M249
Unofficial
names/slang: SAW
Function:
Hand-held combat machine gun
Date
deployed: unavailable
Contractor:
Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing, Inc.
Unit cost:
$4,087
Length:
40.87"
Weight:
15.16 lbs. (Empty w/ bipod), 200 round box magazine:
6.92 lbs., 30 round magazine: 1.07 lbs.
Rate of Fire:
Sustained: 85 rpm; Cyclic: approx. 725 rpm
Ammo type:
5.56mm
Guidance:
Visual
Range:
approx. 3281 ft. (1000m) effective, 2.23 mi. maximum
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Features: The
Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), or 5.56mm M249 is an
individually portable, gas operated, magazine or
disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, light machine
gun with fixed headspace and quick change barrel
feature. The M249 engages point targets out to 800
meters, firing the improved NATO standard 5.56mm
cartridge. The SAW forms the basis of firepower for
the fire team. The gunner has the option of using
30-round M16 magazines or linked ammunition from
pre-loaded 200-round plastic magazines. The gunner's
basic load is 600 rounds of linked ammunition.
Background: The SAW was developed
through an initially Army-led research and
development effort and eventually a Joint NDO
program in the late 1970s/early 1980s to restore
sustained and accurate automatic weapons fire to the
fire team and squad. When actually fielded in the
mid-1980s, the SAW was issued as a one-for-one
replacement for the designated "automatic rifle"
(M16A1) in the Fire Team. In this regard, the SAW
filled the void created by the retirement of the
Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) during the 1950s
because interim automatic weapons (e.g.
M-14E2/M16A1) had failed as viable "base of
fire" weapons. Early in the SAW's fielding, the
Army identified the need for a Product Improvement
Program (PIP) to enhance the weapon. This effort
resulted in a "PIP kit" which modifies the
barrel, handguard, stock, pistol grip, buffer, and
sights.
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