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July 1, 2003
A special version of the M249 squad machine-gun has been developed for the Special Forces. It is more compact, with a shorter barrel and improved collapsible buttstock that reduces the overall length of the weapon by some ten inches (from 41 inches to 31 inches). This makes the machine-gun more useful in urban operations, particularly inside buildings. Weight is reduced from 16.5 to 12.6 pounds. A box of 5.56mm ammo, with 200 rounds, will still weighs seven pounds. This "SPW" version also has rails on top to accept sights, laser designators and night vision gear. The Navy SEALs use a different light machine-gun, the Mk46, which weighs a pound less than the SPW version of the M249. Many regular troops want the lighter machine-guns as well, particularly if they may be fighting in urban areas. This is not a major problem, for the M249 can easily be switched, by the user, between the longer or shorter barrel.
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