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If you clicked on the link then you know that this is the "Para" version of the M249 offered by A&K and so far
we like all 15 lbs of it.
While the look of the A&K M249 SAW PARA is most certainly intimidating, it is in reality an AEG, internally
very similar to any other. That said, one of the things that makes the A&K M249 SAW PARA stand out from sea
of other AEGs is the stock 2500 round, sound activated box mag. Now, while it is certainly possible to get such
a magazine by paying the extra coin, for $250 your money gets you the gun, and the mag and of course a
battery (8.4v 1100 mAh) and charger. If you want to lay your hands on this offering (And in our opinion, you
should) you can get it at www.Airsplat.com.
All right, enough smoke in your face, here are the cold hard stats on the A&K M249 SAW PARA:
Lets move on to another feature which sets the A&K M249 SAW PARA apart from the rest. We are referring
to the mechbox spring quick change feature.
(Whats that!? I don't have to bring a small portable workshop with me to swap out my springs if I need to adjust
my fps/rof?)
While, you might want to bring some of those tools anyway, you wont need them to exchange springs. Take a
look:
First, pop the top and lift up on the hinged top portion of the receiver. To do this, simply squeeze the two
buttons where the stock meets the receiver. Once you've done this you'll see the small tab in the very rear.
While you're looking at the back of the gun look on the left side and locate the nob pictured below. Unscrew
and remove the pin from the other side. Once this is accomplished you'll see that the the stock assembly will
hinge downward. To swap the spring out, apply some pressure to the back of the spring guide while
simultaneously pushing on the tab on top. Keep your thumb on the spring guide so that things don't go flying.
Now, in fairness, this may not be a feature that is utilized frequently, but thats not the point. The fact that an
airsoft manufacturer has finally realized that most airsoft enthusiasts like to upgrade and customize. What the
A&K M249 SAW PARA and its inspiration (CA M249 SAW, TOP M249 SAW etc...) have accomplished is a
technological step forward. The truth is that many MPEG buyers are buying AEGs for the first time and while its
always good to understand all of the inner workings of the gun, it can also provide a less intense introduction
into the world of upgrades. This makes good economic sense too because, this quick change feature could
encourage "noobs" who wouldn't other wise spend money on upgrades.
Enough ranting, needless to say we really like what we see so far in this offering. Although not all is peaches
and cream. Novelties aside, the A&K M249 SAW PARA is still an airsoft gun and it performs slightly above
average in some areas and right around average in others. (Although this review will be updated with skirmish
reports).
As you saw in the performance grid, the A&K M249 SAW PARA's ROF is pretty good, (16 bbs/sec) and the
FPS was definitely above average at 340-360. The A&K M249 SAW PARA's groupings were average and really
started to break up just past the 100' mark.All in all well be reserving final judgment for the heat of combat.
Under fire is where our tester show their mettle.
We expect the A&K M249 SAW PARA will perform quite well. Stay tuned for the video and review updates.
-Konrad
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Length
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36.5" w/ Stock Extended
31.25" w/ Collapsed
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Weight
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15 lbs
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FPS
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340-360
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ROF
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16/Sec
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