Rifleman with an M27 IAR, suppressor, variable power optic, advanced NODS. Game changer, said Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Christian Wade, embracing with enthusiasm what has been the difference between what is issued and what is trusted, according to Marine Corps circles. This is war, but don’t forget – it’s more than just another gadget in the toolbox. This is the difference between victory and defeat for every single Marine, Wade said. Marines fight in harsh conditions, from the salt-heavy sea air that the ocean imposes on the gunmetal of their guns all the way to the choking desert dust and the jungle heat and finally the freezing mountain winds.
Not all guns will withstand these conditions, and even less will withstand them and build the credibility necessary after several months of fighting. A list like this wouldn’t be about what’s on paper in terms of procurement contracts, writes Thomas Brennan. It would be about what the Marines choose to use and what they choose to fight with the things that have been tested under fire from the Middle East to the Pacific.
1. M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
The M27 IAR is, by every account, the most accurate and reliable service rifle ever issued to Marines in their entire history, and is much, much more than a replacement for the M249 SAW in some capacity. For one, it is based on the HK416, and has a short stroke piston system to keep things clean and reliable even with a suppressor. This gives additional M27 suppressors and optical sight at the rifleman level, thus boosting M27 dispersion during large-scale operations and hence the lethality of units. Somewhat heavier than M4A1, its ruggedness and hit ratio rate its it as the weapon of choice when it comes to missions requiring precision and reliability.
2. M38 Designated Marksman Rifle
The M38 is essentially an M27 equipped with a Leupold TS-30A2 Mark 4 MR/T scope, which provides rifle squads with precise firepower. Not a few snipers have actually bemoaned the outdated design of the aforementioned scope, sporting an irrelevant correlation of units and reticles, although the Corps thinks that what a designated marksman rifle provides is adequate.
3. M4A1 Carbine
This carbine is lightweight and highly maneuverable, and it has remained the side arm of choice for all Marines everywhere in all MOSs. It is also able to handle all the attachments that are hurled at it, claimed or otherwise-the scope, the laser, and the suppressors. It may not be stable over long distances, but its mobility and firepower do not make it an obsolete weapon. The Marines have enjoyed the ease of maintenance of the M4A1 and its parts interchangeability, which ensures the M4A1 stays in action even in adverse environments. Even in the current war scenarios involving rapid movement from close quarters to open terrain, the carbine is still one of their favorites.
4. M240 Medium Machine Gun
The M240 is the mechanism through which the Marine delivers accurately focused fires. It is chambered in 7.62mm, allowing sufficient suppression in terrain domination. Its performance in prolonged fire situations, in gaining or supporting a defensive position, is something in which Marines place trust, As already stated, one reason as to why Marines believe in their M240 machine guns is because they are chambered in 7.62mm. It retains zero quite well in prolonged fire, and this makes it a very big advantage when it comes to its application in an overwatch role. Then it goes from desert conditions to extreme weather conditions with high levels of salt spray in marine environments; its rugged design ensures it works where lighter machine guns would fail.
5. M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun
Renowned for its effectiveness in knocking out any target presented directly before the barrel of this gun, the M2 Browning has been wreaking havoc on all sorts of things: cars, bunkers, and moral for a number of years now. This machine gun is used by Marines for convoy protection and during mounted operations where penetration and distance come into play.
Although it does tend to be a bit old,there definitely isn’t another tank out there when it comes to IFIs that offers the same level of effectiveness found in the M2. With the right maintenance, the M2 is definitely a staple of any heavy firepower lineup.
6. MK 19 Grenade Machine Gun
The MK19 provides a high rate of fire of volume explosives. This was well received because these guns are useful for missions such as securing convoys and clearing routes. It fires 40mm grenades at a high rate to engage the target area and interrupt enemy movement. The Marines also value its efficacy against defilade positions and light vehicles. In operations where area denial is paramount, it is rather difficult to come up with a more destructive tool than the MK19.
7. M3A
The M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System is a reloadable, recoilless system that gives squads the ability to destroy armor, bunkers, and fortified enemy positions out to a distance of 2,000 meters. Sleek and compact compared to their ancestors, they are made in a variety of projectile patterns from HEAT to smoke and illumination projectiles. It can fire from enclosed spaces. This trait has exemplified a pertinent increase in the safety of urban warfare. It is always better to have something versatile and accurate compared to one-time use products like the AT-4.
8. M1014 Joint Service Combat shotgun
The semi-automatic M1014 shotgun is the pacesetter when it comes to breach-breaking and CQB. The sturdy shotgun holds its own well against the corrosion of the naval environment which manages to age many of our other small arms. Marines have faith in the M1014 when it comes to securing maritime access, raids, and clearing. ‘The M-1014’s ability to be changed to fire non-lethal ammunition is a strong aspect of the M-1014.
9. M18 Modular handgun system
The M18 brings to the Marines a new generation of optics-enabled pistols. While its modular nature regarding gripe option supports its dependability, it is peerless as a backup pistol in a close quarters engagement. Marines appreciate its versatility, the possibility of optic addition to a red dot sight and a suppresser. When one is in a position where one is not authorized to possess a M-16/ M-4 rifle, they have access to M18 to ensure they always have the best defensive side arm.
10. MK25 Pistol
The MK25 is used by Navy SEALS; it is used by FAST and Recon teams. The MK25 is used by FAST and Recon teams. It is specifically made for FAST Recon Marines. It has navy-worthy design parameters, meaning it is able to perform properly. Marines who have to spend too much time around high moisture, high salt environments appreciate the dependability of the MK-25. What the Marines like about their weapons is more than justómo chorro-junto, or the ability to fire the most bullets; there’s the trust developed from performance under difficult conditions.
Starting with sniper rifles and going all the way up to heavy machine guns and multi-purpose antiarmor systems, there’s something to be said for each one of those weapons in the ‘real world’ of combat. Each one of those weapons has been developed to fulfill some sort of function, and there’s been some reason for the Marines to accept them as part of the
