S&T M249 PARA Sports Line AEG

M249s come in all shapes and sizes, with this PARA Sports Line opting for a light more manoeuvrable build that bridges the gap between LMG support gun style weapons and assault rifles. If you've ever wanted to wield a 249, but dislike how heavy and chunky they are then this variant is the one for you. Constructed from tough but lightweight polymer and opting for a high cap STANAG mag, as opposed to the usual heavy drum mag, you can lay down some impressive suppressing fire, while still being able to sprint from objective to objective with ease.

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find an M249 PARA style muzzle device, with 3 ports along each side and the bottom and top. This device isn't always seen on the real MK46, but since the MK46 retains M249 barrel compatibility this is a perfectly realistic muzzle device for this LMG. The device is constructed from high-density polymer and mounts to the 14mm CCW male threaded alloy outer barrel. The 14mm CCW barrel threading allows this muzzle device to be swapped out for an alternative flash hider, suppressor or tracer unit should the mission require it.

Moving rearwards we come to the front sight/gas block of the M249 , which is constructed from the same fibre-reinforced polymer as the muzzle device. Sidestepping the usual assumptions about the lack of strength in polymer rifles, the S&T M249 is rock solid, using a polymer that feels like a G36 receiver, with its textured surface, scratch resistance and absolute lack of flex. The front sight has a fine front post and is also surrounded by a protective ring to prevent a bump or scrape from damaging it.

Below the front sight, we can find the bipod mounting apparatus, which allows you to take position on uneven ground and still put down effective fire. The bipod itself is constructed from high-density polymer and requires the legs to be squeezed together to deploy. To fold the bipod again, simply push the legs together and fold it back where it will hook on the rail-mounted retainer. This bipod can be removed if you want to use your 249 like a big, bade assault rifle, which is nice as there are pictures out there of 249s in more of an assaulter configuration. Between the bipod mount and handguard, we can see an alloy sling loop which is mirrored on either side of the weapon and allows for a rifle sling to be mounted when paired with the rear sling loops.

Not all M249s come equipped with rails, but this variant comes with a total of 3 handguard rails, at the 3, 6 and 9 o clock positions, giving you options to attach the tactical devices of your choice, be it torches, lasers or anything else that would suit your current mission or playstyle. The rails themselves clock in at 14.5cm each. Above the top vented heat shield, we can see that the PARA still sports the coveted adjustable handle, for additional stability, when firing, which can be adjusted by pulling the handle back and locking into the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o clock positions respectively. Lastly, with regard to the handguards/bipod is that you can remove the whole top section by pulling back the rear tab and sliding the top section off. This is mostly to adhere to realism, as it does not really perform any tactical function on the Airsoft field. However in the real-world, removing the top section is for when the barrel gets too hot after laying down excessive fire to cool it down, which is a nice feature to have for realism's sake.

Moving on to the receiver, we can see that it is the classic M249 design with side loading magwell. This PARA Sports Line variant opts for a lighter approach to ammunition, in keeping with the large big boy assault rifle style. Included in the box is a high capacity 300 round STANAG mag, which is loaded nicely into the side, so if your an M4 owner, you'll already have compatible mags for this beast. Of course there is always the option to affix a drum mag later down the line if you wish that locks in underneath the magwell, much like the PARAs 249 brethren, which is a nice option to switch between a large AR and a more typical LMG config.

The HOP-up unit is a standard M4/AR15 type gear adjustable unit, providing quick and easy adjustment when the charging handle is held to the rear. Unlike an AR15, the charging handle on the MCR is on the left side of the receiver, and can be folded flush for transportation and to reduce snagging. The bolt release on this rifle is non-functional, though it is still present on the left side of the upper and takes the form of an enlarged bolt release catch. Though the bolt release is non-functional, the charging handle provides all the satisfying click-clack noises you will ever need, actuating the mock bolt carrier with each pull. To the rear of the mock ejection port there is no forward assist or shell deflector, in their place is a large lightening groove, keeping the weight of the 249 low, barely heavier than a standard M4.

The rear most sight is that of an adjustable aperture tangent sight. Aperture meaning that the sight is within a small circular opening that lines up with the front sight for increased accuracy. The tangent aspect is adjusted by a side nub to raise or lower the sight for elevation to keep your target options open.

Moving to the lower portion of the 249 we can see that the pistol grip sports ribbed indentations to enhance grip and while this gun is light for its size, it's still always nice to have that bit of support to keep your grip steady, with or without gloves. Underneath the grip a cover that can be folded out to reveal the motor, should you ever want to remove or replace it. The trigger guard is relatively small for a gun this size, again, to help keep the weight down, however it is still easily large enough to operate the trigger with gloves on. Above the trigger is, of course, the trusty fire select and with this being an LMG, it only selects from safe to full auto. So that means no semi auto, but let's be real you're going to be wanting to be firing this on full at all times, semi would just be silly!

Lastly, we arrive at the adjustable stock, which can be compacted, when moving or extended and even rotated for those of you with broader shoulders. Removing the stock will reveal the mini-Tamiya battery connector. Given the more compact nature of this 249, we would recommend a 7.4v 1500mAh 20c Micro PEQ LiPo Battery, which will fit perfectly in the compartment, while still giving you a good amount of charge to lay down the pain!

So if you've been looking to get into the LMG game, to use as a support gun or even as an oversized assault rifle, the S&T M249 PARA Sports Line keeps things light with its full polymer construction, so you can stay light on your feet while carrying round a beastly gun. With a foldable bipod, adjustable stock and front rails for customisation, adopting an LMG as a primary has never been so easy!

Features

• M249 platform replica
• PARA stock variant
• Version 2 gearbox
• Ultra-lightweight LMG
• Quick change spring system
• 14mm CCW thread
• Removable flash hider
• Integrated bipod
• 20mm RIS railed handguard
• Thumb-through safety
• Sliding "PARA" stock 
• Adjustable aperture ironsights
• Windage / elevation adjustment
• Easy removable stock
• Full automatic only
• Accepts M249 box magazine or M4/AR15 AEG magazines
• 300 Round hi-cap magazine included
• Rear wired / mini Tamiya
• 4 QD sling sockets

Package Includes

• S&T M249 PARA Sports Line AEG
• 300rnd High Cap Magazine
• User Manual