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FN Minimi
Photo: FN Herstal · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
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FNMinimi

Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Belgium · 1975
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FNMinimi

FN Minimi
FN Minimi Photo: FN Herstal · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sustained Firepower
90
Effective Range
70
Accuracy
80
Reliability
95
Portability
85
Ammunition Capacity
75
Barrel Endurance
85
Controllability
88
Versatility
82
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin Belgium
ManufacturerFN Herstal
CategoryLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
EraCold War
In service1975
Operators57 countries
Data Quality87%
84
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) MASS Rating
1/14
Cold War
1/75
All-Time
Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · 10 axes scored
Sustained Firepower
90
Effective Range
70
Accuracy
80
Reliability
95
Portability
85
Ammunition Capacity
75
Barrel Endurance
85
Controllability
88
Versatility
82
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
FN Minimi
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1975–
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) · COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
84
light machine guns (lmg/saw) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Production Year1977
  • Service Entry Year1980
  • DesignerErnest Vervier
  • Weight (Empty)7.1 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
  • Notable Usersover 75 countries
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
  • Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO / 7.62×51mm NATO
  • Calibre5.56 mm
  • Case Length45 mm
  • Calibre Class5.56mm / 7.62mm
  • RimfireNo
  • Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
  • Muzzle Velocity925 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)300 m
  • Effective Range (area)1,000 m
  • Sighting Range1,000 m
◆Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
▤Construction3MOD.3
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
  • Production Start1977
◎Additional Dimensions1MOD.1
  • Width110 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 1975Production started
  3. 1980Entered service
51
years in service
57
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / Operators
Operator Inventory2country · 3,417units
3,417active
06 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Cold War
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a flexible or rigid container (magazine) inserted into the grip or attached externally, feeding rounds into the chamber via a spring or follower.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) entry →