M249

 

The M249 is a belt-fed light machine gun The M249 SAW is a gas-operated, belt-fed light machine gun M249 machine gun fires the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge m249 weight is 17.95 pounds The M249 light machine gun, also known as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon

M249

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is a light machine gun that has become an iconic weapon of the United States military. It was developed in the early 1980s as a replacement for the aging M60 machine gun and has since been used extensively in combat operations around the world. The M249 SAW is known for its high rate of fire, quick-change barrel, and modular design, which make it a versatile weapon for a variety of mission requirements. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the features and capabilities of the M249 SAW and explore its role in modern warfare.

History

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) was first developed in the early 1980s as a replacement for the M60 machine gun, which had been the primary light machine gun of the United States military since the 1950s. The M249 SAW was designed by the Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal and was based on the FN Minimi, a light machine gun that had been developed for the Belgian military.

The M249 SAW was officially adopted by the US military in 1984 and began to replace the M60 in infantry units. The gun was initially designated as the M249 Automatic Rifle, but this was later changed to Squad Automatic Weapon to better reflect its role as a support weapon for infantry squads.

The M249 SAW has been used extensively in combat operations around the world. It saw its first major deployment during the Gulf War in 1991, where it was used by both US and coalition forces. The gun was also used in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it proved to be a reliable and effective weapon for providing suppressive fire and supporting infantry units.

Over the years, the M249 SAW has undergone several upgrades and modifications. In 2009, a new variant of the gun, the M249E4, was introduced. This version of the gun features a number of improvements, including a hydraulic buffer system that reduces recoil and increases accuracy.

Despite its effectiveness, the M249 SAW has not been without controversy. The gun is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to carry for extended periods of time. It is also prone to jamming if not properly maintained, which can be a serious problem in combat situations.

Despite its drawbacks, the M249 SAW remains a key component of the US military's arsenal and continues to be used by infantry units and special forces around the world.

Design and Feature

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is a gas-operated, air-cooled light machine gun that is designed to be highly maneuverable and versatile. Here are some of the key design features and features of the M249 SAW:

Operation: The M249 SAW is a gas-operated, air-cooled machine gun that fires from an open bolt. It is chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, which is also used in the M16 rifle.

Feeding: The gun is typically fed from a 200-round disintegrating belt, which is carried in a box or drum magazine. The M249 SAW can also be fed from a 30-round M16 magazine, although this is not the gun's primary mode of operation.

Rate of Fire: One of the key features of the M249 SAW is its high rate of fire. The gun can fire at a rate of approximately 800 rounds per minute, which allows it to lay down a large volume of suppressive fire.

Quick-Change Barrel: The M249 SAW also has a quick-change barrel, which allows the gunner to replace a hot barrel with a fresh one in a matter of seconds. This is important because sustained firing can cause the barrel to overheat and reduce the gun's accuracy.

Lightweight: The M249 SAW is designed to be highly maneuverable. It weighs just over 17 pounds (7.7 kg) without ammunition, which makes it relatively light for a machine gun.

Modular Design: The gun is also designed to be modular, with a variety of accessories and attachments available for different mission requirements. The gun's bipod and tripod mount also allow it to be stabilized for more accurate fire, and it can be fired from a fixed position if necessary.

Effective Range: The M249 SAW has an effective range of approximately 800 meters, although it can be used effectively at much shorter ranges for suppressive fire.

Overall, the M249 SAW is a reliable and effective machine gun that has been used extensively in combat operations around the world. Its high rate of fire, quick-change barrel, and lightweight design make it a versatile weapon for a variety of mission requirements.

Variants of M249

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) has undergone several variations and modifications over the years, including:

M249 PARA: This variant of the M249 SAW features a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock, which makes it more compact and easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The M249 PARA is often used by airborne and special forces units.

M249E1: This was the initial production model of the M249 SAW, which featured a fixed wooden stock and no provision for mounting optics.

M249E2: This variant of the M249 SAW features a synthetic stock and an integrated bipod, which makes it easier to deploy and stabilize the gun for more accurate fire.

M249E3: This version of the M249 SAW features a heat shield and a revised handguard, which reduces the risk of burns and improves ergonomics.

M249E4: This is the latest version of the M249 SAW, which features a hydraulic buffer system that reduces recoil and increases accuracy. The M249E4 also has a redesigned feed tray cover and a new flash suppressor.

Mk 46: This is a lightweight variant of the M249 SAW that was developed for the US Navy. The Mk 46 features a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock, which makes it more compact and easier to carry.

Mk 48: This is a larger caliber variant of the M249 SAW that is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The Mk 48 is typically used by special forces units and has an effective range of up to 1,000 meters.

Overall, the M249 SAW has undergone several variations and modifications over the years to meet the changing needs of the military. Each variant of the gun offers unique features and capabilities that make it well-suited for different mission requirements.

Parts of M249

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is made up of several key parts and components, including:

Receiver: The receiver is the main body of the gun and houses the firing mechanism, bolt carrier group, and other internal components.

Barrel Assembly: The barrel assembly includes the barrel, gas block, front sight, and flash hider. The barrel is designed to be quickly interchangeable, allowing the gunner to replace a hot barrel with a fresh one to maintain accuracy during sustained firing.

Buttstock Assembly: The buttstock assembly includes the stock, buffer spring, buffer assembly, and rear sight. The stock is typically adjustable for length of pull and can be collapsed for storage or transport.

Feed Tray: The feed tray is where the ammunition belt is loaded into the gun. The M249 SAW is typically fed from a 200-round disintegrating belt, which can be carried in a box or drum magazine.

Bolt Carrier Group: The bolt carrier group is responsible for chambering and ejecting cartridges and includes the bolt, firing pin, extractor, and other components.

Trigger Assembly: The trigger assembly includes the trigger, sear, and other components that control the firing mechanism.

Bipod Assembly: The bipod assembly includes the bipod legs, which can be extended or retracted to provide a stable shooting platform.

Handguard: The handguard protects the gunner's hands from the hot barrel and includes a carrying handle for transport.

Gas System: The gas system includes the gas block, piston, and other components that cycle the action of the gun and eject spent cartridges.

Sights: The M249 SAW typically has both front and rear sights, which can be adjusted for windage and elevation to improve accuracy.

Overall, the M249 SAW is made up of several key parts and components that work together to provide a reliable and effective light machine gun for military use. Each part plays a critical role in the operation and function of the gun.

Range of M249

The effective range of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) varies depending on several factors such as the type of ammunition used, the skill of the gunner, and environmental conditions. However, the M249 SAW has an effective range of up to 800 meters (875 yards) in a point target engagement and up to 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) in an area target engagement.

In a point target engagement, the gunner aims at a specific target such as an enemy combatant, vehicle, or weapon system. In this scenario, the M249 SAW is effective up to 800 meters, meaning that the gunner can accurately engage and neutralize a target at that range.

In an area target engagement, the gunner aims at an area such as an enemy position or fortification. In this scenario, the M249 SAW is effective up to 1,000 meters, meaning that the gunner can suppress the enemy position and prevent enemy movement or counterattack.

It is important to note that the effective range of the M249 SAW can be affected by several factors such as the type of ammunition used, the condition of the gun, and the skill of the gunner. The gunner must also consider factors such as wind, elevation, and distance to accurately engage targets at longer ranges. Training and practice are critical to developing the skills necessary to effectively engage targets at longer ranges with the M249 SAW.

Specifications

Here are the specifications of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW):

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Operation: Gas-operated, open bolt

Feed System: Belt-fed (200-round disintegrating belt)

Length: 40.75 inches (103.5 cm)

Weight (unloaded): 17 pounds (7.7 kg)

Barrel Length: 18.03 inches (45.8 cm)

Rate of Fire: 750-1,000 rounds per minute

Effective Range: Up to 800 meters (875 yards) in a point target engagement and up to 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) in an area target engagement

Sights: Front and rear adjustable sights

Ammunition: Can fire both ball and tracer rounds.

Variants: M249, M249E1, M249E2, and M249S.

Other features: Quick-change barrel system, heat shield, bipod, adjustable stock, and carrying handle.

The M249 SAW is a versatile and reliable light machine gun that is widely used by the US military and other armed forces around the world. Its lightweight and compact design, combined with its high rate of fire and effective range, make it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.