SAW Styles, Accessories & Tactics -M60, M249, M240, RPK, etc

[Black Fox]

Gents

In my 20+ years of airsoft I have played just about every role in airsoft. My most recent phase is playing the role of a SAW/support gunner. I found it to be fun but challenging in many ways.

Before I bought one I did a lot of research to the different types of SAW and manufactures. I've come to learn that the SAW is perhaps one of the most versatile guns in airsoft in their configuration and their use, long, short, high-ROF, slow-ROF, etc. I'm curious as to how other SAW owner have configured and use their SAW. I'd like to hear what kind you have, how you use it, what accessories you use and what tactics do you employ?

I'll start here.

I currently have 2 SAWs. A Trigger Happy M240 and an CA M249 Mk-46L. I also hope to find an nice RPK for when I play an OPFOR role.

The way I like to configure my SAW is that I like them to have long barrels and a slow rate of fire. I achieve the slow ROF by simply using an 8.4v or 7.2v battery. I prefer a slow rate of fire because I like to use them for suppression fire. With a slow ROF I can hold the trigger for a long period of time and not burn through a lot of ammo at the same time. This allows me to keep peoples heads down so that my team mates can move in for the kill. Done properly it can have devastating effects. I also noticed with long sustained burst it can sometimes freak the enemy out and demoralize them even though you may not necessarily be racking up many kills.

The other thing I prefer are long barrels. Because of the heavy weight, my travel and reaction time is slower than when I'm carrying an M-4. So I use the long range of my gun to compensate for this by allowing me to engage at a much farther range.

Also, when moving with a squad. I usually position myself in the middle. This allows me to support anyone in the squad quickly. Plus this gives me added protection against enemies the are light and quick.

[axisofoil]

Support roles are a lot of fun.

I like support/sniping. Lol. Long range semi-auto fire that's accurate and concentrated is ridiculously demoralizing and can pin a whole squad effectively.

I could see the same adrenaline rush of "letting your team move up and eliminate everyone while the enemy cowers in fear of you" coming from the legit support gunning side of the fence.


I just noticed i missed your question entirely.

The SAWs that seem most effective to me are the ones with mid-high rof that are fired in short bursts of 1-2secs each.

[azsarge]

Note that the M240 is a medium machine gun, not a SAW.

But, anyhow-

I also have a long barrel on my Classic Army SAW, and appreciate the accuracy and range it affords me.  I like the 100rd soft pack ("nut sac") magazines because of the smaller size.  I have mine outfitted with an M4 stock, rail handguard, ACOG, PEQ-2 battery box, and have performed some modifications to make the gun a bit lighter.  This involved removing the gas knob, mount/cradle attachment point, carry handle, and front sight.  

The Paratrooper stock was stupid heavy, and of terrible design, hence the removal and replacement with M4 stock.  I did this 4 or 5 years ago after hearing about certain units performing these modifications to their M249s and Mk46s.  Incidentally, a stock of this style can be had for less than $50 now for your airsoft SAW.

I have an upgraded gearbox, but it was so long ago I can't tell you what manufacturer produced the internals.  Box is the stock CA.

I run Firefox 1600mAh 11.1v LiPo packs with Deans Ultra Plugs.

It runs like a dream, and at the hands of my teammates, has been to many national games.

[Black Fox]

Note that the M240 is a medium machine gun, not a SAW.

I know and you are correct.  However, in the airsoft world, it seems that is has become a generic term for any airsoft version of real steel drum or belt fed machine gun that was designed to be a support gun.

Thanks for the good info on your gun modifications.

Out of curiosity, how may rounds can you shoot with your battery?