FN M249 SAW vs M2 Browning

1984–present

1933–Present

Unknown

~1,000,000+ units (cumulative across all variants and manufacturers)

1,041mm (40.75 in)

1,651 mm (65 in) with stock, 1,219 mm (48 in) for tripod mount only

465mm (18.3 in)

45.7 cm (18 in) standard, 57.2 cm (22.5 in) for aircraft variants

7.5 kg (16.5 lb) empty, 10 kg (22 lb) with 200 rounds

38.5 kg (84.9 lb) empty, 30.5 kg (67.3 lb) with tripod

100 or 200-round belt, STANAG magazine compatible

100‑round fabric belt standard, 50‑round drum (M2HB), 200‑round linked belt optional

Gas-operated, open bolt

Short‑recoil, toggle‑locked, belt‑fed, open‑bolt operation

Full auto only (M249), full auto/semi (Minimi)

Single‑stage, mechanically simple trigger with manual safety lever

Adjustable iron sights, Picatinny rail for optics

Adjustable leaf rear sight (0–2,000 m) and front post; optional optical or night vision mounts