A&K M249 MK1 SAW; Polymer Version

A&K
Code:
£279.99
Was £309.99
Save £30.00
  • Polymer receiver M249 MK1
  • Includes Auto Winding Box Magazine & Bipod
  • Featherweight LMG - Become Rambo without the gym!

If you are into the idea of running a support weapon but you still want to be able to...run, the M249 MK1 SAW Polymer Version should suit you perfectly! This M249 Minimi/SAW replica retains the volume of fire optimised V249 gearbox of the full metal variant and its alloy rotary HOP-up unit but swaps out the steel and alloy receiver for high density polymer, reducing the weight to a manageable but still significant 4KG approximately.

Replicating the original variant of the iconic SAW, the M249 MK1 is a fantastic replica of the real thing down to its quick-release barrel, functional top cover/feed tray and overall feel; giving you the LMG experience without the requirement to be built like a tank. If you want to lay down a torrent of suppressive fire and avoid the mobility limitations of a hefty LMG platform this weight reduced M249 MK1 fits the bill!

Full description

Description

Anyone with support weapon experience will know, all is well and good until the latter part of the game day when things get tough on the arms. A&K's polymer M249 series is intended to make support gunning easier for the average man without compromising on performance, packing the same V249 gearbox designed purely for volume of fire and a 490mm inner barrel coupled with an alloy rotary HOP-up unit as its full metal sibling.

While there are lighter options out there, none use the reinforced M249 gearbox type, meaning they are no match for the A&K when it comes to performance and strength. If you want a proper M249 gearbox inside your LMG, this is as light as it gets!

Starting at the front we can find the flared trumpet M249 MK1 flash hider which matches the real thing perfectly, marking this out as the MK1 of the iconic SAW LMG. The flash hider is constructed from alloy, as is the outer barrel, and if you fancy an alternative muzzle device or you want a tracer to light the enemy up you can add any muzzle device which fits the common 14mm CCW male threading at the tip of the barrel. The outer barrel also has the correct taper towards the muzzle to match the real thing which was designed in to reduce the weight at the front of the platform for improved handling.

Moving rearwards we come to the front iron sight and gas block assembly which are both constructed from high density polymer in this weight reduced version of the A&K M249 MK1. The front sight is set into a protective ring to keep it safe from any accidental bumps or scrapes in game and is a non-adjustable front post to remove weight and complexity from the original A&K M249.  The mock gas adjuster, found at the front of the gas block just below the barrel, can be turned to select two different positions, and although this does not change the way this AEG works it is a nice touch for authenticity.

The bipod is mounted to the gas block and has adjustable leg length to allow you to set the M249 MK1 up on uneven ground and raise and lower it for the best firing position. The legs can be folded and unfolded quickly by squeezing them together and indexing them with the hole in the underside of the handguard. Adjusting the legs is as simple as pulling the legs out to the desired length, and stowing them again requires you to press the steel locking pieces protruding from the outer edge of each bipod leg and slide them back into position. The bipod also allows for tilting the M249 by a few degrees left and right which reduces the chances of the bipod restricting your ability to engage a moving target.

Next up, we reach the handguard and heatshield of the M249 MK1, both of which are constructed from high density polymer, with the lower handguard being comprised of two polymer side pieces mounted to a central steel piece. The heatshield/upper handguard is covered in cooling vents which serve to help prevent heat build up in the barrel of the real M249 and also give it the aggressive machinegun look. The handguard has checkering on each side to assist with wet weather handling and is wider at the bottom to fill out the hand comfortably.

The battery compartment of the M249 MK1 is located inside the handguard and can be accessed by pushing the handguard forward, after which it can be lifted free. Inside you will find a mini-Tamiya battery connector to which you mount your chosen battery. We recommend a 7.4V 1300mAh LiPo battery in crane/nunchuck configuration, though you may be able to fit bigger batteries inside if you are careful when installing them.

Between the handguard/heatshield and receiver, we can find the barrel removal/carry handle which serves in the real M249 to remove a toasty barrel after a long firing session without burning the hands of the user. The handle can also be used to support and steer the front end of the SAW for some Rambo-like hip firing action. We don't recommend carrying the M249 by this handle alone, as although it is constructed from steel it may put undue stress on the LMG as it wasn't designed for this purpose.

The receiver of the A&K M249 MK1 is constructed from high density polymer, decreasing weight and improving resistance to scratches compared to the metal version. The charging handle is located on the right side and travels on a steel track but is only there to look cool and isn't required to operate the LMG. The magazine mounting lug and M4/AR-15 magazine well are both constructed from alloy to ensure reliable feeding and the trigger guard and dust cover are constructed from steel. All of the body pins and other trim parts are also constructed from steel to keep the structure of the M249 rigid and wobble free.

To load the included electric auto-winding box magazine you will need to remove the left side panel by pulling it clear of its attachment lugs, install 2 x AA batteries (not included), pour your BBs into the upper section and close the magazine up again. To mount the box mag to the SAW you will need to lock the box magazine onto its attachment lug on the bottom of the receiver and then insert the BB feed chute into the AR magazine well.

The activation switch is on the bottom of the mag, and each mode is helpfully indicated on the mag with embossed lettering. The central position is the "off" position, pushing the switch to the left activates sound control and pushing it to the right activates "auto-winding" mode. Sound control means the box magazine will wind as it detects the M249 MK1 shooting, and auto-winding will constantly wind the magazine as long as the switch is in position.

Just like the real thing, the A&K M249 allows you to borrow magazines from teammates wielding M4/AR-15 AEG platforms in a sticky situation when your box mag runs dry. The AR magazine well is on the left side in the same spot you install your box magazine feed chute and protrudes at an angle so you can still get nice and low in the prone position when using AR mags. The magazine catch of the AR magwell is integrated into its very own dust cover which seals the magwell when it is not in use. This means inserting the magazine works the same as with an AR, just push the mag in and it will lock, but removing it requires the protruding tab to be pressed in.

The controls of the M249 are super simple, with a push-through fire selector located just above the pistol grip offering SAFE and FULL AUTO. Just like the real thing, there is no semi-automatic function on the A&K M249 MK1, making it a purebred support weapon designed for volume of fire. When the push-through fire selector protrudes on the right side the trigger will be locked and in safe mode, and with the selector protruding on the left the M249 is hot and set to fully automatic.

The grip is a comfortable design which was derived from that of the FN FAL and has been added to several tactical AK variants to improve their ergonomics and handling. The grip also boasts linear texture on all sides to keep the hefty SAW in your hands during wet weather or when wearing gloves, and also has a palm ledge at the bottom to improve stability.

The adjustable HOP-up of the M249 is located inside the receiver at the front and can be accessed by lifting the receiver top cover and mock feed tray. Pressing the two buttons on either side of the rear of the receiver will release the top cover and it will spring open to reveal the internals. The HOP-up unit is a rotary design, meaning it should hold its setting well under the vibrations of full auto fire and can be adjusted in finer increments than the older gear adjuster design. The unit is also constructed from alloy, guaranteeing that it will never break or fail during normal use.

Mounted to the upper surface of the top cover you will find the rear aperture iron sight which is non-adjustable to reduce weight and simplify the design. At the rear of the receiver, we can see the M249 MK1 tubular skeleton stock assembly which is constructed from alloy and has a folding shoulder brace/stabiliser built into the butt plate. The folding shoulder support/stabiliser provides an additional point of stability when steering the M249 while shooting from a standing position and also allows better control of the stock when shooting prone with the bipod deployed.

Deploying the stabiliser doesn't require any buttons, simply lift it up to deploy and push it back down again to stow it. This makes it super quick and easy to use in the field when working under pressure and very effective when combined with the bipod. Also built into the butt plate of the stock is a ring to facilitate sling mounting, and as always, we recommend a strong sling for this particular platform due to its above average weight.

Internally, the A&K M249 MK1 Polymer Version is kitted out the same way its full metal sibling is; with the Classic Army M249 style gearbox designed from the ground up for use in support gun setups. The gearbox is far bigger than the usual V2 or V3 type and is considerably reinforced to allow for greater volume of fire and longer bursts without overstressing the internals.

While there are other M249s on the market which use a version 2 gearbox, these are simply miles behind the specifically designed M249 gearbox in the A&K model and are limited by the design of the V2 and its compatibility with other more compact platforms. Opening the top cover up allows you to take a peek at the gearbox, and if you have seen a V2 before you will notice how much more substantially built the M249 gearbox is than almost any of its rivals.

If you had your eye on a lightweight M249, the A&K M249 MK1 Polymer Version belongs at the top of your list thanks to its uncompromised internals and plethora of realistic features. With all the menacing firepower of the full metal version but with far less weight you should be able to maintain energy throughout the day and provide supporting fire for your teammates wherever it is needed!

Features

  • 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
  • M249 MK1 trumpet muzzle device - Unique and realistic flash hider style
  • Steel bipod included and pre-installed - Adjustable leg length, easy and quick to fold
  • Auto winding box magazine with sound control included - 2400 BB capacity, AKA loads
  • SAFE/FULL AUTO only via push-through fire selector- A true light machinegun
  • Realistic replica of the M249 MK1 - Perfect for Blackhawk Down or Japanese Ground Self Defence Force loadout
  • Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Alloy construction, accessible with the top cover raised
  • Compatible with either the included box mag or M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Share mags in game
  • Alloy M249 type gearbox - Very strong, significantly reinforced compared to V2 or V3
  • Front wired - Mini-Tamiya battery connector inside the handguard
  • Polymer receiver - Reduces weight and makes support gunning more manageable
  • Fixed alloy skeleton stock - A well designed solid stock derived from the FAL
  • Textured pistol grip - Ergonomic design, comfortable for a variety of hand sizes
  • Steel barrel removal/carry handle - Not to be used to support the weight of the gun alone
  • Quick removal barrel - Easy to store in smaller cases with the barrel removed
  • Rear sling point on the butt plate - We recommend a strong sling for this beast!

Package Includes

  • A&K M249 MK1 SAW; Polymer Version
  • 2400rnd Auto-winding box magazine
  • Cleaning/unjamming rod

Specification

General

Weapon Construction External
Weapon Type
Support Gun
Over 18 Only Icon
Over 18
Yes
Icon UKARA - United Kingdom Airsoft Retailer Association
Defence / UKARA Required
Yes, No,
FPS Icon
FPS (Feet Per Second), using 0.20g BB
Approx. 324fps ± 10%, using 0.20g BB
Site Legal Icon
Site Legal, using 0.20g BB
Yes
Screwdriver Icon
Pre-Built
Yes
Package
Included Items
  • Magazine
  • Cleaning Rod
Skill Level Icon
User Skill Level
Experienced Player
Patrol Base - Warning Icon
Warnings
Li-Po - Never Leave Charging Unattended
Li-Po - Only Use Approved Chargers
Li-Po - Charge in a Fire Safe Area

Weight and Dimension

Weight KG Icon
Weight (KG)
Approx. 4.076kg
Weapon Length Collapsed
Length (Collapsed)
105cm
Weapon Length Extended
Length (Extended)
105cm

Construction

Colour Wheel Greyscale
Primary Colour
Black, Tan ,
Construction Icon
Construction
Alloy outer barrel, butt plate and stock. Steel bipod, barrel removal catch, dust cover, charging handle track, shoulder support and trim parts. Polymer receiver, handguard, grip.
Weapon Construction External
External Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Steel
Gearbox Icon
Internal Construction
Polymer
Alloy
Aluminium
Steel

Weapon Specific

Power Source Icon
Powered By
Electric
Blowback Icon
Blowback
None
Weapon Platform
Support Gun, M249, M249 MK1,
Magazine Style Icon
Magazine Style
STANAG, Long Gun Magazine, Support Gun, M4 / AR Platform, M249,
Fire Select Icon
Fire Selector
PatrolBase | Fire Select Safe
Safe
Patrol Base | Full Automatic
Full Automatic
Weapon Safety Features Icon
Safety Features
Trigger Lock
Shooter Configuration Icon
Shooter Configuration
Right Handed
Weapon Configuration Icon
Weapon Configuration
Standard
Weapon Scale Icon
Weapon Scale
1:1
Suggested BB Weight
0.25g

Hop-Up

Hop-Up Unit Icon
Hop-Up Unit
Yes
Hop-Up Unit Adjuster Icon
Hop-Up Adjuster
Rotary
Hop-Up Unit Location Icon
Hop-Up Location
Under the receiver top cover at the front, accessible by pressing the buttons on the rear of the top cover to open.

Furniture

Weapon Furniture Icon
Furniture
  • Bipod
  • Fixed Stock
  • Shoulder Brace / Support
  • Skeleton Stock
  • Bird Cage Flash Hider
  • Textured Pistol Grip
  • Carry handle for cosmetic look ONLY
  • Aperture iron sights
Rail System Icon
Rail System
None
Icon Stock Positions
Stock Setting
Fixed
Weapon Length Extended
Stock Positions
1 Position
Sight Type Icon
Sight Type
Iron Sights , Aperture Iron Sight,
Sling Plate Icon
Sling Options
Stock

Barrel

Outer Barrel Length (in)
18''
Icon Thread Type
Outer Barrel Thread Type
Male
Icon Thread Direction
Outer Barrel Thread Direction
CCW (Counter Clockwise)
Outer Barrel Thread Size
14mm
Inner Barrel Diameter
6.08mm
Inner Barrel Length
490mm

Magazine Specific

Magazine Type
High Capacity, Electric Wound, Box Magazine, AEG, Sound control,
Magazine BB Capacity
Approx. 2400 Rounds
Magazine BB Fill Method
Fill Window
Magazine BB Fill Location
Side

Electric Gun Specific Information

Gearbox
Gearbox Icon
Gearbox Version
V249 Gearbox
Wiring Icon
Gearbox Wiring
Front Wired
Spring Change Icon
Gearbox Quick Change Spring
No
Digital Trigger Icon
Gearbox Electronic Trigger
No
Split Gearbox Icon
Split Gearbox Design
No
Motor
Airsoft Motor Icon
Motor Type
Standard
Battery Specific
Battery Connector
Patrol Base | Icon | Mini Tamiya
Mini Tamiya
Compatible Battery
Compatible Battery Type
Li-Po
Compatible Battery Configuration
Crane
Compatible Battery Voltage
7.4v

Product Testing Data

Notepad Icon
Test Description
324 FPS +/- 10%
Notepad Icon
Tested Using
0.2g ASG BLASTER
Notepad Icon
Test Date
13/04/2023

Size guide

Joule Charts

Special Instructions

These table can be used as a reference to see if the BB weight you are using will be over acceptable Joulage limits at some Airsoft Sites in the UK. To check if the weight can be used chrono your weapon using the BB you intend to use, and then compare it to the chart.

FPS, Power and Joule Limits can vary from site to site, so please get in touch with where you're going to play with in advance to avoid disappointment.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, with a 350fps limit for Automatic Replicas, 400fps for Semi-Automatic Replicas, and 500fps for Bolt Action Replicas.

Tap the tabs below to open the relevant chart for your replica.

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 350fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.14j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
325 0.98 1.23 1.37 1.47 1.57 1.77 1.96 2.11 2.21 2.45
328 1.00 1.25 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.80 2.00 2.15 2.25 2.50
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
335 1.04 1.30 1.46 1.56 1.67 1.88 2.09 2.24 2.35 2.61
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
345 1.11 1.38 1.55 1.66 1.77 1.99 2.21 2.38 2.49 2.76
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
355 1.17 1.46 1.64 1.76 1.87 2.11 2.34 2.52 2.63 2.93
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 400fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 1.49j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90

Suggested limits are based on Joulage Limit rules used at Halo Mill: Proving Grounds, and is the equivalent of 500fps, using 0.20g BB resulting in an upper limit of 2.32j.

Velocity BB Weight (Grams)
FPS 0.20 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.32 0.36 0.40 0.43 0.45 0.50
250 0.58 0.73 0.81 0.87 0.93 1.05 1.16 1.25 1.31 1.45
260 0.63 0.79 0.88 0.94 1.00 1.13 1.26 1.35 1.41 1.57
270 0.68 0.85 0.95 1.02 1.08 1.22 1.35 1.46 1.52 1.69
280 0.73 0.91 1.02 1.09 1.17 1.31 1.46 1.57 1.64 1.82
290 0.78 0.98 1.09 1.17 1.25 1.41 1.56 1.68 1.76 1.95
300 0.84 1.05 1.17 1.25 1.34 1.51 1.67 1.80 1.88 2.09
310 0.89 1.12 1.25 1.34 1.43 1.61 1.79 1.92 2.01 2.23
320 0.95 1.19 1.33 1.43 1.52 1.71 1.90 2.05 2.14 2.38
330 1.01 1.26 1.42 1.52 1.62 1.82 2.02 2.18 2.28 2.53
340 1.07 1.34 1.50 1.61 1.72 1.93 2.15 2.31 2.42 2.68
350 1.14 1.42 1.59 1.71 1.82 2.05 2.28 2.45 2.56 2.85
360 1.20 1.51 1.69 1.81 1.93 2.17 2.41 2.59 2.71 3.01
370 1.27 1.59 1.78 1.91 2.03 2.29 2.54 2.73 2.86 3.18
380 1.34 1.68 1.88 2.01 2.15 2.41 2.68 2.88 3.02 3.35
390 1.41 1.77 1.98 2.12 2.26 2.54 2.83 3.04 3.18 3.53
400 1.49 1.86 2.08 2.23 2.38 2.68 2.97 3.20 3.34 3.72
410 1.56 1.95 2.19 2.34 2.50 2.81 3.12 3.36 3.51 3.90
420 1.64 2.05 2.29 2.46 2.62 2.95 3.28 3.52 3.69 4.10
430 1.72 2.15 2.40 2.58 2.75 3.09 3.44 3.69 3.86 4.29
440 1.80 2.25 2.52 2.70 2.88 3.24 3.60 3.87 4.05 4.50
450 1.88 2.35 2.63 2.82 3.01 3.39 3.76 4.04 4.23 4.70
460 1.97 2.46 2.75 2.95 3.15 3.54 3.93 4.23 4.42 4.91
470 2.05 2.57 2.87 3.08 3.28 3.69 4.10 4.41 4.62 5.13
480 2.14 2.68 3.00 3.21 3.42 3.85 4.28 4.60 4.82 5.35
490 2.23 2.79 3.12 3.35 3.57 4.02 4.46 4.80 5.02 5.58
500 2.32 2.90 3.25 3.48 3.72 4.18 4.65 4.99 5.23 5.81
510 2.42 3.02 3.38 3.62 3.87 4.35 4.83 5.20 5.44 6.04