How Do You Load A M249 Machine Gun?
The M249 Squad Attack Weapon (SAW) is a versatile and powerful machine gun, and the base of an infantry fire team’s fire support. With a cyclic-fire rate of 800 rounds-per-minute the SAW can throw a lot of lead downrange at a time. The ability to reload the weapon in a quick and safe manner is an integral part of any SAW gunner’s job, as explained in the following steps. Pull the cocking handle to the rear, with your palm facing up. Keep pulling until you hear a click. This means the bolt has locked to the rear. Slide the cocking handle back to the front until it locks in place. Put the weapon on safe by pushing the safety button, located above the trigger, from left to right. The red line will not be visible when the weapon is on safe. The SAW can only be placed on “SAFE” when the bolt is locked to the rear. Squeeze the feed-tray cover latches, located by the rear-sight posts. Lift the feed-tray cover and clear the feed-tray of any debris or used links. Check that the chamber area and
