M249

M249
Alternate name(s)	ES M249 Para
Game(s)
Price	$5750     $5200
Origin	United States
Caliber
Magazine capacity	100 / 200
Firing mode(s)	Automatic
Rate of fire	600 RPM   750 RPM
Weight (loaded)	6 kg
Projectile weight	4 g
Muzzle velocity	3000 ft/s
Muzzle energy	1600 J
Used by	Counter-Terrorists Terrorists
Reload time	4.7 seconds in   5.7 seconds in
Movement speed (units per second)	220    195
Kill Award	$300 (Competitive) $150 (Casual)
Damage	32
Recoil Control	19 / 26 (73%)
Accurate Range	16 m
Armor Penetration	80%
Penetration Power	200
Hotkey	B-5-1 B-2-4
Entity	weapon_m249

 

“A strong open-area LMG, the M249 is the perfect choice for players willing to trade a slow fire rate for increased accuracy and a high ammo capacity.”
―Official description

The M249 is a machine gun featured in all of the Counter-Strike series.

Overview

The M249 is the name given to the US-adopted version of the Belgian FN Minimi, a light machine gun firing the intermediate-caliber 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, adopted for the United States Armed Forces.

In-game, it is one of the two machine guns in the multiplayer Counter-Strike games. It is available to both teams. Some players may prefer the M249 in public matches but the M249 is rarely used in competitive play due to its very high cost ($5750) for the weapon itself and its ammunition (in the older games). Currently in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the M249 is cheaper at $5200 instead of $5750.

The M249 is also usable in Deleted Scenes, but only in Building Recon.

Terrorists cannot purchase this machine gun in Assassination maps.

Prior to Source, bots will always spray the M249, regardless on how their difficulty is set. However, this technique can still be very lethal when players are at close proximity.

Properties

CS 1.6 and CS:CZ
Hitbox	Primary Attack
	Unarmored	Armored
Head	127	93
Chest & Arm	31	23
Stomach	38	29
Leg	23	23
Red signifies a fatal hit.

CS:S
Hitbox	Primary Attack
	Unarmored	Armored
Head	139	111
Chest & Arm	34	27
Stomach	43	34
Leg	26	26
Red signifies a fatal hit.

CS:GO
Hitbox	Primary Attack
	Unarmored	Armored
Head	128	102
Chest & Arm	32	25
Stomach	40	32
Leg	24	24
Red signifies a fatal hit.

The M249 is a heavy weight weapon. While wielded, the player’s movement speed is 220 units per second (default speed is 250), meaning they suffer 12% speed reduction. In Global Offensive, the movement speed is 195 which means they have 22% speed reduction.

Advantages

• Large magazine capacity/Large ammo in reserve
• Useful for fighting groups of opponents
• Great for firing through walls
• High damage
• Can instantly kill targets with headshots in Source and Global Offensive at close range.

Disadvantages

• Expensive cost for the weapon and ammo
• Most expensive gun in the game (before the Negev’s price was switched to $2000)
• High recoil when continuously firing this weapon
• Inaccurate at long ranges
• Ammo cannot be shared with 5.56mm rifles (prior to CS:GO)
• Long reload time
• Heavy weight, especially in Global Offensive

Gameplay

Tactics

• Spray bullets at full auto and strafe when you encounter enemies at close range. It’s practically deadly to wield in cramped sections of a map.
  • If friendly fire is enabled, do not spray bullets if there are teammates in front of you; because the M249 has a large cone of fire, some of the bullets may go to the wrong place. This also applies to hostages.
• It’s possible to aim somewhat accurately while on full auto; the bullets will generally go upwards and to the right, making it possible to hit targets at long range by adjusting the crosshair.
• Use this weapon to distract the enemy or to provide your teammates with suppressive fire.
• Contrary to popular belief, this weapon can be effective in long ranges. Burst firing is the most effective tactic at long ranges.
  • It is preferable to shoot 2-4 shots in bursts although it is possible to fire single shots as well. Moreover, firing the first shot is very accurate so many players will use this to their advantage and can score a headshot at medium ranges.
  • In Source, burst fire and aim for the head is an effective tactic, especially in tight areas.
  • Try to train yourself to not get “jumpy” when enemies appear because you will most likely end up “spraying and praying”. If this happens, inaccuracy can cause your demise.
• This weapon may not be the best choice for a combat-minded player or for someone who needs to maneuver quickly and frequently. Instead, the M249 is more useful to draw fire from teammates or defend important spots.
  • Using the M249 at full-auto while moving is a bad idea, it is ineffective against opponents even at close range.
  • An M249 user may be at a disadvantage when facing a sniper at long range. Carefully select a firing location while defending objectives like a bombsite or important hostage areas.
• The M249 will completely shred thin cover. Use it to draw out hiding enemies.
  • Shred enemies up with the M249 when they are in a group.
• Switch to your pistol or the knife if you have to run due to the heavy weight of the M249.
• Take cover or traverse to where your teammates are when you need reload due to the long reload time. It is important to reload when your magazine is less than 30 bullets.
• Never spray bullets at your enemies beyond close range (except if you are trying to cover your teammates, but burst fire is still recommended). You may look intimidating but you will be an easy target for your opponent. If you do this, skilled enemy players will get you before you can get them.
  • Should you need to spray bullets at medium to long ranges, aim for the leg and you may score headshots. However, do not attempt this if an assailant has a sniper rifle.
  • Use this weapon to provide fire support to your team. Firing at enemies on full auto will discourage enemies from fighting back in the open.

Countertactics

• Avoid players armed with the M249 at close range at all costs!
  • If you are having issues in engaging enemy wielders, try to incite panic in inexperienced M249 users. They will most likely spray bullets at you. While it may seem impossible to counter them, this will make the recoil become hard to control and make the gun inaccurate. In some cases, you can finish them off with a single headshot from a powerful and suitable weapon. Find cover if your enemy knows how to manage recoil, though.
• The M249 has a very long reload time. Use this to your advantage.
• Be sure to take cover behind thick walls and away from corners. This weapon can shoot through boxes and doors with ease.
• The movement speed of M249 users is low thus players encountering them can strafe at a higher speed.
• At long range, sniper rifles are an excellent choice to use against users of this weapon.
• If you have to strike an M249 user with your teammates, don’t bunch up or your opponent may have the opportunity to score multiple kills.

Comparison to the Negev

Positive

• Higher accurate range (22m vs 18m)
• Higher armor penetration (80% vs 75%)
• Lower initial spread
• Faster movement speed (195UPS vs 150UPS)

Neutral

• Same kill award ($300 (Competitive) $150 (Casual))
• Same penetration power (200)
• Same reload time (5.7 sec)

Negative

• Less reserve ammunition (200 vs 300)
• Lower rate of fire (750 RPM vs 800 RPM)
• Smaller magazine size (100 vs 150)
• Lower damage (32 vs 35)
• More expensive ($5200 vs $2000 as of April 12th, 2017 update)

References

Counter Strike Wiki

Achievements

• • Counter-Strike: Source

• • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Weapon

M249 Expert Kill 500 enemy players with the M249.