How to Maintain an M249 SAW

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Clear the firearm.

   On FIRE mode, with your palm up, pull the cocking handle to the back and lock the bolt into place
2. 2

   Step 2: Place your weapon back to SAFE mode.

   ,,,,, Be absolutely sure the bolt is in forward position. , Remove the bolt from the slide assembly.
   
   Remove the piston from its slide assembly by pressing the farthest back retaining pin to the left and lifting the piston off the slide assembly.
   
   Turn the collar counterclockwise and then remove it, then remove the gas regulator from the block , Using a section of the cleaning rod, push the farthest down retaining pin to the left.
   
   While giving support to the trigger mechanism with one hand, use the other to pull the buttstock and the buffer assembly backward and remove it. ,, Turn the gas cylinder to either direction to release the locking spring and then pull forward. , It should just slip off, and if it doesn't, try to turn the bipod left or right to displace or loosen corrosion and or dirt that may build up there. ,, Clean the middle hole of the gas regulator with the correct part of the scraper by turning your scraper clockwise and pushing it in toward the bottom.
   
   Clean the two grooves of the regulator's body using the tips extending out of the scraper.
   
   Don't use any CLP on the collar, gas block, or body. , Clean the front inside of the gas cylinder by placing in and turning the flat side of the scraper in a full circular move.
   
   Clean the internal grooves on the front of the gas cylinder and the grooves and front hole of the piston in the same way.
   
   Don't use CLP on the gas cylinder or on the piston. , ( Lubricating parts stated to not be lubed in this article will increase carbon buildup ). ,, If you are familiar, then skip to step
   28. ,,, This can cause serious accuracy problems. ,,,,, Make sure the box latch will engage the receiver dovetail. , If you may for any reason find mysterious stamps on ammo, report it to an armorer, it may be booby trapped ammo ( ammo that explodes and damaged the gun ). , Do not lubricate any gas part holes or regulator. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Hold the charging handle

4. 4

   Step 4: and then open the tray cover.

5. 5

   Step 5: Remove the ammunition belt from the feed tray.

6. 6

   Step 6: Check the feed pawl assembly under the cover

7. 7

   Step 7: and the feed tray assembly.

8. 8

   Step 8: Check space between bolt assembly and chamber

9. 9

   Step 9: along with the chamber

10. 10

    Step 10: insert two fingers into the magazine well enough and feel for brass or ammunition.

11. 11

    Step 11: Remove the drive spring

12. 12

    Step 12: return rod and transfer the mechanism assembly.

13. 13

    Step 13: Rotate the bolt clockwise and disengage the lug.

14. 14

    Step 14: Remove the stock.

15. 15

    Step 15: Remove the trigger system by pulling backward and then down.

16. 16

    Step 16: Remove the gas cylinder.

17. 17

    Step 17: Remove the bipod.

18. 18

    Step 18: Clean the bore and chamber using a bore brush

19. 19

    Step 19: and a chamber brush

20. 20

    Step 20: and try to use fresh swabs.

21. 21

    Step 21: Clean the gas regulator using the scraper

22. 22

    Step 22: as well as the gas vent hole.

23. 23

    Step 23: Clean the gas cylinder and the piston using the scraper.

24. 24

    Step 24: Remove carbon and dirt from all of the other parts of the weapon using CLP and a safe rag.

25. 25

    Step 25: Clean ammo boxes with a brush and clean dry rag

26. 26

    Step 26: clean ammo with a rag too.

27. 27

    Step 27: Inspect all parts of the gun

28. 28

    Step 28: if you are not familiar with what to check and what for then follow steps 19-28 .

29. 29

    Step 29: Check your cocking assembly for free movement and bent and or cracked parts.

30. 30

    Step 30: Inspect the bore and chamber for chips/cracks and other damages.

31. 31

    Step 31: Check the front sight for any looseness.

32. 32

    Step 32: Check bipod legs for good operation.

33. 33

    Step 33: Check the rear sight assembly for operation.

34. 34

    Step 34: Check pistol grip for damage and or cracked trigger housing lug.

35. 35

    Step 35: Check the rail for excessive wear and chips.

36. 36

    Step 36: Check the ammunition box for damage.

37. 37

    Step 37: Always check ammo for any type of visible deficiencies

38. 38

    Step 38: especially in links and corrosions.

39. 39

    Step 39: Lubricate the rest of the exposed metal parts.

40. 40

    Step 40: Reassemble the weapon

41. 41

    Step 41: make sure the barrel locks into place and perform a function check.

Detailed Guide

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