What Guns Do Marines Use?
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the US military known for its elite fighting force, advanced technology, and sophisticated weaponry. Marines are trained to operate a wide range of firearms, from pistols and rifles to machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the guns that Marines use.
Primary Firearms
Marines use several primary firearms, including:
- M4A1 Carbine: A compact, gas-operated rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The M4A1 is a versatile weapon used by most Marines for close-quarters battles and urban warfare.
- M16A4 Rifle: A gas-operated rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The M16A4 is used by Marines for sniper support, marksmanship training, and as a backup weapon.
- M9 Beretta Pistol: A semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. The M9 is used by Marines as a sidearm and for self-defense.
Secondary Firearms
Marines also use several secondary firearms, including:
- M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon): A belt-fed machine gun chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The M249 is used by Marines for suppressive fire and heavy firepower.
- M240B Machine Gun: A belt-fed machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. The M240B is used by Marines for heavy firepower and sniper support.
- M2HB Heavy Machine Gun: A belt-fed machine gun chambered in 12.7x99mm NATO. The M2HB is used by Marines for heavy firepower and anti-material tasks.
- M203 Grenade Launcher: A single-shot, 40mm grenade launcher that can be mounted under the barrel of a rifle. The M203 is used by Marines for indirect fire and area denial.
Specialized Firearms
Marines also use several specialized firearms, including:
- M249 Light Machine Gun: A belt-fed machine gun chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The M249 LMG is used by Marines for suppressive fire and heavy firepower.
- M240G Machine Gun: A belt-fed machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. The M240G is used by Marines for heavy firepower and sniper support.
- M107 Sniper Rifle: A bolt-action rifle chambered in.50 BMG. The M107 is used by Marines for long-range sniper engagements and anti-material tasks.
- Mk 15 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle: A bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. The Mk 15 is used by Marines for long-range sniper engagements and marksmanship training.
Table: Firearms Used by Marines
| Firearm | Caliber | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4A1 Carbine | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | Close-quarters battles, urban warfare |
| M16A4 Rifle | 5.56x45mm NATO | Gas-operated | Sniper support, marksmanship training, backup |
| M9 Beretta Pistol | 9x19mm Parabellum | Semi-automatic | Sidearm, self-defense |
| M249 SAW | 5.56x45mm NATO | Belt-fed | Suppressing fire, heavy firepower |
| M240B Machine Gun | 7.62x51mm NATO | Belt-fed | Heavy firepower, sniper support |
| M2HB Heavy Machine Gun | 12.7x99mm NATO | Belt-fed | Heavy firepower, anti-material |
| M203 Grenade Launcher | 40mm | Single-shot | Indirect fire, area denial |
| M249 LMG | 5.56x45mm NATO | Belt-fed | Suppressing fire, heavy firepower |
| M240G Machine Gun | 7.62x51mm NATO | Belt-fed | Heavy firepower, sniper support |
| M107 Sniper Rifle | .50 BMG | Bolt-action | Long-range sniper engagements, anti-material |
| Mk 15 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle | 7.62x51mm NATO | Bolt-action | Long-range sniper engagements, marksmanship training |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marines use a wide range of firearms to complete their missions. From pistols and rifles to machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, Marines are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in any situation. Whether it’s engaging enemy forces in close-quarters battles or providing suppressive fire from a distance, Marines rely on their firearms to get the job done.
