M249 SAW

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is the United States military's designation for the FN MINIMI 5.56 (Mini-mitrailleuse, French for Mini-Machine-Gun) light machine gun. They specifically use the triple-rail version of the MINIMI 5.56, but the one in game doesn't have any rails. The M249 SAW was first introduced in February 1982 with production in the US beginning in 1984. It replaced the M60 on the squad level, though the M60 continued to see use as an emplacement and vehicle mount. It supplements the M240 7.62 medium machine gun also in use by the US military. It fires the NATO standard 5.56x45mm round used in the M16 rifle and M4 Carbine from a 200-round disintegrating belt in a box or a 100-round disintegrating belt in a soft pouch. The M249 is also used by a variety of NATO and non-NATO countries including Canada, Israel, Japan, Greece and France. There are several variants, including a paratrooper model (M249 PARA) with a telescoping stock and the MK 46 MOD 0 and MOD 1 for use by United States Special Forces.

In Game
In single-player, the M249 SAW is used by Special Air Service and United States Marine Corps forces. It can be found in Charlie Don't Surf ,The Bog, War Pig, Heat, and Ultimatum.

In multiplayer, it has a high rate of fire, but it deals low damage compared to the two other LMGs. However, it excels in hardcore mode, where it delivers one-hit kills. Using the SAW with Double Tap brings the rate of fire to 1200rpm (only the P90 and Mini-Uzi are also capable of 1200rpm in this fashion). It is Possible to combine Steady Aim and a Foregrip to form a weapon capable of mowing enemies to the ground without sights, at surprising ranges. Fans of the P90 and Uzi should consider this a weapon to worry about.

This is the prefered weapon of SSgt.Griggs.