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 FN Minimi (short for French: mini-mitrailleuse; "mini machine gun") is a Belgian 5.56mm or 7.62mm light machine gun, also classified as a squad automatic weapon developed by Ernest Vervier for FN Herstal.

The FN® M249 SAW (also known as the FN MINIMI®) has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military since 1986 and is currently in service in more than 30 countries. The M249 SAW is designed to be used on the front lines where it really matters, providing crucial support at the infantry squad/fire team level by providing highly accurate fire ...

Apr 13, 2022 · The FN Minimi / M249 SAW is an air-cooled, gas-operated, belt-fed, automatic weapon. Design and functionality. The Minimi is operated using conventional gas action with the gas piston below the barrel, and the barrel is locked using the traditional rotary bolt.

The FN M249S SAW Rifle is a semi-automatic version of the M249 SAW light machine gun, was originally developed by FN Herstal as the FN MINIMI and adopted by the U.S. military in 1988. The rifle features the signature 18.5-inch FN cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel and operates from a closed-bolt position.

The Fn M249 SAW is made to be employed on the front lines, where it counts, giving infantry squad/fire team level support that is essential by delivering exact fire and the agility to seize the objective.

M249 SAW. FN Minimi Para – a short-barreled “paratrooper” version with telescoped buttstock in extended position. FN Minimi SPW – Special Purpose Weapon, a lightened version with Picatinny rail adapters, Para type buttstock (shown folded) and belt feed only (no magazine feed installed).

Dec 16, 2024 · The M249 SAW is an individually carried, gas-operated, magazine or disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, light machine gun with fixed headspace and quick change barrel feature. The M249 can engage point targets out to 800 meters, firing the improved NATO standard 5.56mm cartridge.

The Minimi is a gas operated machine gun using a long stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. It fires from the open bolt position for improved cooling and locks using a rotating bolt. It is a belt fed weapon with a backup magazine feed well.

Some time around 1970, a team led by Ernest Vervier sat at a chalkboard at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium, and began to design a new light machine gun. Their goal was a much lighter and more portable gun than their MAG (Mitrailleuse …