Editing FN Minimi (section)

===Feeding===
[[File:Minimi-img 1022.jpg|thumb|left|Lifting the feed tray cover reveals the rotary bolt locking mechanism]]
[[File:Evers M249SAW& FN Minimi feeding.svg|thumb|left|Feeding schematic of the FN Minimi]]
The weapon is fed from the left-hand side by disintegrating-link [[M27 link|M27]] ammunition [[Belt (firearm)|belts]] (a miniaturized version of the [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62mm]] [[M13 link|M13]] belt), from either an unsupported loose belt, enclosed in a [[polymer]] ammunition box with a 200-round capacity attached to the base of the receiver, or from detachable [[STANAG magazine]]s, used in other [[NATO]] 5.56&nbsp;mm [[assault rifle]]s such as the [[M16 rifle|M16]] and [[FN FNC|FNC]]. Magazine feeding is used only as an auxiliary measure, when belted ammunition has been exhausted. The ammunition belt is introduced into the feed tray, magazines are seated inside the magazine port at a 45° angle, located beneath the feed tray port. When a belt is placed in the feed tray it covers the magazine port. Likewise, a magazine inserted into the magazine well will prevent the simultaneous insertion of a belt. The magazine port, when not in use, is closed with an L-shaped hinged flap equipped with a tooth, which engages a corresponding opening in the magazine and serves as a magazine release. This feature was developed by FN's Maurice V. Bourlet and allows the Minimi to be instantly changed from belt feed to magazine feed without any modification.<ref>[https://patents.google.com/patent/US4112817 Supply device for a portable firearm] Patent number: 4112817, Google patents.</ref>

The pawl-type feeding mechanism is modelled on the system used in the [[FN MAG|MAG]] [[general-purpose machine gun]], which was originally used in the [[World War II]]-era [[MG 42]]. The belt is moved in two stages during both the forward and rearward movement of the reciprocating bolt carrier, which provides for a smooth and continuous feeding cycle. The feeding mechanism top cover features a device that indicates the presence of a cartridge in the feed path.