I know that in 2006 the Army National Guard bought over 30,000 of them at $3,000 a piece. That being said, you definitely can't go to Cabela's and buy one but my guess would be in the $10,000-$15,000 dollar range, given the nature of the weapon and it's legal status.
The cost of a M249 machine gun varies depending on factors such as condition, model, and whether it is new or used. On the civilian market, a semi-automatic version can range from $4,000 to $8,000, while military-grade models typically cost significantly more due to their restricted status and availability. Additionally, military contracts and procurement can lead to varying prices. Always check local laws and regulations regarding ownership and sale.
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon fires the same 5.56x45mm cartridge used by the M16 and M4.
The maximum effective range of the M249 light machine gun is 1,000 yards (910 meters).
CLP
FN Herstal
In short the M249 is effective up to 1000 meters to cover an area target which the gun is designed to do.
Technically the PKM, since it is an AK-47 variant it fires a 7.62mm round while the M249 shoots a smaller 5.56mm round
700-1200 rpm.
Yes
360 FPS
The M249 is not a rifle - it is a light/general purpose machine gun, also commonly referred to as a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). Informally, it's sometimes referred to as the 'piglet'.
the army base