Gun of the Day- The M-249

The M-249 (there's one in there, I promise).

Type

Squad automatic weapon/Light machine gun

Place of origin

    Belgium (FN Minimi)

 United States (M249 derivative)

Service history

In service

1984–present

Used by

United States of America

United States Armed Forces

U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)

 Lebanon[1]

Wars

Invasion of Panama

Persian Gulf War

Unified Task Force

Bosnian War

Kosovo War

Afghan War

Iraq War

Production history

Designed

1976

Manufacturer

    Fabrique Nationale de Herstal

Unit cost

US$4,087[2]

Produced

late 1970s–present

Specifications

Weight 7.5 kg (17 lb) empty,

10 kg (22 lb) loaded

Length  40.75 in (1,035 mm)

Barrel length      465 mm (18 in)

Cartridge

5.56×45 mm NATO

Action

Gas-operated, open bolt

Rate of fire

Sustained rate of fire: 50 RPM

Rapid rate of fire: 100 RPM

Cyclic rate of fire: 775 RPM

Muzzle velocity

915 m/s (3,000 ft/s)

Effective range

800 m (870 yd) (point target)

3,600 m (3,940 yd) (maximum range)

Feed system

M27 linked belt, STANAG magazine