The Liège-based arms manufacturer FN Herstal has introduced a new variant of its universal machine gun, the FN MAG. It is called the FN MAG Tactical and at first glance stands out externally due to a long MIL-STD-1913 rail on the receiver cover and a new adjustable buttstock. Older weapons can be brought up to this new design standard with a conversion kit through ordnance refurbishment. This also applies to other configurations of the FN MAG, such as the US-made M240 or the British L7A2.
The FN MAG Tactical version includes, in detail, an eleven-inch long Picatinny-type rail that can be mounted on the receiver cover. This creates roughly a fourteen-inch mounting length to mount day and night sights “in line,” i.e., in a row. The use of the mechanical sighting system remains possible. It also enables a forward-opening receiver cover to be opened from both sides, using a lever aligned with the FN Side-Click system.
FN MAG Tactical with a Focus on the Use of Optics
Another component, the FN Auto-Lock Retention System, ensures that the optics-equipped receiver cover stays open during loading. At an opening angle of 62 degrees, the device stops the opening motion to prevent damage to the mounted optics. Mounting an optics package weighing up to 2,500 grams is possible.
A longer, ergonomic carrying handle allows balanced handling of the optics-equipped weapon along its length. Barrel changes also proceed as usual with optics mounted. The tactical buttstock can be adjusted in length in three positions and in height in six positions. Thus the user can tailor the weapon to their stature and equipment.
The Mitrailleuse d’Appui Général (MAG) in 7.62 x 51 mm caliber, designed by Ernest Vervier, is among the most widely deployed general-purpose machine guns worldwide. Several hundred thousand units have been in use for decades in about 90 countries. In recent years there have already been multiple increases in the combat value of the battle-tested weapon. The latest version is aimed particularly at the optimized use of day and night sight optics, as is usually the case with sniper weapons.
