M249
⚪ Last updated 2014⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 6.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #231 of 313 Weapons mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Make the Wasteland your b*tch.
Last year some guy on the New Vegas Nexus forums posted an M249 model with a request that someone implement it into a Fallout mod. I am glad to say that after a substantial amount of work, I was able to convert the model into a highly functional Fallout 3 mod with custom sounds, moving weapon components, and plenty of other unique features.
This mod adds two M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapons) light machine guns to the National Guard Armory on the northern side of the DC ruins.
The M249 SAW is a standard issue light machine gun used extensively throughout the Unites States Armed Forces, designed to provide infantry squads with a suppressive firing platform that provides a high rate of fire while not sacrificing accuracy or range. In this mod I add two variants of the M249 PIP model (shorter barrel and rails) one with no attachments and one with an Elcan C79 medium range scope. The base damage is roughly the same as the Chinese assault rifle, however the rate of fire is 600 rpm (10 rounds/sec) so damage per second is significantly higher than most other vanilla 5. 56mm weapons. Both weapons use 5. 56 as their ammo, so if you want to go Rambo on some Super Mutants you'd better have plenty of bullets on hand (If you want to go crazy with them, I recommend using the GECK to change it's ammunition to 5mm). Both weapons can be repaired using miniguns.
The textures have normal maps, so the weapons should appear to be pretty battle-worn and scratched up. (One issue is with the scope glass, it's made out of triangular faces and not very reflective, so if someone wants to take it upon themselves to improve it, go right ahead.)
==Plans for Future Update==
- Modify the weapon sound so that it sounds smoother when going fully-automatic.
- Figure out how to make the scope glass better
- Improve magazine model by including the bullets along with the box
==Installation==
Copy and paste the contents of the folder into your Fallout 3/data folder. I recommend you use FOMM, as always.
==Uninstallation==
Delete the following folders and files; meshes/m249 meshes/interface/hud/scopeta01.nif textures/m249 sound/fx/wpn/m249/m249fire.wav m249.esp
==Permissions==
Consider this mod a modder's resource. Anyone is allowed to use the meshes/textures for their own purpose as long as they credit me and user ubi1rub.
==Credits==
User ubi1rub for the M249 model User TheLama for the scope reticle
Adds two M249 SAW light machine guns to the National Guard Armory in the DC ruins. A straightforward weapon addition for Fallout 3 players seeking a classic LMG. With 486 endorsements and 7,039 downloads, it's a well-received but dated mod (last updated 2014).
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 486 endorsements and over 7,000 downloads
- Simple and direct: adds a classic LMG without extra fluff
- Weapons are placed in a specific, easy-to-find location
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2014 — may have compatibility issues with current game versions or mods
- Only two weapons added; no additional features or variants
For Fallout 3 players who want a classic M249 SAW without hunting through mod lists. If you're a completionist who likes collecting unique weapons, this is a quick grab. Skip if you want detailed weapon customization or modern visual upgrades.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure to check the National Guard Armory's interior and exterior — the weapons might be in a crate or on a rack.
- If you're using a mod manager, install via that to keep your load order clean.
- Since the mod is from 2014, test it early in your playthrough to ensure it doesn't conflict with other weapon mods.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Fallout 3 Mods
- Author
- jtucker40
- Version
- 1.0
- Downloads
- 7,039
- Endorsements
- 486
- Category
- Weapons
- Created
- 7/14/2014
- Updated
- 7/14/2014
🔧 How to Install Fallout 3 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Fallout 3 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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