How far can the M249 be effectively employed using a bipod?

The effective range of the M249 light machine gun when using a bipod is approximately 600 meters. This range is determined by the weapon's design and capabilities, enabling highly accurate and sustained fire on targets within that distance. The M249 is designed primarily for infantry units, allowing for mobile and flexible support during engagements, and using a bipod enhances stability and accuracy, making it optimal for engaging targets effectively up to 600 meters. Beyond this range, factors such as bullet drop and wind drift significantly impact accuracy, making longer-range engagements increasingly challenging with the weapon.