Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

COD4 M249 SAW

Light Machine GunsAvailable once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4Takes camo
Light Machine GunsM249 SAW — Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare weapon render

How do you unlock the M249 SAW?

The M249 SAW is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. It is the fastest-firing LMG and carries 100 rounds, making it well suited to sustained lane control and multi-enemy fights. It has less recoil than the other LMGs, so a Grip is helpful but not mandatory. Its lower per-shot damage means it needs more hits than the RPD or M60E4. Its camo track finishes at Red Tiger (150 headshots with this weapon).

UnlockDefault
Takes camoYes
Gold camoClass progress counts toward Gold on the M60E4

Reviewed July 26, 2026. Unlock and challenge requirements were checked against original COD4 multiplayer reference data; loadout and progression advice is editorial. Modern Warfare Remastered uses a different progression system.

How does the M249 SAW play in COD4?

RoleFast-firing suppression LMG
StrengthsFastest fire rate in the LMG class; Low LMG recoil and a 100-round belt support sustained pressure
TradeoffsLowest per-shot damage among the LMGs; A lengthy reload is dangerous without cover
Useful setupRed Dot Sight unlocks at 25 kills and makes sustained head-level tracking easier; Grip unlocks at 75 kills and uses Perk 1; ACOG Scope unlocks at 150 kills for magnified lanes
Camo tipSet up behind cover or hold a predictable route with the sight at head height. Reload only after clearing the lane; the large belt is meant to delay that vulnerable animation.
Compared withIt fires much faster and recoils less than the RPD, while the RPD deals more damage per bullet.

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M249 SAW — common questions

What level does the M249 SAW unlock at in COD4?

The M249 SAW is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer. The level cap is 55, and prestige is console only (up to 10). PC has none.

How do you unlock camos on the M249 SAW?

Camo progress is per-weapon. Every camo-eligible weapon earns Digital (25 headshots), Blue Tiger (75 headshots), Red Tiger (150 headshots) in order — headshots are cumulative, so one grind clears the whole ladder. Shotguns use a reduced ladder: 25 / 50 / 100 headshots. On the M249 SAW the final tier is Red Tiger — 150 headshots with this weapon.

Can you unlock the M249 SAW for me?

Yes — our COD4 Unlock All service covers any prestige 1-10, max level, every weapon, attachment and camo unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $19.99. See the service.

More Light Machine Guns

All Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare weapons →
RPD — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareRPDDefault · Light Machine GunsM60E4 — Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareM60E4Level 19 · Light Machine Guns

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Our COD4 Unlock All service includes any prestige 1-10, max level, every weapon, attachment and camo unlocked, plus colored classes (Xbox 360), from $19.99.

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