What Guns Do the U.S Army Use?
The United States Army is equipped with a wide range of firearms, each designed to fulfill specific roles and needs on the battlefield. The U.S. Army is known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative designs, and its firearms are no exception. In this article, we will explore the types of guns used by the U.S. Army and discuss their features, capabilities, and uses.
Rifles
Rifles are the backbone of the U.S. Army’s infantry, used for both close-quarters and long-range engagements. Some of the most common rifles used by the U.S. Army include:
• M4 Carbine: The M4 Carbine is a 5.56mm, magazine-fed, gas-operated, select-fire rifle designed for close-quarters combat and medium-range engagements. Standard issue for all branches of the U.S. military, the M4 Carbine is lightweight and highly maneuverable, making it an ideal choice for soldiers operating in urban or confined environments.
• M16A2 Service Rifle: The M16A2 Service Rifle is a 5.56mm, magazine-fed, gas-operated, selective-fire rifle designed for engagements at medium to long range. Used by both active-duty and reserve personnel, the M16A2 is a reliable and versatile rifle that has served as the standard-issue weapon for the U.S. Army since the 1990s.
• M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS): The M24 SWS is a 7.62mm, bolt-action, precision rifle designed for sniping and designated marksmanship. Equipped with a detachable telescopic sight and magazine-fed, the M24 SWS is used by trained snipers to engage targets at long range and provides a high level of accuracy and reliability.
• M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS): The M110 SASS is a 7.62mm, magazine-fed, select-fire rifle designed for medium-range engagements and designated marksmanship. Using a detachable telescopic sight and magazine-fed, the M110 SASS provides a high level of accuracy and reliability, and is used by trained marksmen to engage targets in both urban and rural environments.
Machine Guns
Machine guns are designed for suppressive firepower, providing a high rate of fire to pin down or destroy enemy positions. Some of the most common machine guns used by the U.S. Army include:
• M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW): The M249 SAW is a 5.56mm, belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated machine gun designed for sustained fire and suppressive firepower. Used as a squad-level weapon, the M249 SAW provides a high rate of fire and is effective for pinning down or destroying enemy positions.
• M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun: The M2 Browning is a.50-caliber, air-cooled, gas-operated machine gun designed for long-range engagements and precision fire. Used primarily as a heavy machine gun, the M2 Browning provides a high level of accuracy and reliability, and is effective for engagements at long range.
Handguns
Handguns are used by various units within the U.S. Army, including law enforcement, special operations, and security personnel. Some of the most common handguns used by the U.S. Army include:
• M9 Beretta: The M9 Beretta is a 9x19mm, semi-automatic pistol designed for self-defense and close-quarters combat. Standard issue for law enforcement and security personnel, the M9 Beretta is a reliable and widely used handgun that has been adopted by many military forces around the world.
• M17 Modular Handgun System (MHS): The M17 MHS is a 9x19mm, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol designed for self-defense and close-quarters combat. Replacing the M9 Beretta as the U.S. Army’s primary handgun, the M17 MHS is a versatile and reliable handgun that offers a high level of performance and accuracy.
Supporting Weapons
Supporting weapons are designed to provide indirect fire and sustain suppressive firepower. Some of the most common supporting weapons used by the U.S. Army include:
| Weapon | Caliber | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| M203 Grenade Launcher | 40mm | Rocket-assisted | Engages targets with high explosives, smoke, or flare |
| M320 Grenade Launcher | 40mm | Under-barrel | Engages targets with high explosives, smoke, or flare |
| MK 19 Grenade Machine Gun | 40mm | Belt-fed | Sustained fire and suppressive firepower |
| M120 Mortar | 120mm | Tube-mounted | Indirect fire support |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the U.S. Army uses a diverse range of firearms, each designed to fulfill specific roles and needs on the battlefield. From rifles and machine guns to handguns and supporting weapons, the U.S. Army’s arsenal is equipped with cutting-edge technology and innovative designs. As the U.S. military continues to evolve and adapt to new threats and technologies, it is likely that the types of guns used by the U.S. Army will also change and continue to improve.
