A&K M249

[Switchback]

I have previously expressed interest in employing an M249 in the game of airsoft, and will be trading into an A&K M249. I would like comments from owners/users of M249's pertaining to their effectiveness on the field. I am studying the 8 Principles of Effective Machine Gun use, and am proficient in the operation of my weapon. I would like advice in mechanical maintenance and strategies (besides PICMDEEP).

Thank You all.

[Pharaoh 6]

I'm sure you will get mixed opinions on this, but here is mine.

BLUF: It's worth it if you know how to use it!

At events where the midcap rule is strictly enforced I have had a great deal of success with my 249. The high ROF and large box mag has allowed me to suppress the enemy while my teammates rushed forward or flanked. Has it's effectiveness out weighed the weight? YES!

However if you can't handle the weight and don't understand how to use it then it will just be a waste of time and money for both you and your fellow squad mates. If you aren't willing to by several bags of ammo at a game then stick to being a rifleman.

If you run around with it hanging at your knees from a sling then stick to being a rifleman. When I rock my 249 it gets carried at the low ready just like my M4. I am just as ready as the riflemen next to me. Also make sure you can low crawl with it.

My recommendation is to go with a 249 para. The shorter barrel and the collapsable stock make it lighter and much easier to manage. Strip off the carry handle and leave the PEQ 15 and flashlight at home. A fake PEQ15 does nothing for you in airsoft and how often do you play at night. When you do you can slap the flashlight on.

Oh yeah and one more thing. The M249 used in the squad role is as an automatic rifleman. It is not considered a crew served weapon. You are expected to function just as fast as a rifleman and carry your own weight. You will clear rooms with it contrary to popular belief.

P6

[Captain Fox]

Pharaoh 6's statement is accurate. The entire statement. I own a Classic Army M249 MKII as i orefer it over the para for its larger battery capacity. This weapon is consistently effective at supression, and allows my Special Task Force to provide proper defense of any location and is fantastic for flanking my opponents. It does well "leading the way" but does best covering the riflemen defensively, in my opinion.

[Captain Fox]

If you want a 249, steer clear from A&Ks and Echo1s, unless you're willing to drop very large sums of money in to them to get them up to spec and for frequent repairs.

Exactly. Its worth more to get a CA for their durability, or another good brand. Echo 1 and A&K require frequent maintenance.

[Switchback]

If you want a 249, steer clear from A&Ks and Echo1s, unless you're willing to drop very large sums of money in to them to get them up to spec and for frequent repairs.

I have little $.

I'm trading into one that's mostly CA and TM, (gears, motor, piston) so I expect it to last for at least a game before dying .

[pappyjump]

I hope you know who your getting this gun from pretty well.
Iv made the mistake of trading for and buying used guns with "upgrades". I found out that the upgrades had been very improperly installed shortly after. (Ask Shogun, he can vouch for me)

[Black Fox]

If you want a 249, steer clear from A&Ks and Echo1s, unless you're willing to drop very large sums of money in to them to get them up to spec and for frequent repairs.

Exactly. Its worth more to get a CA for their durability, or another good brand. Echo 1 and A&K require frequent maintenance.

I also agree with Nasty & Foxtrot. Go with a CA if you can.

However, an A&K/Echo-1 might be a good way test the waters cheaply to see if being a SAW man works for you. If you like the SAW role, then upgrade to the CA. If not, unload it and get something else.

When it comes to support guns, I have a slightly different tack. I actually go with a slow rate of fire. This allows me to hold the trigger down for a very long time. I've been know to hold a single sustained burst for up to a minute. You can't do this with a high ROF because your motor will just over heat. I found that multiple long burst can have a greater demoralizing affect on the enemy than taking out a couple of targets.

[Steve]

You're actually supposed to HIT people with a SAW?

I run a SPW'd SAW. Para barrel, ICB stock. I mix ammo weights in the magazine and have not upgraded the barrel or hop-up, because the goal of a support weapon is to lay a bunch of suppressive fire on / near your target.

I run 11.1 V LiPo packs to up the ROF. Up until it died, I ran a magnified optic on a flip-to-side mount, mostly so I could tell whether the guys I was shooting at were already "dead".

Problems I've noticed:
When I upgraded to LiPos, the SAW cycles faster than the box mag can feed. So, every 30 seconds or so, I have to let up on the trigger to let the box mag catch up. There are fixes for this, however, I am lazy.

The thing is a beast. Like, fairly close to the weight of the RS ones. And they are not especially lightweight. Slings are very useful.

They are kinda maintenance-intensive. A lot, really. Plan on it breaking midway through every game, and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't!

The drums are kinda fragile (they shatter if you fall on them). Carry more than one, unless you are more graceful than I am.

Oh, and plan on being able to literallym watch your wallet empty down the barrel. Airsoft pellets are not expensive. But at 20+RPS (40+ when I finish the next upgrade!) you go through a bit of ammo.

[Switchback]

Thank you all very much for the knowledge/opinions. I will be referring back to this many times in the near future. I hope to be employing this at LoW III and maybe a free skirm before (to get in the groove).

'Till next time.

SF