The Civilian-Legal FN M249S Para Is as Close as It Gets to the Real Thing

By Andy Massimilian

The M249S Para is its latest addition to FN‘s Military Collector series, which includes two AR-15s as close as you can get to the M4 and M16, and three semi-auto versions of the M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW). Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, the M249S is made as closely as possible to FN’s military version, but without the automatic-fire capability. The “S” in its model name designates that it is semi-auto only. The Para version is distinguished by its collapsible stock and 16.1-inch barrel, instead of the standard 20-inch barrel.

RELATED STORY

WATCH: First Range Test of the Civilian-Ready FN SCAR 20S Rifle

The M249S traces its lineage to the Minimi light machine gun developed by FN in Belgium and first unveiled in 1974. After testing by the U.S. Army, it was officially adopted in 1982 from a list of four candidates and fielded in 1984. The M249 first saw action in the 1989 invasion of Panama. It has been …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life