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Earlier this year, FN announced the M249S Para, a semi-automatic-only, closed-bolt version of the gun used by elite operators within the U.S. military. But the military's M249 SAW—Squad Automatic Weapon—introduced in 1984, is the Light Machine Gun of U.S. forces and many U.S. allies. It has seen action in every major conflict involving the United States since 1989. Firing the standard 5.56 mm NATO round, the M249 has stood the test of time due to its versatility and adaptability to circumstances. Learn more about the history and evolution of the FN M249 SAW in this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
On November 3, Idaho voters picked the Winchester Model 1873 rifle (nicknamed the “Gun that Won the West,” in .44-40 cal.) as the leading candidate to be their state firearm.
After more than 10 years, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of its original M&P Bodyguard .380 and began plans for a second-generation model. But the path to the Bodyguard 2.0 wasn't a linear process.