M249 SAW
USA1984 - Present
Squad automatic weapon providing sustained suppressive fire
Primary Specifications
Caliber
5.56x45 mm
Same caliber as rifle for ammo commonality
Weight (Empty)
7.5 kg
Muzzle Velocity
915 m/s
Standard velocity from longer barrel
Rate of Fire
850 rpm
High rate for suppression
Effective Range
800 m
Extended range for fire support
Magazine
200-rd Belt
Belt-fed from drum or box
Quick Summary
What it is?
A belt-fed light machine gun providing automatic fire support at the squad level
Who uses it?
US Army, USMC, All combat branches
Role
Squad automatic weapon, Suppressive fire, Fire support
What's different?
Belt-fed for sustained fire; can also accept M16 magazines
Why it matters?
Cornerstone of US squad firepower for four decades
Real-World Impact
1
Patrol Base Defense
Emplaced at US positions throughout Middle East
2
Convoy Security
Mounted on vehicles for route clearance operations
3
Infantry Support
Carried by automatic riflemen in every US squad
4
Airfield Security
Used by Air Force security forces at regional airbases
Additional Features
Ambidextrous Controls
No
Operating System
Gas-operated, open bolt
FAQs
1. Is it being replaced?
Yes, by XM250 in 6.8mm for close combat forces2. Can it use magazines?
3. What is the Para variant?
4. How often does the barrel need changing?
5. What is the effective beaten zone?
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