What is the sustained rate of fire for the M249?

The sustained rate of fire for the M249 is 50 rounds per minute. This firing rate is established to ensure that the weapon can maintain effective and accurate fire over extended periods, while allowing for necessary barrel cooling to prevent overheating. The sustained rate is particularly relevant during combat engagements where continuous fire is needed without incurring damage to the weapon from excessive heat. At this rate, a soldier can fire without compromising the M249's functionality or causing a significant reduction in accuracy. The choice of 50 rounds per minute reflects the balance between maintaining a high level of firepower and preserving the integrity of the machine gun during prolonged use.