G&P M249 Ranger

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon is the U.S. Military designation for a sub-family of the FN Minimi squad automatic weapon, the name "Minimi" is derived from the French word "Minimitailleuse", which simply means - mini machine gun. They originate from Belgium, and both are manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) and it's subsidiaries - FNH USA, is the American subsidiary which takes care of production of this gun under it's M249 guise.

It is a well-proven gun, and popularized with it's adoption by many countries, including the NATO members. It came out tops in a competition set up by the U.S. Military in the late 70s - early 80s, for new squad automatic weapons, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The difference between the M249 and Minimi are not just down to the change in name and location of manufacture, as they have slightly different configurations, more so with regards to the M249 variants.

Fresh from the G&P factory is this - the new M249 Ranger. Made from a full-metal construction, it gives this gun a real heft that makes it feel exactly like the real-deal, even the included fake metal bullets, which cover up the connector wire from the mag to the receiver, look and feels real! Even down to the Fabrique National de Herstal trademarks on the side of the receiver, which makes this G&P M249 not only feel real, but look real too.

It features RIS rails on the main receiver to allow fitment of a scope or sight, as well as as RIS rails on the hand guard, on each side and the underside. This M249 comes fitted with an extendable stock that, the length of the gun from tip-to-tip goes from 910mm with the stock retracted to 1040mm with the stock fully extended, inner barrel length is 509mm.

The auto-winding magazine holds a capacious 3000 rounds of BB ammo, as well as having a storage place for a large 8.4v or 9.6v battery, the wire connection is neatly tucked away under a metal flap and covered by the metal dummy bullets. The remote-wire activated magazine feeds the M4 v.2 gearbox and the AUG motor, which help to spit out the BBs at a rate of 350fps.

This is a very tasty little package from G&P, which will surely prove to be as much of a hit with collectors as well as those who like a little authenticity in their Airsoft battles.

Take a look at the pictures below for some detailed photos of the M249 in service.