corps and Army under the designation M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). The M249 in the American army was adopted one or two per squad, while the appearance of the new machine gun coincided with the expansion of “special operations forces” and the creation of “light infantry” units that needed a compact and lightweight automatic support weapon that was carried along with ammunition and controlled one fighter.

M249 SAW. Light machine gun. (USA)

Its development began in the early 1960s, the weapon was originally intended for the M193 5.56x45 mm cartridge, but was later converted to the SS109 5.56x45 mm cartridge. Prototypes of weapons appeared in the early 1970s, but mass production of the machine gun began only in the 1980s. The machine gun is manufactured in Southern California by FN.

In the design of the M249, the main changes compared to the Minimi were related to differences in production technology. The M249 light machine gun was adopted with a folding stock (the Minimi machine gun had a folding or permanent stock). The barrel is easily replaceable. The main external difference was the heat-insulating shield located above the barrel. The machine gun had a bipod, but if necessary it was mounted on a tripod. In the folded position, the bipod is placed inside the forend. There is a mechanism for introducing lateral adjustments to the sight. Fire is conducted in bursts of 3 and 6 shots. The stock is removed when using the M249 in an infantry fighting vehicle. The gun belt allows you to fire on the move “from the hip.” There is a PIP kit - handles, replaceable barrel, buffer, butt, sights. To fire using blank cartridges, as in the M16A2, a muzzle attachment is used, which increases the pressure in the barrel and also does not allow bullets to be fired.

M249 SAW. Light machine gun. (USA)

Characteristics:

• Weight, kg: 6.85 (standard model), 6.56 (Minimi Para), 5.32 (for combat vehicles), 8.17 non-folding stock (Minimi 7.62), 8.4 telescopic folding stock (Minimi 7 ,62);
• Length, mm: 1,040 (standard model), 914 with folded stock / 766 with folded stock (Minimi Para), 793 without stock (for combat vehicles), 1,015 non-folding stock (Minimi 7 62), 1,000 with folded stock / 865 with folded stock (Minimi 7 62);
• Barrel length, mm: 465 (standard model), 349 (Minimi Para), 406 (Minimi SPW), 502 (Minimi 7 62);
• Width, mm: 110, 128 (Minimi 7 62);
• Cartridge: 5.56x45 mm (SS109), 7.62x51 mm (Minimi 7.62 variant);
• Operating principles: removal of powder gases, rotary bolt;
• Rate of fire, rounds/min: 700-1150, 680—800 (Minimi 7.62);
• Initial bullet speed, m/s: 925 (standard Minimi), 866 (Minimi Para);
• Sighting range, m: 600 (bipod-single targets), 800 (tripod-single targets), 800 (bipod-group targets), 1000 (tripod-group targets);
• Maximum range, m: 3600;
• Type of ammunition: 100- or 200-round M27 split-link tape, 30-round STANAG magazine;
• Sight: diopter.

Performance characteristics

The M249 light machine gun weighs only 6.85 kg. The total length is 1040 mm, with a barrel length of 465 mm.

As mentioned above, a replaceable power supply is used:

• machine gun belt for 100 or 200 rounds;
• magazine for 30 charges, designed in accordance with the NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG).

The rate of fire of the product ranges from 700 to 1150 rounds per minute, while a bullet fired from the barrel reaches a speed of up to 975 meters per second. Installation of a diopter sight is provided. The maximum firing range is quite impressive - 3600 meters, with an effective range of 600 to 800 meters if the bipod is deployed. The range may vary depending on shooting at single or group targets, respectively. When shooting from a tripod, the numbers are higher - from 800 to 1000 meters for the same reasons - depending on the type of targets.

The operating principle of the M249 machine gun is very trivial - the removal of pore gases and the movement of the rotary bolt.

Flaws:

• It has a very expensive cost ($5200);
• Powerful and almost uncontrollable recoil during clamping;
• Very weak in long-range play. The bullets don't actually hit the target;
• Quite a long period of changing stores. At the time of reloading, you need to move away from the enemy. During this period you are essentially inactive;
• Has heavy weight. You can forget about active and dynamic movement in the game. Especially if you start shooting. Your model becomes inactive.

Military conflicts

The M249 was used in a number of local conflicts, for example:

• US expansion into Panama in 1989 to restore democratic order and protect American citizens.
• The well-known war in the Persian Gulf from 1990 to 1991.
• Bosnian conflict 1991-1995
• The Kosovo conflict, initiated by the Albanians who demanded the independence of Kosovo (1998-1999).
• The conflict in Afghanistan officially lasted from 2001 to 2014.
• During military clashes in Iraq from March 2003 to December 2011.
• Of course, the military conflict in Syria against the terrorist organization ISIS, which began in 2011 and continues to this day.

Literacy in operation

The M249 machine gun is still in service with the US Army, and there are no plans to abandon it. Nevertheless, over the entire period of operation of the product, a number of “misfires” were identified, which some attribute not to factory defects, but to the inept hands of the operator.

For example, back in 1970, a problem appeared during testing, which consisted of jamming of the mechanism when feeding a cartridge into the chamber, when power was supplied through the magazine. Another, when using the M249 in desert conditions (Iraq and Afghanistan), is the rapid failure of the weapon barrel due to overheating.

There is an opinion among experienced military personnel that this problem arises among newcomers who like to show off and shoot in long bursts from such “attractive” weapons.

Retired officers recall with a grin the “craftsmen” who managed to fire two hundred rounds of ammunition from a barrel at a time and thought that they could replace the barrel, use up a couple more belts and put the old barrel back. It must be remembered that if a difficult combat situation requires such shooting, you should stock up on many spare barrels for the M249. Moreover, they are not issued to each soldier against receipt; they are not allocated according to the norm along with dry rations and uniforms. In battle conditions, you will have to disassemble other people's machine guns in order to bring your own to proper condition.

How to play with M249

• As we wrote earlier, close distances are the main strength of this device. Always choose the closest collision point to your opponent. Due to the fact that there is a large spread this will add to your advantage;
• Shooting 1-3 bullets is practically impossible. They do not fly accurately enough, and the clip from it will be much better.
• Always pinch into the enemy and preferably make less movements. Any strafe will lead to a strong scatter of bullets;
• Take into account the awkward movements of your allies . During a strong war, you can accidentally hit them, which will lead to big problems in the game;
• If you play a map with hostages, also take into account not to hit them with your not very accurate shooting;
• Always consider bullet spread, which flies out of this beast. It looks something like this:
  

  Scatter during clamping

  How to control the mouse clip

• Nothing more than simply advising you to aim, follow the flight of bullets, and also believe that it will hit the enemy’s head - this will be the best decision for you;
• The best thing to do during the strongest spray is to aim at the enemy's legs . The spread will rise on its own and the bullets will fly towards the head;
• Carry out the fight together with a partner, the M249 machine gun will be much more useful . Since in case of unsuccessful work, there will be someone to cover you;
• Whenever shooting (whether single or clip), always try to stand still. Any movement will lead to wild scatter and crooked flight of bullets;
• A very good tactic would be to use the M249 to shoot through thin cover or through smoke. At a small base (point B), where there is one exit, you can block it with smoke and just stupidly shoot a spray at it. But just keep in mind that opponents see your tracers, which give away your position;
• Always keep an eye on the remaining ammo in the magazine . Despite the fact that there are 100 of them, you can get carried away to such an extent that you won’t notice how they end. As soon as you see that there are less than 20-30 rounds left in the horn, try to find cover to reload it. Replacing a magazine takes a very long time, so keep in mind that at this moment an enemy may attack you;
• If you notice an M249 beast from the enemy, then maximize the distance between you - accordingly;
• The same is true with the number of cartridges in stock ; in case of reloading, you can immediately attack the enemy with such a device;
• As soon as you notice a large and powerful clamp, try to walk away and not try to resist it. Since any random bullet can fly straight into the head.

One of the tactical examples of playing with the M249

Producing countries

The FN Minimi machine gun has been adopted in many countries around the world, but is manufactured under license (in addition to Belgium) only in Australia, Greece and, of course, the USA. In addition to the SAW version for America, there are versions with a shortened barrel for paratroopers and special forces. However, the model does not come as a result of a deep modernization of the M249 machine gun. Para is exactly the marking for the Belgian FN Minimi.

Damage with minimum rage

Shooting and damage caused to the enemy, if you shoot at point-blank range with a machine gun:

Domestic response

As part of the “Soldier of the Future” project, domestic designers developed a project for the RPK-16 machine gun. The brainchild was presented to the general public as part of the Army-2016 presentation. The product was conceived as a worthy response to Western “mastodons” such as FN Minimi and Ultimax 100.

The RPK-16 is designed with an interchangeable power supply for 5.45 x 39 mm caliber and is capable of using cartridges from AK-74 or RPK-74 magazines. The Kalashnikov Concern has developed a 96-round drum specifically for this product. The new brainchild of domestic designers has every chance of ousting the FN Minimi from the world market.

The installation of an elongated barrel is also provided, as well as targeted shooting from the RPK-16. The new weapon has already been nicknamed the “machine gun-rifle” due to its technical features. It is this feature that is planned to compete with Ultimax 100.

FN Minimi

FN Minimi with 200-round drum – 5.56x45mm. Note 90-degree carry handle and flash hider design.

FN Minimi Para with 100-round cloth bag – 5.56x45mm. Note handguard design distinguishing this from the M249 Paratrooper below.

Film

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Video Games

Anime

Weapons results

Technological progress does not stand still. New types of weapons are replacing old ones, and the most famous examples are taking up space on museum shelves. Perhaps the RPK-16 will outshine world manufacturers with its performance, and then the M249 machine gun will find its home in the museum.

New types of weapons are invented every day, and to counter them, new types of armor appear that can withstand these weapons. The answer is not long in coming - a new gun will definitely appear that can penetrate this armor.

War is also constantly changing, local conflicts are becoming more brutal and unpredictable, so new weapons adapt to the realities of combat. The types of weapons that are most in demand throughout the world are exported to customer countries that need them. Often the model is adapted to the needs of specific departments of the country. This was the case with the FN Minimi, which received the M249 SAW marking.

New types of weapons serve as ideas for implementation in popular culture. But they often lead to incorrect information about the names of specific samples. For example, the erroneous marking of the M249 Para machine gun can be found in the online game Warface. In fact, the model is not an M249, but rather a Belgian original - FN Minimi Para.

Let all local conflicts and wars remain only elements of games, and let peace reign in real life!

Skins for M249

Skins have a very low cost due to the almost weak popularity of weapons. Therefore, do not be surprised at the prices even though the appearance is quite nice.

M249 Marble Buran price ~30$ (850 UAH, 1800 rubles)

M249 Space Warrior ~15$ (400 UAH, 1100 rubles)

M249 Blocking ~5$ (126 UAH, 280 rubles)

M249 Pixel Camouflage ~$4 (96 UAH, 210 rubles)

M249 Impact drill ~1$ (26 UAH, 56 rubles)

M249 Vinegar of emerald poison ~1$ (25 UAH, 53 rubles)

M249 Ghost ~1.5$ (35 UAH, 73 rubles)

Video with skins for M249: