RE: http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/89058/m249-saw.html?eq_id=89058

The saw has its uses but the 5.56 is a demeaning, pathetic round compared to a .308(7.62 for noobs.) The saw has a high rate of fire buckling in at about 750-850 rpm (depending on weather, cleaning) and is considerably accurate when compared to other lmg's. Commonly known to all Marines as a "sorry @$$ weapon," the 249 has lost a lot of respect because of its poor construction, cheap stock, and feeding malfunctions. Overall, I rate this weapon as "needing improvement."

Overall, I'd rate your weapons knowledge as: needing reality.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by K_JonahCox:
The saw has its uses but the 5.56 is a demeaning, pathetic round compared to a .308(7.62 for noobs.) [QUOTE]

Since your profile says "considering joining" doesn't that make you less than a noob?

quote:

Originally posted by K_JonahCox:
RE: http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/89058/m249-saw.html?eq_id=89058

The saw has its uses but the 5.56 is a demeaning, pathetic round compared to a .308(7.62 for noobs.) The saw has a high rate of fire buckling in at about 750-850 rpm (depending on weather, cleaning) and is considerably accurate when compared to other lmg's. Commonly known to all Marines as a "sorry @$$ weapon," the 249 has lost a lot of respect because of its poor construction, cheap stock, and feeding malfunctions. Overall, I rate this weapon as "needing improvement."

Actually it's 7.62x51mm there guy not .308 Win as the civilian pukes call it. You would know that it's a pathetic round how, from your vast experience at war fighting? Fact the current M855 ammunition has better levels of penetration at long ranges against armor than the current M80 ball round, at certain distances the M80 ball round won't even penetrate through both sides of a kevlar helmet, M855 will. Used within it's limitations (all rounds have them) the 5.56mm does it's job just fine.

Also how would you be able to judge the M249 SAW? Have you fired it, maintained it, carried it? When you actually have more than a day in the field come and talk your bull, until then keep your slander to yourself.

I just don't like this weapon... Hate firing it. Hate carrying it. And especially hate cleaning the damn thing.

Hmmmmm... I've had the chance for the last two years to fire the refined version under consideration for use by SOCOM. They beefed up all of the parts for the bolt and operating groups, got rid of the magazine well, re-designed the feed mechanisms, and basically got rid of a lot of the original flaws. They even made a 7.62x51mm version that is the same weight as the old M60 (18lbs). It fires like the M60E3 and has a much better center of gravity as it fires from the same type of drum on the center-line like all other SAWs. End result. Shoots like the M240 at the weight of the M60. Outstanding for almost any firing situation as it has very nice firing manners. Immediate rounds on target as the recoil is only slightly more than the original SAW while utilizing the larger .30 cal ammo. Very sweet, accomplished gunners would stomp the snot out of anything down range real fast with this honey.

If I could have my 18 year old body back and had the choice of what I'd outfit my Weapons Squad with, this would be it.