For more information, visit www.fnamerica.com.
To purchase an M249S Para on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=M249S%20Para.
Overview
Building on the popularity of the already released M249S semi-automatic version of the 5.56 SAW light machine gun, FN is releasing the M249S Para (or Paratrooper) model. Originally developed for airborne troops in its original form, the Para is fourth addition to the company’s Military Collector Series of semi-automatic versions of classic military firearms.
The new M249S Para from FN offers shooters a semi-auto version of a classic military firearm.
According to John Keppeler, senior vice president of sales and marketing for FN America, LLC, “You’ll notice only two major differences between the semi- and full-auto versions (of the M249S Para) – the barrel length and reconfigured internal components to change the rifle’s operation from open-bolt to closed-bolt. Authenticity was critical in this series and we changed as little as possible.”
The M249S Para was available to shoot on Range Day during SHOT Show 2017.
Specs
GunsAmerica’s Clay Martin had the chance to go hands-on with the new M249S Para.
Impression
Many might point out that a semi-automatic SAW is not really that practical, and they would be right. A belt-fed gun that weighs 17 pounds and is semi-auto? What’s the point? But not everything has to “make a point”—sometimes, something is just really cool. Sure, it might be impractical, but how about those of us that have always wanted to own their own version of this gun but knew they would never be able to own one? Well, thanks to FN, we civilians now have a chance. We have already run a review of the standard M249S (click here to see it: https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/unleash-saw-civilian-m249-now-available-full-review/), and reviewer Jon Hodoway really liked it. What the new Para version brings to the table is a more compact version patterned after the M249 Para model. It features a shortened barrel as well as a rock-solid collapsing stock for extreme compact dimensions of 31.5 to 37 inches in overall length. We had a chance to run the gun at the Range Day at SHOT Show 2017 and really liked it.
The Para is also offered in black.
Price & Availability
Ahh, so the real question: What does it cost? It is definitely not a price point gun, coming in at $8.799 in black and $9,199 in flat dark earth, but for those of us who just have to have one, I guess cost may not be an issue. I suppose we could take out a line of credit on the house or sell our car? Keep an eye out for a full review of the M249S Para here on GunsAmerica.com in the very near future.
For more information, visit www.fnamerica.com.
To purchase an M249S Para on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=M249S%20Para.
You could literally buy a FightLite (formerly Ares Defense) belt-fed AR upper for an AR lower (that would be $4200 total) and then buy a legal, transferable drop-in auto sear (going for around $5,000 right now), and for the same money have an actual select-fire, full-auto belt-fed machine gun that is reliable and takes both AR mags or linked ammo. And is a lot easier to work on, change barrels, and easier to get parts for. Go ahead and tell me the cool factor of a legal belt-fed machine gun isn’t higher than this.
I don’t think you can find a drop in sear for less than $20K these days
I’d rather take that money and go retro pre ’86 type something, say a Stoner 63 replica built for me. Start w rifle add beltfed down road.
I love all of the very sensible replies that good citizens should reply with. Yes, I concur…this is like buying a 200 gallon aquarium for one tiny fish. What you here is a very very expensive conversation piece.
Everybody say what you want but we have sold about 3 of these in a week.
For just under 10,000 it better be REAL cool.
If I had all kinds of money, I could afford to buy this, but then I would have to feed it. For me, a gun must have a function that I could use. This emasculated version of a real gun does nothing but waste ammo.
If someone feel the need for this more power to Them and their credit card limit, but to me this is like a Ferrari with a Briggs and Stratton 5hp or You go on a date with Katelyne to find out she is actually Bruce. Well not as bad as a tranny but bad. I would take a Ferrari with a 5hp cause I would source an engine and fix that. Can’t fix a tranny. Would I take this gun ? Sure if given but pay for it, maybe for 2000 to 2500.
a belt-fed semi-auto rifle for 9k?
Great to look at but why would anyone want this if only used on a semi auto basis? Its like buying a ferrari and removing 500 HP out of the engine..
These 249’s were used for spray and pray/ suppression in infantry ..I cannot possibly imagine seeing this shot at a local range without fully unlocking its potential
Complaining that it’s overpriced is like whining that Ferrari doesn’t make an affordable hatchback.
Yep!
They do – a Fiat (on my never buy list)
Just how popular do you think this $9,000 toy will be. Can you say ridiculously overpriced?
FN needs to sell one model with a in-house built bumpfire stock. If you can afford to buyit you shoukd be able to frrd it well.