FN launched its Military Collector Series in late 2015 to commemorate the manufacturer's legacy of producing firearms for the U.S military and other militaries around the world. The Military Collector Series, which includes three firearms, was also introduced to bring civilian-legal, semi-automatic versions of these iconic products to the commercial market.
One of the most notable firearms in the new Military Collector Series is the FN M249S, a semi-automatic, functioning replica of the fully automatic M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) that has been in use with U.S armed forces since the 1980s. The new FN M249S features the same steel frame and integral, mounted folding bipod as the original M249 SAW, but unlike its full-auto counterpart, the semi-auto version fires from a closed bolt instead of an open bolt and, in addition to accepting linked belts of ammunition, it also feeds from standard AR-15 style magazines.
The Gun Digest editorial staff was on hand at the 2016 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to get an in-depth first look at the new FN M249S. Check out the video above to learn more about the FN M249S and see the firearm's technical specifications below.
Also, pick up a copy of the January Issue of Gun Digest the Magazine to find out more about the two other firearms in FN's Military Collector Series: the FN 15 Military Collector M4 and M16. Click here to download the full issue.
FN M249S
Type: Semi-automatic, closed bolt
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel Length: 20.5-in., cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, alloy-steel
Twist Rate: 1:7-in. RH
Color/Finish: Matte black non-reflective
Sights: Primary sights graduated to 1,000 m., MIL-STD 1913 rail
Stock: Fixed, ergonomically shaped polymer buttstock with pistol grip
Weight: 17 lbs.
Overall Length: 40.75 in.
Height: 9.5 in.
Magazine: Belt-fed or standard AR-type magazine
Trigger: 4.0-6.5 lbs.
MSRP: $7,999
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