M249 SAW

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ [HERC DATABASE ENTRY: M249 SAW] ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Damage	Attacks Per Second	DPS	Range	Accuracy	Ammo Cost	Knockback
13 - 18	8.57	(35.1 DPS)	12	40%	100	8%
	Fire Mode	Magazine Size	Reload Speed	Noise	Move Speed Penalty	Other Effects
	Automatic	100	6 seconds	14	-20%	None

How to Obtain:

• It can be scavenged during Level 14+ missions.
  

Crafting:

• The weapon can be upgraded up to Level 20.
• Level 17 Sighted Scoped variants can be crafted using an M249 SAW, 50 Machined Parts, 1 Sight, 1 Pipe, 2 Lenses, and 10 Rivets at a Level 7+ Weapons Bench for 29 (after buying the required schematic from the Store for 500 ) (also requires a Level 17+ Engineer and Fighter).
• Level 19 Custom Stock variants can be crafted using an M249 SAW, and 8 Machined Parts at a Level 9+ Weapons Bench for 11 (after scavenging the required schematic).
• Level 20 Stabilized Custom Stock variants can be crafted using an M249 SAW, and 26 Machined Parts at a Level 8+ Weapons Bench for 25 (after scavenging the required schematic) (also requires a Level 20+ Engineer and Fighter).

Recycling Products:

• Barrel x 1
• Firing Pin x 1
• Return Spring x 1
• Trigger System x 1
• Machined Parts x Variable (dependent on the item's Level and attachments/conditions)

Overview:

PROS:
- Good Damage
- High Fire Rate
- Automatic
- Very Large Magazine

CONS:
- Inaccurate (versus of all LMGs)
- Low Range (lowest of all LMGs)
- Reloads Slowly
- Very High Ammo Cost
- High Move Speed Penalty

TACTICS:
The M249 SAW has a respectable service history with military organizations, so its ability to eliminate large numbers of infected targets is well known among HERC operatives. Its very generous magazine size, high fire rate and good ballistic performance per shot makes it a valuable, if heavy tool wherever it is deployed. However, once its magazine is inevitably emptied, it takes a very long time to be reloaded, leaving its wielder vulnerable to retaliation. Wise infantry procedure is to keep allied operators nearby to provide cover while the weapon is replenished, as well as ensuring it's always fully loaded by reloading during periods of decreased infected activity.
Operators with a Light Machine Gun specialization will help improve the weapon's relatively low accuracy.
Recommended gear:
- Ammunition Pouches/Bandoliers improves the weapon's weakest trait, the slow reload.
- Extended Mags further improve the weapon's ability to lay down fire without engaging in the slow reloading process.
- Shoes mitigate the movement speed penalty that wielding the weapon incurs.

WEAPON BRIEF:
The Squad Automatic Weapon is an American derivative of the Belgian Minimi, intended to provide infantry squads with a light machine gun that better combines portability and belt-fed firepower over preceding designs. It has served the U.S. military in every major conflict since its inception, setting the bench mark for subsequent LMG designs.
The weapon is used exclusively by the military.

Variations:

SCOPED
Obtained By: Looting, Crafting Guaranteed Stats: +15% Range +3% Accuracy