Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
FN Minimi
Category
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)
—
ⓘ 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
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesfully automatic
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemBelt
- Magazine Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire750
◇Ballistics4MOD.4
- Muzzle Velocity925 m/s
- Effective Range (point)300 m
- Effective Range (area)1,000 m
- Sighting Range1,000 m
◆Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
- Barrel Length465 mm
- Sight TypeRear aperture, front post
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
▤Construction3MOD.3
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Modularitymultiple variants (Standard, Para, Vehicle, SPW, Mk 46, Minimi 7.62)
⬢Features3MOD.3
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
- Production Start1977
◎Additional Dimensions1MOD.1
- Width110 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1975Production started
- 1980Entered service
51
years in service
57
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
FN MINIMI · CONFLICTS SERVED IN20% win
Total Conflicts
10
Victories
2
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
2014–2017Iraqi Civil War of 2014–2017—→2014–2022Opération Barkhane—→2013–2014Operation Serval—→2010–2011Second Ivorian Civil War—→2003–2011Iraq WarDecisive victory→2001–2021War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)—→1998–1999Kosovo War—→1993–2005Burundi Civil War—→1990–Tuareg rebellion (1990-1995)—→1989–1990United States invasion of PanamaDecisive victory→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
06 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW) · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
1LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)1COLD WAR · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)4BELGIUM · ALL WEAPONS1PERFORMANCE/PRICE · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
ⓘ Rankings are within theLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)category.
📖 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