What is the maximum effective range of the M249 SAW for point targets?

What is the maximum effective range of the M249 SAW for point targets?

• A. 800m
• B. 1,000m
• C. 600m
• D. 1,200m

Answer: (A)

Point targets require enough energy delivery to hit a single person-sized target at distance. The M249 SAW fires a 5.56×45 round with enough velocity and stability to reliably strike a point target out to about 800 meters when a trained shooter uses standard sights. That 800-meter point-target range is the practical limit where hit probability remains reliable; beyond it, dispersion and bullet drop make hits unlikely with a single controlled shot or typical bursts. For area targets, the range can extend farther, but accuracy per individual target drops, so the point-target maximum is set at 800 meters.

Point targets require enough energy delivery to hit a single person-sized target at distance. The M249 SAW fires a 5.56×45 round with enough velocity and stability to reliably strike a point target out to about 800 meters when a trained shooter uses standard sights. That 800-meter point-target range is the practical limit where hit probability remains reliable; beyond it, dispersion and bullet drop make hits unlikely with a single controlled shot or typical bursts. For area targets, the range can extend farther, but accuracy per individual target drops, so the point-target maximum is set at 800 meters.