kb4cvn
Regular Member
Combat Firearms "Report Card" from Iraq
US Forces Weapons:
The M-4 carbine version is more popular because it's lighter and shorter, but it has jamming problems also. They lack the ability to mount the various optical gun sights and weapons lights on the Picatinny Rail, but the weapon itself is not great in a desert environment.
They all hate the 5.56mm (.223) round. Poor penetration on the cinder block structure common over there and even torso hits can't be reliably counted on to put the enemy down.
The use of handguns for self-defense is actually fairly common.
Same old story on the 9mm: Bad guys hit multiple times and still in the fight.
Accurate, reliable, and the 7.62 round puts 'em down.
Originally developed as a vehicle mounted weapon, more and more are being dismounted and taken into the field by infantry.
The 7.62 round chews up the structure over there.
Everybody authorized to carry a sidearm is trying to get their hands on one.
With few exceptions, one can reliably be expected to put 'em down with a torso hit.
The special ops guys (who are doing most of the pistol work) use the HK military model and supposedly love it.
The old government Model 1911 .45 pistols are being re-issued enmasse.
Modifications include lightweight Kevlar stocks and low power red dot or ACOG sights.
Very reliable in the sandy environment, and they love the 7.62 round.
Used frequently to take out vehicle suicide bombers (we actually stop a lot of them) and barricaded enemy.
It is definitely here to stay.
Heavily modified Remington 700's.
Great performance.
Snipers have been used heavily to great effect.
Rumor has it a marine sniper on his third tour in Anbar province has actually exceeded Carlos Hathcock's record for confirmed kills with OVER 100.
Our guys see in the dark and own the night, period. Very little enemy action after evening prayers. More and more enemy being whacked at night during movement by our hunter-killer teams. We've all seen the videos.
Most carried a $34 Surefire G2 on a neck lanyard and loved it.
I can't help but notice that most of the good fighting weapons and ordnance are 50 or more years old!! With all our technology, it's the WWII and Vietnam era weapons that everybody wants!!
US Forces Weapons:
- The M-16 rifle: Thumbs down.
The M-4 carbine version is more popular because it's lighter and shorter, but it has jamming problems also. They lack the ability to mount the various optical gun sights and weapons lights on the Picatinny Rail, but the weapon itself is not great in a desert environment.
They all hate the 5.56mm (.223) round. Poor penetration on the cinder block structure common over there and even torso hits can't be reliably counted on to put the enemy down.
- The M243 SAW (squad assault weapon): Big thumbs down
- The M9 Beretta 9mm: Mixed bag.
The use of handguns for self-defense is actually fairly common.
Same old story on the 9mm: Bad guys hit multiple times and still in the fight.
- Mossberg 12ga. Military shotgun:
- The M240 Machine Gun: Thumbs up.
Accurate, reliable, and the 7.62 round puts 'em down.
Originally developed as a vehicle mounted weapon, more and more are being dismounted and taken into the field by infantry.
The 7.62 round chews up the structure over there.
- The M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun: Thumbs way, way up.
- The .45 pistol: Thumbs up.
Everybody authorized to carry a sidearm is trying to get their hands on one.
With few exceptions, one can reliably be expected to put 'em down with a torso hit.
The special ops guys (who are doing most of the pistol work) use the HK military model and supposedly love it.
The old government Model 1911 .45 pistols are being re-issued enmasse.
- The M-14: Thumbs up.
Modifications include lightweight Kevlar stocks and low power red dot or ACOG sights.
Very reliable in the sandy environment, and they love the 7.62 round.
- The Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle: Thumbs way up.
Used frequently to take out vehicle suicide bombers (we actually stop a lot of them) and barricaded enemy.
It is definitely here to stay.
- The M24 sniper rifle: Thumbs up.
Heavily modified Remington 700's.
Great performance.
Snipers have been used heavily to great effect.
Rumor has it a marine sniper on his third tour in Anbar province has actually exceeded Carlos Hathcock's record for confirmed kills with OVER 100.
- Night Vision and Infrared Equipment: Thumbs way up.
Our guys see in the dark and own the night, period. Very little enemy action after evening prayers. More and more enemy being whacked at night during movement by our hunter-killer teams. We've all seen the videos.
- Lights: Thumbs up.
Most carried a $34 Surefire G2 on a neck lanyard and loved it.
I can't help but notice that most of the good fighting weapons and ordnance are 50 or more years old!! With all our technology, it's the WWII and Vietnam era weapons that everybody wants!!
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