GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) was introduced in 1984 to provide light machine gun firepower to infantry squads. It is designed for sustained fire and squad support with high reliability. The M249 remains a standard medium support weapon in many military units worldwide.

Why It's a Top Choice

Proven durability under harsh combat conditions
High ammunition capacity with belt-fed system
Effective suppressive fire for infantry squads
Compatible with NATO-standard 5.56mm ammunition
Wide availability of aftermarket parts and accessories

Key Variants

M249 Para

Compact variant favored for vehicle crews and special operations due to reduced length.

M249 SAW Original

Standard infantry model established in 1984 for general-purpose squad use.

M249 Mk48 Mod 0

Heavy variant chambered in 7.62mm for enhanced range and stopping power.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	M249 Saw	Fn M240	Hk MG4
MSRP	$7,500+ (approx.)	$10,000+ (approx.)	$8,000+ (approx.)
Capacity/Size	200-round belt, 5.56mm	100-200 round belt, 7.62mm	100-round belt, 5.56mm
Weight	17.5 lbs (7.9 kg)	27.1 lbs (12.3 kg)	15.4 lbs (7 kg)
Optics-Ready	Standard with Picatinny rail	Standard with mounting options	Standard rail system
Trigger Type	Open-bolt firing	Open-bolt firing	Open-bolt firing
Notable Pro	Widely used, reliable, lightweight	Higher caliber, more power	Lightweight, modern design
Notable Con	Requires frequent maintenance	Heavier, less maneuverable	Less widespread adoption

Best Use Cases

Infantry squad automatic support
Suppressive fire in tactical scenarios
Military training and qualification
Vehicle crew defense
Law enforcement special operations

FAQs

Can I use standard 5.56mm NATO ammo in the M249 SAW?

Yes, the M249 SAW is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO and accepts standard belts of this ammunition type.

What is the effective range of the M249 SAW?

The effective range is approximately 800 meters for point targets and up to 1000 meters for area suppression.

How does the M249 SAW differ from the Mk48 Mod 0?

The Mk48 Mod 0 is chambered in 7.62mm for increased power, whereas the M249 uses 5.56mm NATO ammunition with lighter weight.

M249 SAW for Sale