Manual machine gun FN MINIMI 5,56 mm Mk3

At the MILIPOL 2013 exhibition, FN Herstal introduced the FN Minimi 5,56 mm Mk3 light machine gun.

As the site marks small weapon - Weapons of infantry, in the new version of the well-known machine gun, the changes affected mainly ergonomics and greater unification of components and parts. These changes are a response to requests from servicemen who directly use the Minimi machine gun.

“The end-user requirements for the Minimi light machine gun have evolved over the past 10-15 years, and they have been the desire for a wider use of various accessories, compatibility with soldiers' equipment and changes in tactics,” the company said in a press release.

Since the new changes represent the installation on the machine gun of various elements and units, it is possible to carry out modernization of the machine guns already in the troops. This will save a lot of money, because there is no need to buy a new version of the Minimi machine gun, and only the purchase of individual elements is required.

Minimi Mk3 has a 5-and positional retractable adjustable butt, which allows you to take into account all the anatomical features of the military, including in body armor and equipment. The 4's positioning butt scoop is also adjustable. The butt is also equipped with a shoulder clasp and a hydraulic buffer, which makes shooting a machine gun more manageable, and carrying it more convenient.

Completely redesigned forearm, which is now integrated with quick-set bipods. Handguard received Picatinny rail on the sides and bottom. At the request of end users, the forearm can be equipped with a heat shield.

The cocking handle has been enlarged, which makes it convenient to operate both left-handed and right-handed, and has a safety latch that prevents the ingress of dirt.

There are major changes. The Mk3 uses a different barrel retainer, which makes it possible to close the cartridge cover without reinstalling the barrel (probably meaning that the barrels can be changed without having to open the cartridge cover). The ammunition supply tray has also undergone changes; as a result, the machine gun is easy to charge with one hand.

Comments

[Apollo]

Good morning everyone.
quote-At the MILIPOL 2013 exhibition, FN Herstal introduced the FN Minimi 5,56 mm Mk3 machine gun.

[Mister X]

At the MILIPOL 2013 exhibition, FN Herstal introduced the FN Minimi 5,56 mm Mk3 light machine gun.
Author Igor Korotchenko

Of course, I apologize, but this exhibition was held from 19 to 22 on November 2013.
And on December 6, an article appeared in Voennoye Obozreniye.
"FN presented an updated version of the MINIMI machine gun"
http://topwar.ru/36967-kompaniey-fn-predstavlena-obnovlennaya-versiy-pulemeta-mi
nimi.html #

Unfortunately, none of the authors of the articles indicated that FN Minimi is produced in several versions:

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Standard
Long barrel (465 mm), hard butt

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Para
Short barrel (349 mm), another shape arrester, retractable stock

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Tactical SB
Short barrel, other shape arrester, 5 and positional adjustable stock

FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 Tactical LB
Long barrel, 5 and positional adjustable stock

[PSih2097]

As the Small Arms - Infantry Weapons site notes, in the new version of the well-known machine gun, the changes affected mainly ergonomics and a greater unification of units and parts. These changes are in response to requests from military personnel.who directly use the Minimi machine gun.
“The end-user requirements for the Minimi light machine gun have evolved over the past 10-15 years, and they have been the desire for a wider use of various accessories, compatibility with soldiers' equipment and changes in tactics,” the company said in a press release.

It is interesting when our manufacturers and customers represented by the Moscow Region will take into account the wishes of the military, and not pretend that they better know what is needed and what is not ...

[timeout]

In the west, the trade in army weapons is not tied to a state corporation like our Rosoboronexport, and the manufacturer can make appropriate changes to the weapon at the request of users. Just as he was a Minimi guan, he remained so, in spite of all his improvements. The PKK, even if it is a derivative of AK, is still much more reliable and better. Many people still believe that the lack of ribbon supply is a minus, but I can assure you that it is not!

[the47th]

Store food is more convenient for a light machine gun, the calculation of which consists of 1 people (it is more convenient to carry spare stores), belt food is for single machine guns (company and battalion units), where the machine gunner has an assistant. Minimi is used as a light machine gun.

[timeout]

True, it is a light machine gun with a single weight and assault rifle firing range with no reliability.

[Aaron Zawi]

Quote: the47th

Store food is more convenient for a light machine gun, the calculation of which consists of 1 people (it is more convenient to carry spare stores), belt food is for single machine guns (company and battalion units), where the machine gunner has an assistant. Minimi is used as a light machine gun.

What? What does it mean our "Negev" is a company machine gun? His niche is not a squad / platoon. The company / battalion is the MAG. And the difference is not only in the caliber of the Negev 7.62, but in terms of power, they are completely different machines. And your PKK. It's not a machine gun at all.

[timeout]

Quote: Aron Zaavi

And your PKK.

And our RPK-74 has been fighting for 40 years, and the enemy does not complain!

[timeout]

Quote: Aron Zaavi

there is "Negev" 7.62

That simply "Negev" or "Negev SF" did not go far from Minimi in terms of usability, the most worthy is "Negev NG7" and also with its jambs.

[And Us Rat]

Quote: Timeout

That just "Negev" or "Negev SF" did not go far from Minimi in terms of usability

Not really, I just caught the time when in our unit Minimi was replaced by the Negev, much more convenient and more accurate, the Minimi is "jumping" strongly, and the Negev can cut a target from the bipod like an autogenous gun, and the recoil from the hands is less, the only jamb - in the first models, the dust protection fuse tightly wedged, no cleaning helped - we drove it with a stone on the "machine" and left it that way, at the end of my military service they just started taking them for revision, then they fixed everything, and he is picky about the quality of the ammunition , the Georgians "chewed" Turkish cartridges, and our cartridges go with a bang, except for the defective capsule on the cartridge - I don’t remember failures in my life.

[AGM-114]

Quote: PSih2097

will take into account the wishes of the military

Look what you want. Eat what the industry gives. And she gives a threshing floor like tigers ..

[Vladimirets]

What is the store’s capacity?

[timeout]

Quote: Vladimirets

What is the store’s capacity?

Standard stores from emka on 20 and 30 rounds.

[bazilio]

Quote: Timeout

Standard stores from emka on 20 and 30 rounds.

And also a tape for 100 rounds, a box for a tape for 200 rounds

[timeout]

Quote: bazilio

And also a tape for 100 rounds, a box for a tape for 200 rounds

And also tape 50 cartridges ...

[the47th]

Quote: Timeout

And also tape 50 cartridges ...

And also a 100-round C-mag ...

[timeout]

Well, Beta-C too)))

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

And also tape 50 cartridges ...

Standard - 100-150

[timeout]

Apollo’s second video, so as not to argue.

[Svyatoslavovich]

The use of magazines is possible, but not recommended by the developers, since there is a high likelihood of skewing the cartridge.

[timeout]

Quote: Svyatoslavovich

The use of magazines is possible, but not recommended by the developers, since there is a high likelihood of skewing the cartridge.

The warp of the cartridge and the transverse rupture of cartridges is a disease of this device from birth. By the way, he has not yet been defeated. So for Minimi, this is not probability, but ordinary.

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

The warp of the cartridge and the transverse rupture of cartridges is a disease of this device from birth. By the way, he has not yet been defeated. So for Minimi, this is not probability, but ordinary.

That is yes. So now Minimi is slowly being squeezed out by other cars

[Bagatur]

And when will the Russian machine gun 5.45x39, tape power? Isn't it needed?

[timeout]

Quote: bagatura

And when will the Russian machine gun 5.45x39, tape power? Isn't it needed?

And for what? Is there such a need?

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

And for what? Is there such a need?

And you do not see her?

[the47th]

Do not see. A hand-held machine gun with a tape feed will weigh too much, it is inconvenient to carry a supply of cartridges with you, the box takes up too much space. If you add the assistant machine gunner to the calculation, it is better to use a more powerful RMB (or PKP). Here you can increase the capacity of RPK-74 stores, at least up to 60 rounds. You can make the barrel heavier so that it overheats less.

[Pimply]

Quote: the47th

Do not see. A hand-held machine gun with a tape feed will weigh too much, it is inconvenient to carry a supply of cartridges with you, the box takes up too much space.

Smack nonsense. Qualitatively flog. Don't you feel sorry for her? He will die after all.

A modern machine gun on the 5.56 weighs about 6-7 kg. The weight of RPK stores is leaving somewhere, I didn’t understand something? Or has a removable barrel appeared? Did the problems of drum shops or stores, in principle, when firing machine guns, have disappeared? And much, much more that real users of such machines will tell you. PKK strongly where are left? What do you think, for what reason?

[the47th]

RPK-74 weighs 5 pounds. From a lighter weapon it is more convenient to shoot, it is more convenient to move with it. The difference in the mass of weapons pays for the difference in the mass of stores. The store can be carried in a pouch or pocket, and a box with a ribbon cannot be crammed anywhere. Changing the store is much faster than replacing the tape.

[Pimply]

Quote: the47th

RPK-74 weighs 5 pounds. From a lighter weapon it is more convenient to shoot, it is more convenient to move with it. The difference in the mass of weapons pays for the difference in the mass of stores. The store can be carried in a pouch or pocket, and a box with a ribbon cannot be crammed anywhere. Changing the store is much faster than replacing the tape.

You, you see, have just encountered tape machine guns in the movies? There are special unloadings for machine gunners if you are not in the know.
Did you change the tape? And given the fact that the tape has 150 rounds, and in stores 45? And given the fact that modern 5.56 machine guns have two types of power and can be supplied both from stores and tapes? Did you take into account the less reliable stores?

[makarov]

"If we add an assistant machine gunner to the calculation, then it is better to use a more powerful RMB .."

From this it follows that we need to add a machine gunner's assistant to the calculation, for example, like Anka in "Chapaev"

[timeout]

Eugene, if you run around and clean it, maybe, but there is no better cleaner than "Bumblebee". But not in some case for a normal war. The density of fire from it is not higher than from the same PKK. If it was really required, it would have been made and developed back in Soviet times. From my own experience, I will say that this is almost 6 years of continuous war, not needed. But I would add another PC to the department.

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

Eugene, if you run around and clean it, maybe, but there is no better cleaner than "Bumblebee". But not in some case for a normal war. The density of fire from it is not higher than from the same PKK. If it was really required, it would have been made and developed back in Soviet times.

In Soviet times, a lot of things were not done - for example, the ergonomics of the AK in 1974 were not fixed. Just by virtue of energy. It is not necessary to reduce everything to the Soviet time, it has passed.

Nothing replaces the presence of PKM - the right machine gun that will live for a long time. Nevertheless, there is a need for an 5.45 machine gun - if only because its ammunition will be easier to weigh, the machine gun itself will be lighter, more compact, and in experience the western counterparts are more than effective at a distance from 500 to 1000 meters.

[timeout]

Eugene, explain why another machine with tape? At the expense of ergonomics, the AKS-74, spent 6 years with him already announced, and for some reason I did not notice the jambs. But war, you know, is never comfortable. Strange, huh? And if God forbid all of a sudden, I will fight only with him, and this is not for the sake of patriotism, it’s just better for the war not yet held and shot.

Quote: Pimply

and from experience, western counterparts are more than effective at a distance of 500 to 1000 meters.

Eugene, from 500 to 1000 is just the same PC or MAG from which this very small-caliber one will be suppressed. Experience however ...

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

Eugene, explain why another machine with tape?

Because this is not a machine gun, but a machine gun. The fact that it is of the same caliber as a submachine gun does not make it so. Or do you and PKM because of the fact that there is AKM will be considered an automatic machine? Or do you think 5.45 is the "wrong" caliber or low destructive power?

The AK-74 has terrible modern ergonomics, most of which could be resolved back in the 70s. And they did not correct it, not because it was not necessary, but because of energy. And the fact that you will fight only with him, does not speak about the qualities of the machine, but only about your conservatism and the strength of your habit - you did not fight with anything else. All other things being equal, I’ll most likely choose the M4 - as a light, reliable and familiar rifle. But this does not mean that no samples are better

[timeout]

Eugene, do not you teach me what a machine gun or machine gun. And where and how they are applied I know much more than you. Or do you want to convince me that the small-caliber machine gun will be on a par with the one in terms of firepower and range? Why this trolling, dear? Compared to me, you have experience as a sled. Even my comments are starting to distort

Quote: Timeout

AKS-74, spent with him 6 years already announced,

Quote: Timeout

I’ll fight only with him, and this is not for the sake of patriotism,

and after them you want to make a jerk?

Quote: Pimply

Or do you think 5.45 is the "wrong" caliber or low destructive power?

Quote: Pimply

The AK-74 has terrible modern ergonomics, most of which could be resolved back in the 70s.

Especially after the ergonomics of Galil. Now tell us what is wrong with the ergonomics of the AK-74.

Quote: Pimply

All other things being equal, I’ll most likely choose the M4 - as a light, reliable and familiar rifle

And what is the longest fire contact?

[AGM-114]

Quote: Timeout

what is bad ergonomics AK-74.

The AK-74 does not even have a dovetail, sights can only be set in (about) factory conditions - this is why Izhmash scammers had to give birth kov nightly options. AK-74M is slightly better due to folding stock; however, the dovetail (on which nothing can be put normally) instead of human picatinny trees and traditionally poor quality of the same Izhmash scammers think about replacing this piece with something more decent.

[timeout]

Quote: AGM-114

nightly options.

Nightly options appeared along with PBS-1 and the first nightlights. The Ak-74M is quite a normal machine, at least it won’t fail in battle. The only difference from the AK-74 in quality, lower barrel life. Dear, you still live in Russia, in a country with your own standards, and picatini and weaver are not yet a decree. If they are accepted by the troops as a standard, then they will appear on weapons.

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

Especially after the ergonomics of Galil. Now tell us what is wrong with the ergonomics of the AK-74.

Will we all list? The shutter is unsuccessful - for juggling, you need to turn the weapon or bend your hand, butt, neck of the receiver's store, no shutter delay, fuse, no slats or other integral guides for attaching sights.

[timeout]

1. In general, does not interfere at all, even to a fighter after KMB.
2. Butt, also made wisely, we actually have a winter, and soldiers in pea jackets and armor wear, and this is an additional 5-7 cm., To the length.
3. The neckline, any pro like Haley will say that she is perfect.
4. Shutter lag, this is a real complication of the design. Again for a trained shooter it doesn’t matter.
5. How much stray is a real fighter? Maximum collimator or optics.

[wanderer_032]

Greetings.
I mostly agree with your opinion. I apologize for getting a little into your conversation with opponents.
Our weapons have always been distinguished by simplicity, reliability and efficiency.
And everything else is from the evil one.
If with a sample of weapons that are in the arsenal of the country, you can teach to fight even a very poorly developed person in technical terms (and sometimes quite illiterate), then this weapon and the one who created it are worthy of respect.
What practice has proven in many countries of the world, including where the completely illiterate population prevails.
Moreover, I will say that for a good, experienced shooter, all the bells and whistles on the weapon are not required (although desirable). He is quite capable of fulfilling his task and with what he has at the moment. At least give such a slingshot and he will "soak" the enemy out of it, at any time of the year, day or night and in any weather.
And if a person is "skew-handed" and "cross-eyed" in skills, give such a barrel, even though heaped up with all the bells and whistles, he will still adjust (miss), with the corresponding consequences.

[Pimply]

Quote: wanderer_032

Our weapons have always been distinguished by simplicity, reliability and efficiency.

The stone is simple, reliable and efficient. What could be simpler than him? Convenience of weapons and compliance with modern requirements - from lukvoy? Then AK would not be needed - PPSh was quite convenient. And why PPSh - the mosquito is simple, reliable and effective. DON'T NEED TO PREVENT DISADVANTAGES FOR ADVANTAGES.

Quote: wanderer_032

What practice has proven in many countries of the world, including where the completely illiterate population prevails.

Efficiency of these weapons against really trained units seen? I’ll say that when we clashed, three by three from equal distance, and with the enemy who opened fire first, it turned out 3: 0

Quote: wanderer_032

Moreover, I will say that to a good, experienced shooter all the bells and whistles on weapons are not required (although they are desirable).

Convenience ceteris paribus gives a win in fractions of a second. These fractions of a second save a life. That's all

Quote: wanderer_032

And if a person is "skew-handed" and "cross-eyed" in skills, give such a barrel, even though heaped up with all the bells and whistles, he will still adjust (miss), with the corresponding consequences.

Someone canceled shooting training? By the way, in the Russian army a single modern shooting technology has not yet been developed.

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

Eugene, do not you teach me what a machine gun or machine gun. And where and how they are applied I know much more than you. Or do you want to convince me that the small-caliber machine gun will be on a par with the one in terms of firepower and range?

On a par - no. Not much inferior in defeat - yes. The experience of using machine guns is also quite sufficient for me, and quite frequent - in a combat situation. And since when is 5.45 or 5.56 a low-caliber? Did I miss something? Or did the difference in numbers from 7.62 make him small-caliber?
And this is not trolling. Are you taking the discussion for trolling?

Quote: Timeout

And what is the longest fire contact?

4 stores in a row. More of this is rarely required. I just feel now they will start to sing songs about years with Kalash in the mud

[timeout]

Quote: Pimply

7.62 made him small-caliber

You do not like the expression small-caliber? Can be changed to low-pulse. Just do not change anything. All ammunition up to 6 mm., Inclusively, it is customary to describe as small-caliber. I call trolling an attempt to give out wishful thinking.

Quote: Pimply

4 stores in a row. More of this is rarely required.

You are deeply mistaken, Eugene. This is in your conditions to scare the Palestinians 4 stores the limit ... For you, probably a 3-4 hour battle with a tactically competent enemy is unrealistic, but we have this usual thing and the ammunition was not always enough, and this is ten stores.

[timeout]

Quote: Pimply

On a par - no. Not much inferior in defeat - yes. The experience of using machine guns is also quite sufficient for me, and quite frequent - in a combat situation.

Only you forgot that the energy of low-momentum! cartridges 2 times lower than those of the same 7.62x54 or 7.62x51 NATO. And shoot further than 600 meters, only spend ammunition. It’s funny to watch when fighters with Minimi are sitting at the block post and practically open fire from 800 meters from the PC, and no one can do anything until the armored personnel carrier arrives or a jeep with a Mage or Browning. And another personal observation, 5.56 are stuck in unloading already at 700 meters.

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

Only you forgot that the energy of low-momentum! cartridges 2 times lower than those of the same 7.62x54 or 7.62x51 NATO.

Which of the low-pulse ones? There are several of them, M855A1 is used for machine guns. And standard distances - from 600 to 1000 meters, the benefit of modern calm machine guns are optical devices.
You know, it sounds kind of funny

[timeout]

Quote: Pimply

There are several of them, M855A1 is used for machine guns.

The M855A1 was put on hold in August 2009 due to the experimental bismuth-tin alloy core exhibiting independent ballistics at high temperatures. The US Army has since replaced the bismuth-tin alloy core with one of solid copper eliminating the heat issue. The United States Marine Corps purchased 1.8 million rounds in 2010, with plans to adopt the round to replace the interim MK318 SOST rounds used in Afghanistan when the M855A1 project was delayed.

I hope you do not need to translate? For those who are not educated about the cartridge itself: the features of the M855A1 cartridge are new gunpowder with additives that reduce the muzzle flash, and a new bullet with a composite core: bare steel in the bow and bismuth \ zinc-tin alloy in the back.
With this design, the steel spout provides a good penetrating effect, and when it gets into the carcass, the bullet is easily destroyed in two parts, increasing the wound effect.

Quote: Pimply

The experience of using machine guns is also quite sufficient for me, and quite frequent - in a combat situation.

So you obviously did not fight with this cartridge ...

[Pimply]

Quote: Timeout

You are deeply mistaken, Eugene. This is in your conditions to scare the Palestinians 4 stores the limit ... For you, probably a 3-4 hour battle with a tactically competent enemy is unrealistic, but we have this usual thing and the ammunition was not always enough, and this is ten stores.

Have you had to? The usual layout is 5 stores, right? You are again carried away in some kind of nonsense "here and the stone will shoot, but for everyone else, everything -". I recall something about what kind of firing training my friends in the Russian Airborne Forces went through - in the store for the entire service life, with the counting of cartridges then accountable.

Quote: Timeout

All ammunition up to 6 mm., Inclusively, it is customary to describe as small-caliber. I call trolling an attempt to give out wishful thinking.

You know, this is nonsense. I have a feeling that you offer to fight with muskets

[timeout]

Eugene, during the fighting this is 5 sparks in the RPS and zinc in the RD, just in case. Like a child, I swear ...

Quote: Pimply

You know, this is nonsense. I have a feeling that you offer to fight with muskets

And you have no answer to this!

By the beginning of the 1970s, Soviet designers realized the promise of intermediate small-caliber cartridges: small-caliber bullethaving a high initial speed, provides high flatness

And this is just a quote from a book about developers ...

[makarov]

"Especially after the ergonomics of Galil. Now tell us why the ergonomics of the AK-74 are bad."

Uv.Timeout.
Here the answer is very simple: - it is not of Jewish origin.

[JonnyT]

glamorous)))

[DesToeR]

Quote: Pimply

Will we all list? The shutter is unsuccessful - for juggling, you need to turn the weapon or bend your hand, butt, neck of the receiver's store, no shutter delay, fuse, no slats or other integral guides for attaching sights.

Recently, an article on the site flashed by a soldier amerovsky specialist - "Adaptive Kalash". Che did not notice any complaints about the ergonomics of the AK - on the contrary, not a hidden respect for the weapon system. Noteworthy is the custom version of Kalashnikov for the author - an unregulated frame stock, a modified gas outlet pipe with a single weaver rail, and another compensator - that's all. From a distance of 460m he put bullets in the mesh without any problems.

[timeout]

Quote: DesToeR

Recently, an article on the site flashed by a soldier amerovsky specialist - "Adaptive Kalash"

Papyrchaty in that branch was not marked, for sure it would simply be trampled there.

[ko88]

I would like to see in the troops a similar machine gun under 5.45x39, I think in the special forces the very thing. As they say, "try is not torture"