Advisor, I think you misunderstood the question, I believe what he meant to say is: Did the concept of the Stoner 63 lead to the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) requirement?

My answer would be definitly yes, the concept was definitly conceived before FN produced the Minimi (or SAW), the concept of a light machinegun like the RPK and/or RPK-74.

It's too bad that the US Army didn't adapt a series of weapons based on common componments like AR-15 based weaponry like an AR-15 SAW/LMG, AR-15 AR, AR-15 DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), etc much like the AK-series.

Thanks for the heads up, the last weapon I used was an M-16.....

I may stand corrected.
Lets look at the weapons of that time, for starters. The M60 was "designed in the last years of the 50s", and in service since early 60s. The Stoner was a good replacement since it was lighter and hence easier to carry. I do beleive this is why the Stoner appealed, let me know if wrong.

The RPD was introduced in the early 50s, the RPK in 55 the PK in 64 and finally the RPK-74 in 77. Which is a 5.56x39mm, compared to the 7.62x39 of the RPD, same for RPK exept M1943. The PK is 7.62x54R.

The Bren or VZ 26 was neat, I think any ways. Maybe the CZ 52/57 would be a place to look, or VZ 37. That thing was recoil operated!

Alright, enough of the derailment. I'm going to agree with GZ on this one, and consent a yes to you Browno. Sure it is in use today, why wouldn't it be, other than collectors sake. Those things tore stuff up and inflicted mass damage, impressive and reliable especially when properly taken care of.

the origins of the M249 SAW is the MG 42 machine gun. It is the more compact version of the M240B, which is chambered for the 762x51mm NATO round, aka .308 win, as also used in the M14 rifle. The SAW is chambered in 5.556x45mm, the same as the M16, and can accept M16 magazines as a backup to linked ammo.

[edit on 25-4-2006 by MDE762]

The M249 (Minimi) might have some commonality with the M240 (MAG) but I think it's mostly cosmetic, but I admit I don't know much about those weapons.

The MG42 is related to the M60 since it has a similar operation however the M240 is completely unrelated.

Originally posted by GrOuNd_ZeRo
The M249 (Minimi) might have some commonality with the M240 (MAG) but I think it's mostly cosmetic, but I admit I don't know much about those weapons.

The MG42 is related to the M60 since it has a similar operation however the M240 is completely unrelated.

trust me man, Ive used the M60, the SAW, and the 240B and the SAW and the 240 are like little and big brother......the M60 is similar to these but uses a different gas operation system, and the trigger mechanism is different.