***WEAPONS M249 Machine Gun

Question 1

What is the maximum range of the M249 (SAW)?

Answer 1

3,600meters

FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8

Question 2

What is the maximum effective range of the M249 with tripod and T+E?

Answer 2

1,000meters

FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8

Question 3

What is the maximum range of the M249 against an (area) target for both tripod and bipod?

Answer 3

Tripod –1,000 meters
Bipod –800 meters
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8)

Question 4

What is the maximum range of the M249 against a (point) target for both tripod and bipod?

Answer 4

Tripod –800 meters
Bipod –600 meters
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8)

Question 5

What does S.A.W. stand for?

Answer 5

Squad Automatic Weapon

Question 6

What is the weight of the M249?

Answer 6

16.41pounds

FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8

Question 7

What is the basic load of ammunition for the M249?

Answer 7

1,000rounds (in 200 round drums)

FM 3-22.68Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8

Question 8

What is the length of the M249?

Answer 8

40.87inches

FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8

Question 9

Describe the M249.

Answer 9

The M249 machine gun is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt or magazine-fed, automatic weapon that fires from the
open-bolt position.
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 7)

Question 10

What FM covers the M249?

Answer 10

FM 3-22.68

Question 11

What are the rates of fire for the M249?

Answer 11

Sustained rate is 100 rounds per minute
Rapid rate is 200 rounds per minute
Cyclic rate is 650 to 850 rounds per minute
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8)

Question 12

What are the proper procedures for clearing the M249?

Answer 12

1. Moves the safety to the fire “F” position by pushing it to the left until the red ring is visible.
2. With his right hand,palm up, pulls the cocking handle to the rear, locking the bolt in place.
3. While holding the resistance on the cocking handle, moves the safety to the SAFE position by pushing it to the
   right until the red ring is not visible. (The weapon cannot be placed on safe unless the bolt is locked to the rear.)
4. Returns and locks the cocking handle in the forward position.
5. Raises the cover andfeed mechanism assembly, and conducts the five-point safety check for brass,links, or
   ammunition:
   (1)Checks the feed pawl assembly under the feed cover.
   (2)Checks the feed tray assembly.
   (3)Lifts the feed tray assembly and inspects the chamber.
   (4)Checks the space between the bolt assembly and the chamber.
   (5)Inserts two fingers of his left hand in the magazine well to extract any ammunition or brass.
6. Closes the cover and feed mechanism assembly and moves the safety to the “F” position. With his right hand,
   palm up, returns the cocking handle to the rear position. Presses the trigger and at the same time eases the bolt
   forward by manually riding the cocking handle forward.
   (FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-5 / PDF 16)

Question 13

What are the 8 major groups of the M249?

Answer 13

1. Operating Rod Group
2. Barrel Group
3. Handguard Group
4. Buttstock and Buffer Assembly Group
5. Trigger Mechanism Group
6. Gas Cylinder Group
7. Bipod Group
8. Receiver Group
   (FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-6 / PDF 19)

Question 14

The M249 is loaded, fired, unloaded and cleared from what bolt position?

Answer 14

The open bolt position

FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-13 / PDF 33

Question 15

What are the steps to the cycle of functioning for the M249?

Answer 15

Feeding
Chambering
Locking
Firing
Unlocking
Extract ing
Cocking
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-16 / PDF 35)

Question 16

How do you adjust for windage with the M249?

Answer 16

Adjustments for windage are made by traversing the rear sight right and left along the sliding scale.
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-17 / PDF 37)

Question 17

How do you adjust for elevation with the M249?

Answer 17

Adjustments for elevation (range) require the automatic rifleman to turn the elevation knob (closest to the buttstock) on the rear sight to the desired range setting.
(FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-17 / PDF 37)

Question 18

Name 3 assault firing positions used with the M249.

Answer 18

1. Shoulder
2. Hip
3. Underarm
   (FM 3-22.68 Jan 2003 / 1-1 / PDF 8)

Question 19

What are two unique features of the M249?

Answer 19

It has a regulator to change the rate of fire, and it is fed by M16 magazines as well as belt fed