The M249 SAW accuracy, how bad is it?

Published on April 30, 2026
Duration: 12:24

This video provides an in-depth accuracy assessment of the semi-automatic M249 SAW. The instructor, with apparent expertise in firearms, details the weapon's design and limitations as a light machine gun rather than a precision rifle. The testing reveals average group sizes of around 5 inches with both 55-grain ball and 77-grain match ammunition, regardless of feeding from a magazine or belt.

Quick Summary

The M249 SAW, a light machine gun, is not designed for precision. Accuracy tests show group sizes averaging around 5 inches with both 55-grain ball and 77-grain match ammunition, regardless of whether it's fed from a magazine or a belt. It can also accept standard AR-15 STANAG magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:11Introduction & YouTube Takedown
  2. 00:51M249 SAW: Not a Precision Weapon
  3. 01:23M249 SAW Configuration & Features
  4. 01:54Accuracy Testing Setup
  5. 02:5355-Grain Ball Ammunition Results
  6. 04:0277-Grain Match Ammunition Results
  7. 05:43Belt-Fed Accuracy Test (20 Rounds)
  8. 07:02Optics and Target Configuration
  9. 07:39Comparison to Other Belt-Feds (PKM)
  10. 08:26Accuracy Results Breakdown
  11. 09:0155-Grain Ball (Belt-Fed) Results
  12. 09:3377-Grain Match (Magazine-Fed) Results
  13. 10:0855-Grain Ball (Belt-Fed, 20 Rounds) Results
  14. 10:41Overall Accuracy Assessment
  15. 10:47Is M249 SAW Accuracy a Problem?
  16. 11:05Semi-Auto M249 SAW vs. Military Version
  17. 11:14US Laws & Semi-Auto Belt-Feds
  18. 11:25Message to YouTube Moderators
  19. 11:32Future Video Ideas & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical accuracy of an M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW is not a precision weapon, but an accuracy test revealed group sizes around 5 inches at typical range distances. This holds true for both 55-grain ball and 77-grain match ammunition, whether fed from a magazine or a belt.

Can the M249 SAW feed from standard magazines?

Yes, the semi-automatic M249 SAW is designed with the capability to feed from standard AR-15 type STANAG magazines, in addition to its primary belt-fed system.

What is the intended role of the M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW is classified as a light machine gun, designed for suppressive fire and to withstand the rigors of warfare, rather than for precision shooting like a DMR.

What optic is used on the M249 SAW for accuracy testing?

For the accuracy tests, the M249 SAW was equipped with a 3.5x magnified ACOG optic, specifically an M249 ACOG model, featuring a donut reticle suitable for target engagement.

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