Paratrooper Version of the  SAW? FN’s  New M249S Para

The new M249S Para from FN offers shooters a semi-auto version of a classic military firearm.

Building on the popularity of the already released M249S semi-automatic version of the SAW light machine gun, FN is releasing the M249S Para (or Paratrooper) model. Originally developed for airborne troops in its original form, the Para is fourth addition to the company’s Military Collector Series of semi-automatic versions of classic military firearms.
According to John Keppeler, senior vice president of sales and marketing for FN America, LLC, “You’ll notice only two major differences between the semi- and full-auto versions (of the M249S Para) – the barrel length and reconfigured internal components to change the rifle’s operation from open-bolt to closed-bolt. Authenticity was critical in this series and we changed as little as possible.”
According to a press release on the Para, the rifle features a machine gun-grade, 16.1-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel, closed bolt for semi-automatic only operation, classic M249 flip-up feed tray, integrated steel bipod, robust gas-piston system, and the iconic telescoping and rotating buttstock, making it lighter and more compact. Rifles will be available in either black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE).

The Para in black!