FN Minimi / M249 vs IWI Negev: how to tell them apart

Two machine guns that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

FN Minimi / M249

Machine gun, Belgium. In service since 1980

What gives it away

Short heavy barrel with a carrying handle, squared receiver and a magazine well on the left side.

Used by

USA, UK, Belgium, Denmark and many others

IWI Negev

Machine gun, Israel. In service since 1997

What gives it away

Light machine gun with a long top rail, a vertical front grip, a bipod and a folding stock; takes belts or rifle magazines.

Used by

Israel, India, Thailand, Colombia and others

FN Minimi / M249 · IWI Negev · All guides