SAW Styles, Accessories & Tactics -M60, M249, M240, RPK, etc

[Black Fox]

Gents

In my 20+ years of airsoft I have played just about every role in airsoft. My most recent phase is playing the role of a SAW/support gunner. I found it to be fun but challenging in many ways.

Before I bought one I did a lot of research to the different types of SAWs, LMGs and manufactures. I've come to learn that the SAW (M249) is perhaps one of the most versatile guns in airsoft in their configuration and their use, long, short, high-ROF, slow-ROF, etc. I'm curious as to how other SAW?LMG owners have configured and use their SAW/LMG. I'd like to hear what kind you have, how you use it, what accessories you use and what tactics do you employ?

I'll start here.

I currently have 1 SAW & 1 LMG. A Trigger Happy M240 and an CA M249 Mk-46L. I also hope to find an nice RPK for when I play an OPFOR role.

The way I like to configure my machine-guns is that I like them to have long barrel and a slow rate of fire. I achieve this by simply using an 8.4v or 7.2v battery. I prefer a slow ROF because I like to use them for suppression fire. With a slow ROF I can hold the trigger for a long period of time and not burn through a lot of ammo at the same time. This allows me to keep people's heads down so that my team mates can move in for the kill. Done properly it can have devastating effects. I also noticed with long sustained burst it can sometimes freak the enemy out and demoralize them even though you may not necessarily be racking up many kills.

The other thing I prefer are long barrels. Because of the heavy weight, my travel and reaction time is slower than when I'm carrying an M-4. So I use the long range of my gun to compensate for this by allowing me to engage at a much farther range.

Also, when moving with a squad. I usually position myself in the middle. This allows me to support anyone in the squad quickly. Plus this gives me added protection against enemies the are light and quick.

[league 4]

Back when I still had my M249's/M60 I generally kept them at an average-slowish ROF of about 15rps. Out of all of them, my G&P M249 was my favorite though. The AUG type hopup and V2 gearbox made me like it a lot, even though it was much heavier than all the others I've owned. I really wish I didn't get rid of my G&P M249 though..

[DJ]

I have the CA mk2 SAW. I use it with the 8.4 5000mah battery and the 3000 rnd box mag. You can provide long term suppressive fire. I like the mk2 because the full stock allows internal storage of the large battery.

[Black Fox]

I have the CA mk2 SAW. I like the mk2 because the full stock allows internal storage of the large battery.

I also like the full stock. It allows for a large battery and better gun balance. However, my arms are fully extended when I shoulder it. This combined with the extra weight makes it harder to hold it in that position for any period of time. So I'm replacing it with the G&P Improved Collapsible Butt Stock. This will allow me to hold it closer to the body which will improve balance, fire control and shouldering endurance. The only drawback is I have to move the wiring and the battery to the front which will also force me to use a smaller battery.

Some other accessories that I like to use are the Vickers Blue Force padded SAW sling. These are designed for real SAWs. They are a little pricey for a sling but they really reduce the fatigue factor of carrying a heavy gun by a considerable amount.

Another accessory I like to use is the Grip Pod. You can deploy it in a fraction of the time it take to deploy the standard bi-pod. Plus it also reduce the weight. One thing I recommend is that if you get a grip-pod, get a real one. The airsoft ones are crap and break right away. The real ones are expensive but you can find them on eBay in the $50~$60 range with shipping . That's double for what you would pay for an airsoft one but well worth the price. Also, get the ones that are designed for the SAWs. They have reinforce metal in the legs. Here's a review I wrote on them http://www.airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=29594&highlight=grip+pod

[league 4]

Another useful thing is getting the MAG "nutsack" box mag's instead of the big green 200 rounders. They feed better, and they make the gun so much easier to use.

[Black Fox]

Another useful thing is getting the MAG "nutsack" box mag's instead of the big green 200 rounders. They feed better, and they make the gun so much easier to use.

On my gun I currently have the A&K box mag with the sound activated auto winder. I'm not a big fan of A&K but I have to admit that this box mag has worked very well. However, it's large size does make it a bit difficult to hold in a comfortable position for any period of time.

On the Nut Sack box mags, I noticed there are several different brands. Which one is considered the best on the market and why?

[Chefzilla]

MAG is the best that I've handled. I just hate the pressure switch. One of the things I love about my Pig is the electric switch for the box mag. I pull the trigger and the box mag winds.

[SilentStalker]

MAG is the best that I've handled. I just hate the pressure switch. One of the things I love about my Pig is the electric switch for the box mag. I pull the trigger and the box mag winds.

I agree the MAG brand is the best and as for the pressure switch you can have that wired into your trigger and then every time you pull the trigger the mag starts to wind you can also have the mag wired to run off your main battery so then no need to carry a spare 9v or AA batteries.
Just a thought.
I have not done this yet but it is a mod that is soon coming.
Just my $.02

[Black Fox]

MAG is the best that I've handled. I just hate the pressure switch. One of the things I love about my Pig is the electric switch for the box mag. I pull the trigger and the box mag winds.

I agree the MAG brand is the best and as for the pressure switch you can have that wired into your trigger and then every time you pull the trigger the mag starts to wind you can also have the mag wired to run off your main battery so then no need to carry a spare 9v or AA batteries.
Just a thought.
I have not done this yet but it is a mod that is soon coming.
Just my $.02

I prefer not to have any external wires to power the mag or batteries in the box to power the gun. That's just my personal preference. I prefer a cleaner look. Plus it allows me to switch to another style box mag or to Hi-Caps in case of a box mag failure.

However, the M240 that I have does have a wire that runs from the trigger to the ammo box. I have to admit that this auto winder feature connected to the trigger is very nice and the wire set-up is very clean compared to what I have seen on other guns. For pictures of it you can see it on my review of the M240 http://www.airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=26864&highlight=m240

In a perfect world, maybe MAG will use the A&K sound activated auto winder feature for their nut sack box mag or maybe A&K will make one of their own with this feature.

[SilentStalker]

Black Fox,
After having the A&K box mag and the Microphone break making the Mag unusable unless you turn it to full on I prefer the pressure switch. With this said I did like the mic operated feed system but the wires are so thin the break real easy and then make that part of the system useless. I even tried to re solder them but the heat fried the mic.

I understand you wanting to keep it clean but if you have the connection point for the wires under you mag port then if you have a box mag failure and want to go to Mid caps you can unplug the box mag from the mag port and at the same time unplug the wires. Again just a thought. I have an air smith up here that does a great job of keeping it clean and I would post pics if I had the cash to have it done right now. I have seen his and it looks great. It is totally out of sight with a short link of dummy rounds.

Again this is my $.02 I had the worst of luck with the sound activated system only because the wires broke after 2-3 OPs since I moved to the MAG brand I have had very little problem and the biggest being bad ammo.
Best of luck
It is great to see another dedicated support gunner.

[Voodoo Man]

I find it much easier to use my SAW with under barrel RIS and a vertical grip, I hate using grips on regular rifles but its much easier for me to stabilize myself and get around the box mag, along with the ability to run a PEQ battery pack on the platform.

[Black Fox]

SilentStalker

Thanks for the good info.

Maybe I've been lucky with my A&K box mag with not having the mic go out on me. Still it's nice to know about other options even if it requires external wires. (So if you can post pictures of it, that would be great). I've only had my M249 for about 6 months now and I'm still getting acquainted with it. One of the reason I started this thread was to learn more about it. Out of all the SAWs on the market, the M249 has the largest number of variations, accessories and playing styles/tactics. However, I still love my M240.

I'm also looking for a nice RPK to ad as a OPFOR SAW to my collection. I would really like to see someone make an RPD or better yet a PKM.

[Black Fox]

I find it much easier to use my SAW with under barrel RIS and a vertical grip, I hate using grips on regular rifles but its much easier for me to stabilize myself and get around the box mag, along with the ability to run a PEQ battery pack on the platform.

I agree. Here's the current configuration of my M249. I call it the Mk-46L. I plan to change the full stock to the G&P collapsible stock.




G&P Improved Collapsible Butt Stock

[SilentStalker]

I will do my best.
As for accessories for the SAW the only one I want is the "Ranger Grip" http://www.kastwayairsoft.com/Products/ ... GP241.aspx
Other than maybe an "Elcan" http://www.mdsoptics.com/images/Elcan_S ... _Sight.jpg
I am not sure I would put anything else on an M-249. I think the Clean look does something for the platform but then also it helps keep her a little lighter for those long humps we end up doing every once in a while. 5-10 Miles in one OP with only firing maybe 500 rounds makes for a heavy gun. So I like a clean SAW but I want it to be effective and that is where I am right now. I just need the Grip so I can carry her a little easier I agree with you about carrying with the big box mag.
Keep using your M248 and before you know it she will become you primary. It happened to me.

[Black Fox]

I will do my best.
As for accessories for the SAW the only one I want is the "Ranger Grip" http://www.kastwayairsoft.com/Products/ ... GP241.aspx
Other than maybe an "Elcan" http://www.mdsoptics.com/images/Elcan_S ... _Sight.jpg
I am not sure I would put anything else on an M-249. I think the Clean look does something for the platform but then also it helps keep her a little lighter for those long humps we end up doing every once in a while. 5-10 Miles in one OP with only firing maybe 500 rounds makes for a heavy gun. So I like a clean SAW but I want it to be effective and that is where I am right now. I just need the Grip so I can carry her a little easier I agree with you about carrying with the big box mag.
Keep using your M248 and before you know it she will become you primary. It happened to me.

SilentStalker

I thought about getting that. I figured being slightly offset would give my arms better clearance of the box mag but I wondered if that offset would affect the balance of the gun? But once I saw the Grip-Pod I was sold.

By the way, I'm seriously considering getting the nut sack now. I've done super long patrols and I know how the weight can drag you down. By the way, get the Vickers Blue Force SAW sling. You'll be glad that did. It really does reduce the fatigue factor.

Other than maybe an "Elcan Specter Dr"

Dude, I just got the real one last month. It's sitting on top of my M249 in the pic. I absolutely love it! All my other scopes are now obsolete. The only bad thing about it is it's heavy. Now you know why I'm looking at the nut sack.

By the way, there is an airsoft version of the Elcan Specter Dr. I think it goes for around $175. When I find the link I will post it.