The American-manufactured equivalent of the FN Herstal Minimi 5.56mm air-cooled, gas-operated light [[machine gun]]. Formerly designated the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). The M249 has a quick-change barrel and is usually provided with a [[bipod]] and either a fixed or retractable buttstock. It can use linked [[ammunition_belt|ammunition belts]] or box magazines.

h4. See also

* [[List of weapons]]
* "Wikipedia article":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M249_light_machine_gun
* "World.guns.ru article":http://world.guns.ru/machine/usa/m249-saw-e.html
M249 M249SAW Minimi