What Gun Do Marines Use?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most elite and respected military forces in the world, known for their bravery, discipline, and tactical prowess. When it comes to firepower, Marines are equipped with a range of weapons designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the guns used by Marines, from their primary rifles to their sidearms and machine guns.
Primary Rifles
The primary rifle used by Marines is the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). The M27 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It’s designed to provide Marines with a reliable and accurate weapon for engaging targets at medium to long ranges. The M27 is a modified version of the HK416, a popular civilian rifle.
Here are some key features of the M27 IAR:
- Barrel length: 16.5 inches (420 mm)
- Muzzle velocity: 2,700 feet per second (823 m/s)
- Effective range: 500 meters (547 yards)
- Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
- Weight: 7.9 pounds (3.6 kg)
Assault Rifles
In addition to the M27 IAR, Marines also use the M4 Carbine, a shorter-barreled version of the M16 rifle. The M4 is designed for close-quarters battle and is often used by Marines in urban environments.
Here are some key features of the M4 Carbine:
- Barrel length: 14.5 inches (368 mm)
- Muzzle velocity: 2,700 feet per second (823 m/s)
- Effective range: 300 meters (328 yards)
- Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
- Weight: 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg)
Machine Guns
Marines also use a range of machine guns, including the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) and the M240B Medium Machine Gun.
Here are some key features of the M249 SAW:
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Rate of fire: 850 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 1,000 meters (1,094 yards)
- Magazine capacity: 200 rounds
- Weight: 22.5 pounds (10.2 kg)
Here are some key features of the M240B Medium Machine Gun:
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
- Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 1,500 meters (1,640 yards)
- Magazine capacity: 100 rounds
- Weight: 32.5 pounds (14.7 kg)
Sidearms
Marines also use a range of sidearms, including the M9 Beretta and the M17 Modular Handgun System.
Here are some key features of the M9 Beretta:
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Magazine capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg)
Here are some key features of the M17 Modular Handgun System:
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Magazine capacity: 17 rounds
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marines use a range of weapons designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. From their primary rifles to their sidearms and machine guns, each weapon is carefully selected to provide Marines with the firepower they need to complete their missions. Whether it’s engaging targets at medium to long ranges or providing suppressive fire in close-quarters battle, Marines are equipped with the weapons they need to get the job done.
Table: Marine Corps Firearms
| Weapon | Caliber | Magazine Capacity | Weight | Effective Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M27 IAR | 5.56x45mm NATO | 30 rounds | 7.9 pounds | 500 meters |
| M4 Carbine | 5.56x45mm NATO | 30 rounds | 6.5 pounds | 300 meters |
| M249 SAW | 5.56x45mm NATO | 200 rounds | 22.5 pounds | 1,000 meters |
| M240B Medium Machine Gun | 7.62x51mm NATO | 100 rounds | 32.5 pounds | 1,500 meters |
| M9 Beretta | 9x19mm Parabellum | 15 rounds | 2.4 pounds | N/A |
| M17 Modular Handgun System | 9x19mm Parabellum | 17 rounds | 2.4 pounds | N/A |
Bullets:
• The M27 IAR is the primary rifle used by Marines, designed for engaging targets at medium to long ranges.
• The M4 Carbine is a shorter-barreled version of the M16 rifle, designed for close-quarters battle.
• The M249 SAW is a squad automatic weapon used for providing suppressive fire in close-quarters battle.
• The M240B Medium Machine Gun is a medium machine gun used for providing suppressive fire at longer ranges.
• The M9 Beretta and M17 Modular Handgun System are sidearms used by Marines for self-defense and other purposes.
