What Rifles Do the Marines Use?
The United States Marine Corps is known for its elite fighting force, and its weaponry is a significant part of its success. The Marine Corps uses a variety of rifles, each designed for specific purposes and tasks. In this article, we’ll explore the different rifles used by the Marines, their characteristics, and their uses.
Standard Issue Rifles
The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is the standard-issue rifle for the United States Marine Corps. The M27 is a 5.56x45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire rifle that is designed to provide Marines with a reliable and versatile weapon for both close-quarters combat and longer-range engagements.
Variants and Modifications
The M27 IAR has undergone several modifications and variants to meet the evolving needs of the Marine Corps. Some of the notable variants include:
- M4 Carbine: A shorter, lighter version of the M27 IAR, designed for individual Marines.
- M4A1 Carbine: A variant of the M4 Carbine with a fixed stock and full-auto capability.
- M249 SAW: A 5.56x45mm NATO, belt-fed, light machine gun designed for sustained fire support.
- M240 Bravo: A 7.62x51mm NATO, belt-fed, general-purpose machine gun designed for heavier firepower.
Sniper Rifles
The United States Marine Corps uses several sniper rifles, each designed for specific tasks and environments. Some of the notable sniper rifles used by the Marines include:
- M40A3 Sniper Rifle: A 7.62x51mm NATO, bolt-action, precision rifle designed for long-range engagements.
- M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS): A 7.62x51mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle designed for rapid engagement.
- MK 21 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR): A 7.62x51mm NATO, bolt-action, precision rifle designed for long-range engagements and extreme environments.
Designated Marksman Rifles
The United States Marine Corps also uses designated marksman rifles, which are designed for precision engagement at longer ranges. Some of the notable designated marksman rifles used by the Marines include:
- Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR): A 5.56x45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle designed for precision engagement.
- Mk 17 Mod 0: A 7.62x51mm NATO, bolt-action, precision rifle designed for long-range engagements.
Table: Marine Corps Rifles
| Rifle | Caliber | Action | Magazine | Rate of Fire | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M27 IAR | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | 30-round magazine | 600-700 rounds per minute | 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) |
| M4 Carbine | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | 30-round magazine | 600-700 rounds per minute | 5.4 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| M4A1 Carbine | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | 30-round magazine | 600-700 rounds per minute | 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| M249 SAW | 5.56x45mm NATO | Belt-fed | 200-round belt | 100-200 rounds per minute | 23.2 lbs (10.5 kg) |
| M240 Bravo | 7.62x51mm NATO | Belt-fed | 100-round belt | 100-200 rounds per minute | 28.5 lbs (12.9 kg) |
| M40A3 Sniper Rifle | 7.62x51mm NATO | Bolt-action | 5-round magazine | Single-shot | 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| M110 SASS | 7.62x51mm NATO | Gas-operated | 20-round magazine | 600-700 rounds per minute | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) |
| MK 21 PSR | 7.62x51mm NATO | Bolt-action | 5-round magazine | Single-shot | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Mk 12 SPR | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | 20-round magazine | 600-700 rounds per minute | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) |
| Mk 17 Mod 0 | 7.62x51mm NATO | Bolt-action | 5-round magazine | Single-shot | 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) |
Conclusion
The United States Marine Corps uses a variety of rifles, each designed for specific purposes and tasks. From the standard-issue M27 IAR to the precision sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles, the Marines have a range of weapons at their disposal. Understanding the different types of rifles used by the Marines can provide valuable insight into their tactics and operations.
