M249

M249

Type	Squad automatic weapon/Light machine gun
Place of origin	Belgium (FN Minimi)  United States (M249 derivative)
Service history
In service	1984–present
Used by	United States Armed Forces, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and Lebanon
Wars	Invasion of Panama Persian Gulf War Unified Task Force Bosnian War Kosovo War Afghan War Iraq War
Production history
Designed	1976
Manufacturer	Fabrique Nationale de Herstal
Unit cost	US$4,087
Produced	late 1970s–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	7.5 kg (17 lb) empty, 10 kg (22 lb) loaded
Length	1,041 mm (41 in)
Barrel length	521 mm (21 in)
Cartridge	5.56x45 mm NATO
Action	Gas-operated, open bolt
Rate of fire	750–1,000 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	915 m/s (3,000 ft/s)
Effective range	1,000 yd (910 m)
Feed system	M27 linked belt, STANAG magazine