What Weapons Do US Marines Use?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most elite and respected military forces in the world, known for their bravery, skill, and adaptability. When it comes to firepower, the Marines are equipped with a wide range of weapons designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the weapons used by US Marines.
Rifles
The primary rifle used by US 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 versatile and reliable weapon for both close-quarters battle and long-range engagements.
- M16A4: The M16A4 is a variant of the M16 rifle, used by US Marines for both assault and sniper roles. It’s chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and features a collapsible stock and Picatinny rail system.
- M4 Carbine: The M4 is a compact, gas-operated rifle used by Marines for close-quarters battle and urban warfare. It’s chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and features a 14.5-inch barrel and collapsible stock.
Machine Guns
The US Marine Corps uses a variety of machine guns to provide suppressive fire and support to ground troops.
- M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon): The M249 is a belt-fed machine gun used by Marines for suppressive fire and providing covering fire for advancing troops. It’s chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and features a 30-round magazine.
- M240 Bravo: The M240 Bravo is a medium-machine gun used by Marines for providing sustained fire support. It’s chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and features a 100-round belt.
Sniper Rifles
US Marines use a range of sniper rifles to provide precision firepower and target acquisition.
- M40A6: The M40A6 is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by Marines for long-range engagements. It’s chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and features a 10-round magazine.
- M82A3: The M82A3 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle used by Marines for long-range engagements. It’s chambered in.50 BMG and features a 5-round magazine.
Handguns
Marines also use a variety of handguns for self-defense and sidearm purposes.
- M9 Beretta: The M9 Beretta is a semi-automatic pistol used by Marines as a sidearm. It’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and features a 15-round magazine.
- M11: The M11 is a semi-automatic pistol used by Marines as a sidearm. It’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and features a 12-round magazine.
Launchers
The US Marine Corps uses a range of launchers to provide firepower and support to ground troops.
- M203: The M203 is a 40mm grenade launcher used by Marines to provide close-range firepower. It’s attached to the M16 and M4 rifles.
- M320: The M320 is a 40mm grenade launcher used by Marines to provide close-range firepower. It’s a standalone launcher that can be attached to the M16 and M4 rifles.
Table: Marine Corps Small Arms
| Weapon | Caliber | Magazine Capacity | Rate of Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| M27 IAR | 5.56x45mm NATO | 30-round | 700 rounds per minute |
| M16A4 | 5.56x45mm NATO | 30-round | 700 rounds per minute |
| M4 Carbine | 5.56x45mm NATO | 30-round | 700 rounds per minute |
| M249 SAW | 5.56x45mm NATO | 100-round belt | 800 rounds per minute |
| M240 Bravo | 7.62x51mm NATO | 100-round belt | 600 rounds per minute |
| M40A6 | 7.62x51mm NATO | 10-round | 3 rounds per minute |
| M82A3 | .50 BMG | 5-round | 2 rounds per minute |
| M9 Beretta | 9x19mm Parabellum | 15-round | 30 rounds per minute |
| M11 | 9x19mm Parabellum | 12-round | 30 rounds per minute |
Conclusion
The US Marine Corps is equipped with a wide range of weapons designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. From rifles to machine guns, sniper rifles to handguns, and launchers to small arms, the Marines have the firepower and versatility to take on any mission. Whether in combat or training, the weapons used by US Marines are designed to provide effectiveness, reliability, and precision.
