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

Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 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.

Plinking Perfect: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Rimfire Shoot

What better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than to go out plinking this summer? Here are five great products that will make your next rimfire range trip better than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.