A&K M249 MK2 SAW; Polymer Version

Those who want to run an LMG like Rambo but don't have the time to work out; this is the solution! This version of the A&K M249 MK2 is the polymer receiver model, meaning it has the reinforced M249 gearbox of the original without the all-too-realistic heft. Many of the important components are constructed from alloy and steel to maintain strength where needed but the receiver has been swapped out for a strong polymer replacement, meaning this SAW can be welded by a regular man for a full skirmish day.

Now don't get us wrong, with its box magazine installed this SAW still tips the scales at a significant 4.7KG which is a lot for those used to cutting around with a 2.5KG M4. The size of the M249 MK2 makes it feel a fair bit lighter than it actually is, unlike its full metal counterpart which is over 1KG heavier. There are lighter options but 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 tip of the 18-inch outer barrel we can find a birdcage flash hider which mounts to 14mm CCW male threading. The outer barrel and flash hider are both constructed from alloy for strength and to keep the inner barrel straight, and the 14mm CCW male threading allows suppressors, tracer units or alternative muzzle devices to be mounted. We think the SAW is long enough without a suppressor, but if you like a challenge you always have that option!

As it does in the real M249, the outer barrel tapers towards the muzzle and again as we move backwards towards the receiver, giving this SAW the appropriate silhouette. The front sight and gas block assembly mount to the barrel, providing a fine front sight post protected inside a ring and a mock gas adjuster below, appropriately simulating the adjustable gas system of the real M249. The mock gas adjuster can be turned to select different positions but provides no function in an Airsoft gun other than adding realism.

The bipod is mounted to the gas block and has adjustable leg length to allow you to set the M249 MK2 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 MK2, both of which are constructed from high density polymer. 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 gripping groves on each side to assist with wet weather handling and is wider at the bottom to fill out the hand comfortably.

Between the handguard/heatshield and receiver, we have a folding carry handle which sits flat against the top when not in use. To deploy the handle simply push it rearwards and turn it 90 degrees upwards where it will lock into place. The carry handle is intended to allow users of the real M249 to remove a spicy hot barrel after a long firing session without burning their hands but 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 this version of the A&K M249 is constructed from polymer, reducing weight and improving scratch resistance when compared to the full metal version. The weight savings mean you can move faster in game and keep pace with those assault rifle toting teammates while bringing along the same firepower advantage as you would have with the original full metal A&K M249. That said, this SAW is still a bit of a monster and will definitely feel like a whole different beast to your usual M4, though the polymer receiver makes LMG gunning that much more accessible for everyone.

The polymer itself is rock solid and of high quality, with no flex or wobble to be found. 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. The charging handle doesn't actuate a mock bolt in the M249 design but can still be pulled, and this works far better than other polymer M249s thanks to the steel charging handle track on the A&K version. 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 MK46 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 MK2 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 MK2, 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 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. The grip 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 not adjustable but is visually identical to the real M249 rear sight and should be perfectly functional at Airsoft skirmish ranges despite its lack of adjustability.

At the rear of the receiver, we can see the M249 PIP stock assembly which replaced the original steel tube stock of the M249 MK1. This stock assembly is constructed with an alloy base, high density polymer stock body and alloy butt plate with a built-in sling point at the top. The butt plate also features a folding shoulder support/stabiliser which 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, making it super quick and easy to use in the field when working under pressure.

The stock also functions as the battery compartment of this M249 and has plenty of space for a seriously big block battery. We recommend sticking to 7.4V LiPo batteries, and the pre-wired battery connector is a mini-Tamiya, but beyond this the sky is the limit. To access the battery compartment all you need to do is pull the cap at the end of the butt plate down and it will slide right off.

Internally, the A&K M249 is kitted out with the Classic Army M249 style gearbox which is 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 a support weapon is on your list but you CBA hefting a full metal M249 around all day, this polymer receiver variant lacks only the weight of the full metal version but keeps the specialised LMG gearbox, rotary HOP-up and beastly 2400rnd electric auto winding box magazine. For the LMG experience without the prerequisite muscularity required, look no further than the A&K M249 MK2 SAW polymer version!

Features

• Polymer receiver - Keeps the weight manageable
• Alloy outer barrel and stock base - Strength where needed
• Steel bipod included and pre-installed - Adjustable leg length, easily folded
• 14mm CCW male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Auto winding box magazine with sound control included - 2400 BB capacity!
• SAFE/FULL AUTO only - A true light machinegun
• Full length M249 MK2 - Great for a US Army loadout
• Aperture iron sights - Non-adjustable design
• 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
• Fixed stock with steel folding shoulder brace - Plenty of battery space in here!
• Rear sling point on the butt plate - Alloy construction
• Push-through safety design - Ambidextrous and easy to use
• Alloy M249 type gearbox - Very strong, significantly reinforced compared to V2 or V3
• Textured pistol grip - Comfortable design, great for heavy platforms
• Front wired - Mini-Tamiya battery connector inside the handguard
• Functional barrel quick release - Realistic and very, very cool (no pun intended)
• Approximately 5kg without the box mag - Still rather heavy!

Package Includes

• A&K M249 MK2 SAW; Polymer Version
• 2400rnd Electric Auto-winding box magazine
• Cleaning/unjamming rod