Operator's Manual

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37
3. Adjust each leg
independently by pulling the
bottom end of each leg down
away from the rifle. The
bipod leg will extend. To
assist in lengthening the
bipod leg, press in on the
bipod latch while pulling
down. See Figure 47.
4. There are three positions on each bipod leg. Adjust the legs so
that the firing position is stable and level.
5. To shorten each bipod leg, press in on the bipod leg latch and
push the bottom section of the leg in. The bipod leg will
collapse into the upper section. Use care when collapsing each
leg as a slight pinch hazard exists as the legs telescope into
themselves.
To fold and store the bipod:
Before folding and stowing the bipod, collapse the bipod legs
completely to their shortest length.
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. While ensuring the rifle stays pointed in a safe direction and
while supporting the rifle, collapse the bipod legs to their
shortest length as explained above before folding and stowing
the bipod.
3. Keeping the rifle pointed in safe direction, grab the two legs of
the bipod and press them together. Be careful when doing so
to avoid pinching your hand between the bipod legs.
4. While holding the legs
together, rotate the bipod
legs back and up 90
o
into
the recessed pocket in the
bottom of the forearm. See
Figure 48.
5. Release the bipod legs. Two
tabs on the bipod legs will
engage and lock the bipod
into the stowed position.
22. BUTTSTOCK / SHOULDER REST OPERATION
The FN M249S
™
is equipped with a shoulder rest on the buttstock.
This shoulder rest can be raised to rest on top of the shooter’s
shoulder when firing to help stabilize the rifle in the shooter’s
shoulder. Use of the shoulder rest is optional. To use the shoulder
rest:
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
3. Simply rotate the dust cover
down and closed over the
ejection port until it locks
closed. See Figure 45.
4. To open the dust cover,
remove the manual bolt
locking device and close the
bolt as explained in Section
12. Movement of the bolt
and bolt carrier will open the dust cover automatically.
21. BIPOD OPERATION
The FN M249S
™
is equipped with a folding adjustable bipod which
can be stowed for carry and deployed to support and stabilize firing
positions. When deployed, the bipod can be adjusted for height and
will tilt to allow for firing from uneven ground. Before firing, ensure
the rifle is in a stable, supported position.
CAUTION! BE CAREFUL WHEN MANIPULATING THE BIPOD.
WHEN THE BIPOD LEGS ARE SQUEEZED SHUT, ENSURE YOUR
HANDS ARE CLEAR OF THE BIPOD HINGE. A PINCH HAZARD
EXISTS AT THE HINGE JOINT OF THE BIPOD. WHEN
COLLAPSING THE BIPOD LEGS, A SLIGHT PINCH HAZARD IS
PRESENT WHERE THE LEGS TELESCOPE INTO THEMSELVES.
INJURY TO YOUR HAND MAY RESULT IF CARE IS NOT TAKEN
WHEN MANIPULATING THE BIPOD.
To deploy the bipod:
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. Ensuring the rifle stays pointed in a safe direction and while
supporting the rifle, grab the two legs of the bipod and press
them together.
3. Press the legs together near their feet and rotate the bipod
legs down and forward 90
o
.
See Figure 46.
4. Release the bipod legs, they
will open under spring
tension and lock into the
deployed position.
5. If desired, adjust the legs
independently for height as
described below.
To adjust the bipod legs:
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. Open and deploy the bipod as explained above.
FIGURE 48
FIGURE 46
FIGURE 47
FIGURE 45