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Manufacturer: Fabrique National Manufacturing Inc, Columbia, South Carolina
Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO SS109
Length: (Stock Extended) 35.16in (Stock Retracted) 28.98
Weight Unloaded: 15.62 lbs
Barrel: 13.66in, 1:7 RHT
Magazine: 100, 200 round belts in soft packs or box magazines
Muzzle velocity: ~2985fps
Cyclic Rate: 750 - 950 rpm
Modes of Fire: Fully automatic
The 'Para,' as it is commonly known in Counter-Strike is one of the modifications of the M249 Squad Assault Weapon. The Para is a special model of the M249 Light Machine gun developed by the 1st Force Reconnasiance Company of the United States Marine Corps for a lightweight version of the M249 that would retain the reliability and firepower of the M249, but in a smaller and more compact version that would be ideal for paratroopers and marines fighting in urban combat.
The M249 itself is the US version of the Belgian Fabrique National 'Minimi.' The US Military finally decided that the M60 series of machine guns, while serving well as tripod mounted medium machine guns, simply were too heavy and not reliable enough to serve as a light machine gun for the rifle squad to use in the assault. The US desired a weapons system that was lighter, more reliable, and chambered for the 5.56x45 NATO round, which would simplify logistics. The program for the new Squad Automatic Weapon was initiated in October 1976. The FN Minimi, which was developed in 1974, was entered into competition against three other weapons, including a heavy barreled M16 variant, and the HK21E light machine gun.
The testing procedure of the weapons was extensive. Tests included cook off tests, mud and water immersion tests, humidity tests, and reliability tests. The Minimi proved to be very reliable and excelled in all of the tests, so much so that it was allowed to bypass the second battery of testing. Although reliability varies from weapon to weapon and from conditions to conditions, Minimi's have been known to fire over 10,000 rounds with no stoppages except for belt changes. This is phenomenal reliability - some weapons don't even have reciever or frame life expectancies that long. The weapon was finally adopted in 1982, but did not enter production until the early 1990's. When Desert Storm came about, the United States had to purchase 1,000 Minimis rather hastily for the conflict.
It is a gas operated weapon with a variable gas supply and a rotating breech system of operation. By regulating the gas supply, the rate of fire can be adjusted from 750-950 rounds per minute, or to compensate for fouling in the system. The weapon's rate of fire is also affected by its unusual capability to feed either from a belt of 5.56x45 ammunition, or from any M16 type magazine. When firing from the belt, the rate of fire is slower, since the weapon has to 'lift' the belt into position. Feeding from the magazine, the magazine's follower spring handles pushing the rounds into the chamber, so the rate of fire is significantly increased. The system achieves the ability to fire from either a belt or a magazine by having two feed ports. On top of the reciever is the usual belt feed which draws the belt through from the left side of the weapon and strips the round out, feeding the rounds into the chamber by means of two horns on the top of the bolt. On the bottom of the bolt are two more horns; these are lined up with a magazine housing below the belt-feed opening on the reciever, and strip out rounds from the magazine.
The M249 is designed to handle the newer SS109 AP 63gr. ammunition. Although it can shoot the older M193 55gr projectile, accuracy is diminished, since the weapon's barrel is at a 1:7 twist rate, necessary for the heavier SS109 ammunition.
When the US adopted the Minimi, they required a few small changes. Although most of the changes were intended to simplify manufacture in the US, one of the most notable exterior differences is that the M249 has a heat shield covering the barrel; the Minimi does not. Also, the Minimi has a aluminum skeleton stock; the US M249 has a solid plastic stock that contains a hydraulic buffer.
Although the M249 is a fine weapon, it is a bit too heavy for 1st Recon Marines who need to make airborne insertions, or for combat in close quarters, such as is commonly encountered in urban terrain. Therefore, the M249 was modified into the Para. The main changes are that the barrel has been chopped from 20.6 inches to 13.66 inches, reducing the range of the Para, but still enabling it to pack enough punch out to 150 yards for most combat purposes. The barrel's profile was also lightened, and the carrying handle has been removed. The solid plastic stock was removed and exchanged with a collapsing stock. The bipod is now removable. The changes shaved 4.1 pounds off of the M249's rather light (for a machine gun) 15.5 lbs. However, although the ability to accept magazines has been removed, the Para has been outiffed with a RIS (Rail Interface System), compatible with the M4A1's RIS, that can accept scopes, laser designators, flashlights and other accessories. ACOG Day Optical Sights, the Trijicon reflex Sight, the AN/PVS 14 or 17 NVs can all be easily mounted on the Para. The Para can also accept the vertical foregrip that is commonly seen on CQB SOPMOD M4 carbines. This foregrip allows for superior manueverability of the weapon in close combat.
The Para has several advantages over the full-sized M249 for airborne and special operations. The M249, prior to being modified, had to be disassembelled before a jump, and stowed in a backpack, and reassembled upon landing. Since most special operations and airborne insertions occur at night, many things can go wrong. Having to assemble the heaviest weapon in the squad in the dark, and potentially under fire, is not a good thing. With the Para, the soldier can immediately have the weapon ready to fire. The Para is also significantly easier to handle in close quarters situations. While the M4A1 carbine is often used in direct action (assaulting a building, for example) they are incapable of providing a solid base of fire. The Para is maneuverable enough to bring along on the building assault, and to lay down a base of fire in case the squad comes under attack either while in the building, or on the way to the extraction point.
There is another 'short' version of the M249, known as the SPW. The main difference between the SPW and the Para is that the SPW is lighter, but has a 16 inch barrel. The SPW's reciever is also of a modified design, changed from the original M249. Changes include no magazine well, and no hardware for mounting to a vehicle or tripod.
