1. Maintaining the M249 SAW
SSG GARCIA

2. TASK: Maintain the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) CONDITIONS: Given a classroom environment and an M249 SAW STANDARDS: Demonstrate proficiency in maintaining the M249 SAW IAW FM , Chapter 1, Section II RISK ASSESSMENT: LOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Avoid tripping over cords and chairs. In case of fire, exit to the rear and link up at the rally point.

3. AGENDA DESCRIPTION AND DATA CLEARING PROCEDURES GENERAL DISASSEMBLY
INSPECTION
CLEANING AND LUBRICATING PROCEDURES AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FUNCTION CHECK
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
MAINTENANCE IN CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, OR NUCLEAR CONDITION

4. DESCRIPTION AND DATA
The M249 machine gun is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt- or magazine-fed, automatic weapon that fires from the open-bolt position.

6. CLEARING PROCEDURES
The first step in maintenance is to clear the weapon (Figure 1-8). This applies in all situations, not just after firing. The gunner must always assume the M249 machine gun is loaded. To clear the M249, the gunner performs the following procedures:
a. Moves the safety to the fire "F" position by pushing it to the left until the red ring is visible.
b. With his right hand, palm up, pulls the cocking handle to the rear, locking the bolt in place.
c. While holding the resistance on the cocking handle, moves the safety to the SAFE position by pushing it to the right until the red ring is not visible. (The weapon cannot be placed on safe unless the bolt is locked to the rear.)
d. Returns and locks the cocking handle in the forward position.
DANGER
WHEN OPENING THE FEED COVER ON A HOT GUN, MAKE SURE THE WEAPON IS ON THE GROUND AWAY FROM YOUR FACE. WITH THE WEAPON ON YOUR SHOULDER, POSSIBLE DEATH OR INJURY COULD OCCUR IF A ROUND GOES OFF WHEN THE COVER IS RAISED.

7. CLEARING PROCEDURES (cont.)
e. Raises the cover and feed mechanism assembly, and conducts the five-point safety check for brass, links, or ammunition:
(1) Checks the feed pawl assembly under the feed cover.
(2) Checks the feed tray assembly.
(3) Lifts the feed tray assembly and inspects the chamber.
(4) Checks the space between the bolt assembly and the chamber.
(5) Inserts two fingers of his left hand in the magazine well to extract any ammunition or brass.
f. Closes the cover and feed mechanism assembly and moves the safety to the "F" position. With his right hand, palm up, returns the cocking handle to the rear position. Presses the trigger and at the same time eases the bolt forward by manually riding the cocking handle forward.

9. CAUTION
BOLT POSITION
Each time you pull the bolt to the rear, return the cocking handle manually to the forward and locked position. Failure to do this could result in damage to the weapon.

10. GENERAL DISASSEMBLY
1-19. General disassembly is removing and replacing the eight major groups (Figure 1-9). The unit armorer performs detailed disassembly. The gunner may not disassemble the weapon beyond the point explained in this manual; only ordnance personnel may disassemble it further. During general disassembly, the gunner places each part on a clean, flat surface such as a table or mat. This aids in assembly in reverse order and avoids the loss of parts. Before disassembly, the gunner releases the bipod legs from under the receiver and places into the bipod mode.

12. CLEANING AND LUBRICATING PROCEDURES AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
1-37. The gunner should clean the M249 machine gun immediately after firing. Before doing so, he disassembles it into its major groups. After he cleans it and wipes it dry, he applies a thin coat of CLP by rubbing with a cloth. This lubricates and preserves the exposed metal parts during all normal temperature ranges. When not using the gun, he inspects it weekly, and cleans and lubricates it as needed.

14. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
1-51. Weapons that are seldom fired or stored for prolonged periods should have a light film of CLP applied to the interior of the gas plug, the gas regulator, and the piston immediately after cleaning or inspecting. The gunner performs preventive maintenance every 90 days, unless inspection reveals the need for more frequent servicing. The use of the lubricant does not eliminate the need for cleaning and inspecting to ensure that corrosion has not formed. The gas regulator, gas plug, and piston must be clean and free of oil and lubricants before using the weapon. If it is not clean and oil free, stoppages will occur. CLP is the only lubricant to use on the M249 machine gun.

15. GENERAL ASSEMBLY

16. FUNCTION CHECK
1-60. The gunner must perform a function check to ensure that the M249 machine gun has been assembled correctly. The procedures, in order, are as follows:
Grasp the cocking handle with the right hand, palm up, and pull the bolt to the rear, locking it in place.
While continuing to hold the resistance on the cocking handle, use the left hand to move the safety to the safe position.
Push the cocking handle forward into the forward lock position.  Pull the trigger (The weapon should not fire).  Grasp the cocking handle with the right hand, palm up, and pull and hold it to the rear.  Move the safety to the fire position.
While continuing to hold resistance on the cocking handle, use the left hand to pull the trigger and ease the bolt forward to prevent it from slamming into the chamber area and damaging the face of the bolt.
If the weapon fails the function check, check for missing parts or repeat the reassembly procedures. Before disassembling the weapon, make sure it is positioned where the guide rod and spring cannot cause bodily harm if the bolt is locked to the rear. The cover and feed mechanism assembly can be closed with the bolt in either the forward or the rearward position.

17. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
Before firing⎯
Wipe the bore dry.
Inspect the weapon as outlined in the operator's TM.
Lubricate the weapon.
During firing⎯
Inspect the weapon periodically to ensure that it remains lubricated.
When malfunctions or stoppages occur, follow the procedures in Section IV. y After firing⎯
Immediately clear and clean the weapon.
Every 90 days during inactivity, clean and lubricate the weapon, unless inspection reveals more frequent servicing is necessary.

18. MAINTENANCE IN CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, OR NUCLEAR CONDITIONS
1-62. If the M249 machine gun is contaminated by chemical, biological, or radiological (nuclear) agents, the appropriate action must be taken to reduce exposure and penetration.
CHEMICAL
1-63. Use towelettes from the M258A1 kit to wipe off the weapon. If these are not available, wash the weapon with hot, soapy water, and rinse.
BIOLOGICAL
1-64. Use towelettes or hot, soapy water and rinse the weapon as above.
RADIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR
1-65. Brush or wipe the weapon, or wash with water, and rinse (FM 3-5).

19. QUESTIONS?