FN Issues Mandatory Safety Recall of All FN M249S Rifles

by
posted on October 23, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
para.jpg

FN America has announced a mandatory safety recall of FN M249S rifles. The press release issued reads as follows:

FN America, LLC, announces today the mandatory recall of certain FN M249S semi-automatic, belt-fed rifles in both standard and PARA configurations. A recently identified design issue within the hammer group of the rifle may adversely affect the rifle's reliability. Under certain circumstances, a reset failure within the hammer group may cause the M249S to cease to function, causing an unsafe firing event. To correct this condition and restore consistent, proper and safe operation of the firearm, it is necessary to replace the hammer group.

FN is instructing customers to discontinue use of these rifles immediately and return affected products to FN directly for installation of a new hammer group, at no cost.

October 2017 FN M249S SAFETY RECALL 
Product Name: 
FN M249S

Model Name(s): 
FN M249S standard,
FN M249S PARA

Product Numbers: 
56460, 56501, 56509,
56502, 56435 (Limited Edition)

Color(s): 
Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE)

Not all FN M249S serial numbers are affected by this recall. Therefore, FN M249S owners are asked to please visit the FN M249S Safety Recall webpage and input their serial number. If the firearm is affected, further instruction on returning the FN M249S for service will be provided.

Note: Please do not ship any affected product to FN until a FedEx label has been generated and sent. If the firearm is not affected, a message stating such will be displayed. In the interim, FN asks that customers not operate their FN M249S standard or PARA until the hammer group has been replaced.

FN is deeply committed to providing customers with the safest, most reliable firearms possible. As such, it is imperative that all recalled product is received back as soon as possible. Patience and cooperation is appreciated as we receive, inspect and service these firearms. We will make every effort to return the product back to customers within 30 days of receipt.

For questions about the recall or assistance in returning a firearm, contact the FN M249S Recall Support team at 1-800-635-1321, extension 145, or by email at [email protected]. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

 

Latest

Match Ready M1 Garand 1
Match Ready M1 Garand 1

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.