The FN M249S Standard FDE is a semi-automatic version of the M249 SAW light machine gun, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (brand part no. 46-100170). FN Herstal originally developed the design as the FN MINIMI, and the U.S. military adopted it in 1988. This commercial rifle keeps the signature 18.5-inch cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel and runs from a closed bolt. It accepts both a 30-round magazine and a linked ammunition belt, with a folding bipod and a MIL-STD-1913 top rail ready for sighting systems. For collectors, range shooters and fans of belt-fed hardware, the M249S is a rare chance to run a SAW-style rifle in semi-automatic form.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is 5.56x45mm NATO, the standard rifle cartridge for this platform.
• The operation is semi-automatic from a closed bolt, a robust gas system with a redesigned semi-auto trigger mechanism.
• The barrel is 18.5 inches, cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined, with a hard chrome-plated bore and chamber.
• The twist rate is 1:7 right-hand, a fast twist that stabilizes heavier bullets.
• Feeding is by a 200-round belt or a 30-round magazine, with a standard disintegrating link belt feed.
• Weight is 17.2 pounds, a heavy rifle that stays steady on the bipod.
• Overall length is 40.75 inches and overall height is 9.5 inches, a substantial footprint for a belt-fed rifle.
• The receiver has a MIL-STD-1913 rail on the top cover for mounting optics, plus a folding steel bipod and folding carry handle.
• The buttstock is a polymer assembly with a hydraulic recoil buffer and a non-slip buttplate to soften the recoil.
• Controls include a crossbolt safety and a curved trigger with an 8 to 15.5 pound pull, a heavier pull than a typical hunting rifle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the M249S accept both belts and magazines? Yes. FN says the rifle will accept both magazine and linked ammunition belt, and it lists a 200-round belt or a 30-round magazine.

Is the M249S semi-automatic? Yes. FN describes it as a semi-automatic version of the M249 SAW that fires from a closed bolt.

What color is this model? This is the Standard model in FDE (flat dark earth), distinct from the black version.

Buy the FN M249S Standard FDE 5.56x45mm NATO Semi-Auto Rifle, 18.5-Inch Barrel

Belt-fed rifles do not come around often, and FN builds this one with the quick-change barrel feature, bipod and carry handle of the original. Order the M249S from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL, and see more from FN America and our semi-auto rifles.