Video—I Have This Old Gun: M249 SAW Machine Gun

by
posted on May 26, 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. **
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








Latest

Taurus 58 Review Web
Taurus 58 Review Web

Review: Taurus Model 58

Announced publicly in April 2025 at the NRA Annual Meetings and Events convention in Atlanta, Ga., Taurus USA has filled the traditional double-action void of full-size .380-ACP-chambered handguns within its American catalog by launching the Model 58.

Smith & Wesson Announces $150 American Guardians Rebate

Smith & Wesson's American Guardians Rebate program allows military veterans and first responders to get a break on the cost of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

The Glenfield Model A: Ruger Revives A Storied Brand

Following Marlin's resurrection, Ruger is now reviving another storied brand, Glenfield Firearms, and the brand's inaugural design, the Model A, borrows design elements from Ruger's Gen 1 American rifle.

Review: Beretta BRX1: 6.5 mm Creedmoor Straight-Pull Rifle

Introduced overseas in 2021 and brought to our shores in 2024, Beretta’s BRX1 offers a fresh take on the century-old straight-pull rifle concept.

Auto-Ordnance Releases 250th Anniversary Commemorative Carbines

Auto-Ordnance has introduced a special-edition, semi-automatic Thompson M1 carbine customized by Altered Arsenal to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.