Editing FN MAG (section)

===Operating mechanism===
[[File:GPMG components.JPG|thumb|left|A schematic showing the mechanism of the FN MAG.]]

The MAG operates via a [[Gas-operated reloading|long-stroke piston system]], which utilizes the ignited powder gases generated by firing vented through a port in the [[gun barrel|barrel]] to propel a gas piston rod connected to the locking assembly. The barrel breech is locked with a vertically tilting, downward locking lever mechanism that is connected to the bolt carrier through an articulated joint.

The locking shoulder and camming surfaces that guide the locking lever are located at the base of the [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]]. The unlocking sequence starts after {{convert|15|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} rearward gas piston rod movement to keep the breech block fully locked until the bullet has left the gun barrel and the high-pressure propellant gas pressure has dropped to a safe level.

The MAG fires from an [[open bolt]]. Both the spring-powered extractor and ejector are contained in the bolt. After firing, spent cartridge casings are removed downwards through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover at the bottom of the receiver. The machine gun has a striker firing mechanism (the bolt carrier acts as the striker as it contains a channel that houses the firing pin, which protrudes out from the surface of the bolt upon firing), an automatic-only trigger assembly and a manual cross-bolt push-button [[safety (firearms)|safety]], which is located above the [[pistol grip]].<ref name="remtek.com">{{cite news|url=http://remtek.com/arms/fn/mag/|title=Belgium's MAGnificent MG|author=Kokalis, Peter G.|date=March 1985|work=Soldier of Fortune Magazine|access-date=2014-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011141/http://remtek.com/arms/fn/mag/|archive-date=2014-05-13|url-status=live}}</ref>