How long should you wait for a hang fire before clearing the M249?

Waiting for the appropriate amount of time during a hang fire is crucial for safety and operational readiness. In the case of the M249, a hang fire is a situation where a round doesn't fire immediately after pulling the trigger, and waiting allows for any potential delayed ignition to occur.

The recommended wait time before clearing a hang fire is five seconds. This duration strikes a balance between ensuring safety and maintaining efficiency in your operations. If a round has not fired within this timeframe, it is safe to assume that the round has malfunctioned, and the weapon can then be cleared to prevent unnecessary delays in engagement or mission objectives.

Longer wait times, such as those suggested in the other options, could lead to delayed responsiveness in high-tempo situations. Shorter wait times might not sufficiently ensure safety, risking an accidental discharge if the round ignites unexpectedly. Thus, five seconds is deemed the most effective and safe approach for addressing hang fires in the M249.