The FN M249S, a semi-automatic version of the M249 SAW light machine gun, was originally developed by FN Herstal and adopted by the U. S. military in 1988. The rifle features the signature 18.5-inch FN cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel and operates from a closed-bolt position. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, the rifle will accept both magazine and linked ammunition belt and offers a 4.0-6.5 pound trigger pull out of the box. A semi-automatic version of the M249 SAW / LMG (in use by the U. S. military since 1988), the FN 249S platform features a chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel, and makes the most of potential accuracy by incorporating closed-bolt firing, a robust gas system, and intelligent stock design. The primary differences between the two models within this series are the stock configurations and barrel lengths (which necessarily impact overall length and weight of each model; the PARA models can be stripped of their stocks and placed into a standard M249S stock in a matter of seconds). Both feed from magazines and linked ammunition belts, and are chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. General Specifications (common to the Standard and PARA models): Closed-bolt, semi-automatic Operates from 30-round magazine or 200-round belt Receiver Features: Folding steel bipod Folding carry handle Flip-up feed tray cover and feed mechanism Formed steel frame with claw extractor design Fixed, pivoting ejector, plus side ejection of cases Top cover integrated MIL-STD-1913 mounting rail for sighting systems Barrel Features: Compensator Removable heat shield Quick-change barrel capability Cold hammer-forged steel barrel Hard chrome-plated bore and chamber Operating Controls: Crossbolt safety Non-reciprocating charging handle Redesigned trigger mechanism for semi-auto fire Curved trigger for improved finger position and control Feed System: Standard disintegrating link belt-fed Under-mounted polymer ammunition container helps keep ammunition cleaner for reduced wear and added reliability FN America FN M249S Standard FDE 5.56x45mm 56501