The M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon), [4][5][6] formally the Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249, is the United States Armed Forces adaptation of the Belgian FN Minimi, a light machine gun manufactured by FN Herstal (FN).

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW, is an individually portable, gas operated, magazine or disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, light machine gun with fixed headspace and quick change...

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 10inches shorter than the M249E2, it …

The Belgian Minimi M249 light machine gun, one of the most widespread modern 5.56 mm light machine guns amongst NATO countries. This one is an M249E3 "Para" model. A light machine gun (LMG) is a light-weight machine gun designed to be operated by a single infantryman, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon.

May 7, 2015 · We will discuss the history of the M249, describe the characteristics of the weapon, ammunition, and discuss employment considerations. We will also cover the proper handling of this weapon, to...

A Marine from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (3rd Recon), in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), armed with a M249 Para whilst on operations in Iraq, 2007. The M249 Para has a telescopic stock and …

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) provides squad-level fire support. It lays down a base of sustained fire and is used routinely in both mounted and dismounted configurations. The M249...

Jul 7, 2011 · A further development during the 1990s was the Short Squad Automatic Weapon, sometimes referred to as the M249E3, which shortened the SAW by more than 10 inches.

The FN® M249 PARA is optimized for airborne, armored infantry and close quarters combat (CQC) operations with a shorter barrel and collapsible buttstock. It retains all of the features of the M249 SAW and can be field-converted back to the standard model configuration in just 30 seconds. Each M249 model includes one spare barrel.

It provides rifle squads with a light automatic weapon for employment during assault. (See figure F-1, page F-4.) The M249 also can be used in the medium machine gun role in defensive …