FN M249 SAW vs RPG-7

1984–present

1967–Present

Unknown

~10,000,000+ units (including licensed copies and variants)

1,041mm (40.75 in)

950 mm (37.4 in) with stock folded

465mm (18.3 in)

500 mm (19.7 in) tube length

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

7.0 kg (15.4 lb) empty, 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) loaded

100 or 200-round belt, STANAG magazine compatible

Single‑rocket reloadable tube; optional 2‑rocket drum for rapid reload

Gas-operated, open bolt

Recoil‑less, rocket‑propelled launch; propellant ignites rearward to counteract recoil, tube acts as a simple launch rail

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

Single‑stage pull‑trigger with safety lever

Adjustable iron sights, Picatinny rail for optics

Flip‑up leaf rear sight graduated 0–500 m, hooded front post; optional optical sight (e.g., PSO‑1) on later variants