FN company presented an updated version of the machine gun MINIMI

After 40 years of service of the MINIMI light machine gun, FN introduced another updated version of this machine gun, which in the United States is more commonly known as the Squad Automatic Weapon machine gun М249 SAW. There are quite a few changes, but the basic design is left untouched.

In the new version of the machine gun Minimi Mk3 with the changes will be used 5.56 caliber cartridges and 7.62 NATO. The main changes affected the ergonomics and greater unification of parts and assemblies. These changes are a response to requests from servicemen who directly use the Minimi machine gun.

The company’s press release states: “The user requirements for the Minimi light machine gun have evolved over the past 10-15 years. They mainly consisted in the desire of end users to widely use various accessories, to have compatibility with the equipment of soldiers, as well as in connection with changes in tactics. ”

Since the changes represent the installation of various units and elements on the machine gun, it is possible to modernize machine guns already in the army. This saves considerable money, since there is no need to purchase a new version of the Minimi machine gun, and all that is required is to purchase individual elements.

Version of the machine gun Minimi Mk3 chambered for 5.56 mm

Machine gun Minimi Mk3 has a five-position adjustable retractable butt stock, allowing to take into account all the anatomical features of military personnel, including the use of body armor and equipment. Buttress - four-position, adjustable. The butt is also equipped with a hydraulic buffer and a shoulder clasp, which makes shooting a machine gun more manageable and more convenient to carry.

Completely reworked forearm, now it is integrated with quick-set bipods. On the sides and bottom of the forearm set Picatinny rail. Handguard at the request of the end user can be equipped with a heat shield.

The platoon's handle was increased, which makes it possible to conveniently operate with it both right-handed and left-handed. In addition, it is equipped with a protective latch to prevent the ingress of dirt.

Version of the machine gun Minimi Mk3 chambered for 7.62 mm

There are more serious changes. The Mk3 machine gun uses another barrel lock that allows you to close the cartridge cover without reinstalling the barrel (it is possible that the barrels can be replaced without opening the cartridge cover). We also changed the ammunition supply tray, which facilitated the process of loading with one hand.

The barrel fastening system and the power supply of the machine gun allows you to switch over to the use of 7,62 mm cartridges in the version for chambered caliber 5,56 mm. As a result of this opportunity, the new model gets more tactical flexibility (and the model for the 7,62 mm caliber cartridge has a lot of weight). A similar transition for the version under the 5,56-mm cartridge is not possible.

According to the site http://www.guns.yfa1.ru

Comments

[makarov]

It seems that the topic has already been discussed ???

[Srgsoap]

Precisely discussed! Greetings!

[bazilio]

Noble machine. Good trunk.

[Srgsoap]

As for the machine gun, I agree, but now this Wed ... h will begin, as in the previous articlehttp: //topwar.ru/7398-pulemet-fn-minimi-mini-mitrailleuse.html#comment-id-
1687400

[Per se.]

Quote: SrgSoap

As for the machine gun, I agree, but now such a w ... h will begin, as in the previous article

This is because the question immediately arises, "What do we have?", Here, this is where it begins ... Some recall the PKK, others say that "Pecheneg" will give everyone a head start, not seeing the difference in weight characteristics and cartridges 7,62X54 and 7,62X39 (or 5,45X39). Personally, I am one of those who recalls the RPD, since they have not created a worthy replacement for it. Why our army does not require a light machine gun, with a belt feed for an intermediate cartridge, is a big question, as well as when it will be created and offered. In the meantime, our RAP is used by others. I remain with my opinion, we were in a hurry to abandon the RPD.

[PiP]

I also think the RPD is a great machine. If it is also "weighed" it will also give a head start to FN. The same Americans decorate them for a long time in their armishops.

[Per se.]

Quote: PiP

The same Americans in their arshops have long adorned them.

They have already mentioned this many times, DS Arms is engaged in remaking. Psheks, at one time, got a Soviet license, the Americans use it from them. Ours, for some reason, cannot think of such a thing, although, for sure, the warehouses still have plenty of supplies for rework. However, it would be possible to resume production by modernizing the machine gun.

[bazilio]

Yes, yes, a sore point, what is similar in our arsenals.
PKK? a good barrel, but does not fully meet the requirements of a light machine gun (lack of tape power)
RPD is a perfectly suitable sample. And if you play it a little bit (plastic, picatini) then in general you will succeed. eh .....

[bazilio]

Yes, yes, a sore point, what is similar in our arsenals.
PKK? a good barrel, but does not fully meet the requirements of a light machine gun (lack of tape power)
RPD is a perfectly suitable sample. And if you play it a little bit (plastic, picatini) then in general you will succeed. eh .....

[Per se.]

Quote: bazilio

RPD is a perfectly suitable sample. And if you play it a little bit (plastic, picatini) then in general you will succeed. eh .....

So they "cheat", but not with us.

[bazilio]

Yes, I meant it. In such a performance, it seems to me that the RPD is inferior to Minimi in only one way - the possibility of using magizins.

[JonnyT]

And what kind of performance characteristics does he have ??? If the short trunk bothers me honestly ... ergonomics and convenience are very good ... but moshiness and slaughter are also important

[Mister X]

Quote: JonnyT

And what kind of performance characteristics does he have ??? If I honestly confuse a short trunk.

Since the changes affected ergonomics by and large the manufacturer
took up the body kit for the modernization of machine guns already in the army -
I think that the FN MINIMI Mk3 retained the performance characteristics of its predecessors.

Sighting range - up to 1000 meters

Rate of fire
700 - 1150 rounds / min for models chambered for 5.45 caliber
680 - 800 - for models under the cartridge of caliber 7.62 mm

Barrel length
465 mm (Standard)
349 mm (Para)
502 mm (7.62)

Variants available

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Standard

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Para (for airborne with a sliding butt)

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Tactical SB (Short Barrel)

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Tactical LB (Long Barrel)

Plus version for cartridges caliber 7.62
The manufacturer did not post a photo.

FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk3
FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk3 Para (for airborne with a sliding butt)
FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk3 Tactical

[ramin_serg]

They say that a good thing but didn’t shoot, so for now I doubt it

[Silent]

You can see good ergonomics, implemented many different lotions that increase ease of use. The machine gun will definitely come out pretty good. Regarding the lethal force - it no longer depends on the barrel, but on the cartridge.

[pogis]

When will we have such a machine gun? And better 2 in every MCO!

[iConst]

Noble machine. But darling ...

[datur]

Well, what is it better than the PKK? -At the bells and whistles! estimate on the PKK all this ,, beauty ,, and he is also handsome, in the western!

[Massik]

Unfortunately I haven't read the previous article. The eye caught on numerous protruding and moving parts with small gaps, a lot of empty space in the forend. Will go to war in the city in dry weather. Resent and teach me the dunce "We must take care of the weapon!" into a piece of iron after 1-2 hits. It is unlikely that this piece of dirt will shoot, of course you can sit down somewhere and start cleaning, diligently cleaning the dirt from all the planes, wiping the collimator, picking out the clay from an awesomely convenient butt, maybe you will be lucky you will not be covered with a mine, the enemy who sneaked up will not throw a grenade, etc. etc. From the PC, I just brushed off the dirt from the front sight and rear sight with my fingers, well, I stretched the tape cleaner from the box and you can shoot for nothing.

[tchoni]

It seems to me that such a barrel is simply not relevant. Considering that a modern automatic rifle (automatic), at least under the 5.45 hibernation, is close to such a machine gun in range, it is not a problem to increase store capacity - it is not clear why a device of this class is needed.

[Kolovrat77]

Already 3 times on VO material about THIS "Belgian miracle". I don’t understand we had a topic of PU-21, write an article, people do not even know that we had our own developments. If you need such a weapon, let the hastily ask the management to give money to the Tulyaks, Kovrovites or Izhevtsi, let them refine the topic, otherwise I feel it will be like with Glocks. And if the machine gun turns out to be good (and it will turn out) and is quite suitable for the infantry, then good luck. The American special forces (and even with them) should not be an example for us.

[Slavs69]

Personally, I like the implementation as an assault unit in it: rate of fire, an intermediate cartridge (in the form of proposal 7H23), ammunition, and ergonomics. For the shield group, this is the address.

[psiho117]

Quote: tchoni

It seems to me that such a barrel is simply not relevant. Considering that a modern automatic rifle (automatic), at least under the 5.45 hibernation, is close to such a machine gun in range, it is not a problem to increase store capacity - it is not clear why a device of this class is needed.

It only seems to you)) how do you imagine the suppressing fire from a machine gun? The store will not be enough, the barrel will overheat, the automatics will die, or some other dirty tricks will happen - well, an assault rifle is not designed for such an intensity of fire.

[CARasev]

Just about SUPPRESSIVE, a sudden collision, a city, a forest - it does not matter, I taxied, a guy with such a thing falls out on you, you will have a bite with a crowbar. crush to sniff what you wrote, at this moment, the short barrel provides convenience, less weight, size, a kind of "trench broom".