I have a M249S Para that is brand new and I want to get a sling for it.  I am looking for advise and suggestions on sling configurations and sling attachment points and recommendations. There is an what looks like a sling attachment point on the front but I think if I put a hook type of attachment (like an HK type), over a period of time steel will win out over the islet and start to gouge or mar the attachment point.

What are you guys using?
What would you recommend?

Thanks!

FNGfromGA.

I'm using a Blue Force Gear SAW sling.  It's pretty awesome.  I've got it attached with...either two belt fed loops or a belt fed loop and a u loop.  Can't remember which off the top of my head.  It's not a quick on / off by any means, so the sling mostly lives on the gun, but it's a strong and comfortable setup.  Would recommend.

Blue Force Gear SAW sling and universal wire loop.

Make your own or here is the official kit at ultra maximum price:

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/13006531

And yes, you are correct that the front hole will be destroyed if you use a metal sling attachment there without the kit or an alternative like paracord.
https://www.logsa.army.mil/psmag/archives/PS2016/767/767-36-37.pdf

Thanks

Does the Wire Loop dig into the sling attachment?  I  cant believe they (FNH) want $250.00 for a sling attachment that is about $20.00 worth of parts...
ouch!!!!

Thank you for all of the information!!

Not sure what you mean in question 1. As for the price, that's not FN, that's their official retailer for spare m249 parts I believe. All their prices are absurd and nearly all their parts except that one can be found on Gunbroker or various other websites for a fraction of the price. Just be sure when googling to watch out for the airsoft m249 crap that populates the majority of searches.

Here is another site for m249 stuff which has some different results when you search m249s instead of just m249:
https://hi-desertdog.com/

The AR styled collapsible stock you're going to want next is called the Savit and should be $150 max for a new one. The real Knights made handguard is ONE piece despite what all the sellers will claim about the 2 piece version that uses a Knights grip and panels only, but the rail is made by another company that makes various parts for the US govt. The real Knights version works with the bipod that comes standard on both models, not sure about the "fake" rail. Here is the Knights piece in and out of stock regularly:
https://www.operationparts.com/kac-knights-armament-m249-ras/

And if you want to play with both versions of the m249s you'll want the long barrel and club butt, goto Gunbroker and pick a nice new one of each when available. The original para barrels are plentiful but will require an extension that can be sourced(not advertised) from a 249 parts seller at Sturmgewehr.com and then needs to be permanently attached for 16". Should come out a little under $600 that way. Hi-Desert only once that I have seen had an original FN para barrel exactly like the one you own for sale at $640. Not even FN themselves will sell that barrel, in fact they won't even respond to my queries about them.

Carrying bag: the airsoft m249/m60 bag is perfect! About 30 companies all make the same Chinese bag and the prices are all over the place: $40-100. They're all the same bag, pick the cheapest in the color you want. Here is an expensive one just to show what they all look like:
https://www.evike.com/products/43692/

And to finish off your arm and leg spending spree, you need the Otis m249 scraper tool that should have been included for what these rifles cost:
https://www.rangerjoes.com/Otis-M249-SAW-Scraper-Tool-P16472.aspx

Thinking more about your original question: this is the sling I bought for mine but still haven't used because I too haven't found a suitable attachment and failed with my paracord knot making ability. It can be made to look good I just haven't tried enough with the cord yet and still haven't found the offical kit anywhere but the ludicrous priced one:
https://bulldogequipment.us/product/m240b-m249-saw-weapon-sling/
Yes, that sling with that metal will kill the hole of the receiver if something isn't used to prevent it.


Spread into 3 parts due to my limited posting ability from being a new account.

Thank you so much for the amazing amount of info ... the Savit stock looks nice..