Operator's Manual

34
35
5. While holding the barrel latch depressed with the left hand,
grab the carry handle with the right hand and remove the
barrel from the receiver by lifting the barrel assembly forward
then up, away from the receiver. See Figure 42.
6. Carefully set the barrel aside in a safe location that is
resistant to melting or burning. Warn others nearby that the
barrel is very hot.
After the barrel has cooled or a spare barrel is available, to
replace the barrel:
1. Make sure the slide hammer is cocked and the safety selector
is in the SAFE position as explained in Sections 10 and 11.
2. With the barrel removed as explained above and with the bolt
held to the rear, before inserting the barrel, ensure the muzzle
will be pointed in a safe direction once it is installed on the
rifle.
3. Using the carry handle to lift the barrel, align the barrel
extension with the opening on the receiver just forward of the
barrel latch and the gas plug with the open gas cylinder above
the bipod. See Figure 43.
4. Depress the barrel latch and insert the barrel into receiver
opening and the gas plug into the gas cylinder. See Figure 44.
5. Once the barrel is in place, release the latch and ensure barrel
is positively locked in place by tugging on the carry handle.
6. If firing is imminent, remove the manual bolt locking device as
explained in Section 12. While keeping the rifle pointed in a
safe direction, load the rifle as described in Section 15.
20. DUST COVER OPERATION
The FN M249S
™
is equipped with a spring loaded dust cover which
can be closed over the casing ejection port when the bolt is
manually locked to the rear as explained in Section 12. It is useful
for preventing debris from entering the rifle when not in use. It is
located on the lower right side of the receiver. To close the
dust cover:
1. Make sure the slide hammer is cocked and the safety selector
is in the SAFE position as explained in Sections 10 and 11, the
rifle is cleared as described in Section 17 and the muzzle is
pointed in a safe direction.
2. Lock the bolt to the rear using the manual bolt locking device
as explained in Section 12.
IN THE SAFE AS EXPLAINED IN SECTION 10 AND ENSURE
THAT THE RIFLE IS COMPLETELY CLEARED AS EXPLAINED IN
SECTION 17. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The FN M249S
™
feed tray cover is equipped with an integral MIL-
STD 1913 rail for optics mounting on top. Use care when mounting
optics to the feed tray cover. Be mindful of the location of the optic
when the feed tray cover is opened. Damage to the optic may result
when the feed tray cover is opened if it is allowed to impact the
barrel when opening.
Follow the instructions included with your sight for mounting and
zeroing procedures. Ensure the sight or optic does not interfere with
the safe, normal operation of the FN M249S
™
rifle.
19. BARREL CHANGE PROCEDURES
WARNING! DO NOT TOUCH A HOT BARREL EXCEPT BY THE
CARRY HANDLE. THE BARREL ASSEMBLY AND FRONT SIGHT
ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME EXTREMELY HOT DURING
EXTENDED FIRING SESSIONS OR DURING RAPID FIRING.
AVOID CONTACT WITH THESE PARTS DURING SHOOTING OR
WEAR GLOVES TO PREVENT BURNS TO YOUR HANDS. DO NOT
FIRE THE FN M249S
™
WITHOUT HANDGUARDS IN PLACE.
WHEN REMOVING THE BARREL, HANDLE THE BARREL WITH
CARE AND ONLY USE THE CARRY HANDLE TO REMOVE A HOT
BARREL. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY.
The FN M249S
™
has the ability for the operator to quickly remove
and change the barrel. It is recommend that the barrel be allowed
to cool after extended sequences of fire of 200 rounds in a short
time. If a spare barrel is available, the barrel can be allowed to cool
off of the rifle while firing is resumed with the spare barrel.
To remove the barrel:
1. Make sure the slide hammer is cocked and the safety selector
is in the SAFE position as explained in Sections 10 and 11, and
the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.
2. Clear the rifle as explained in Section 17.
3. Pull the charging handle to the rear and insert the manual bolt
lock device as explained in Section 12.
4. Being careful not to touch the barrel, with the left hand, press
the barrel latch lever to the rear. See Figure 41.
FIGURE 43
FIGURE 44
FIGURE 42
FIGURE 41