MARINE CORPS * WEAPONS & VEHICLES

Sea Power, Jan 2004

SMALL ARMS AND MACHINE GUNS

M2 .50-Caliber Heavy Barreled Machine Gun

The M2 is a belt-fed, crew-served heavy machine gun. The basic design of the M2 has been in service since World War II. System improvements have increased performance and accuracy since its first appearance. The M2 has a maximum effective range of 2,000 yards. An infantry battalion has six M2s assigned to each of its weapons companies, providing the battalion defense against various aircraft and ground vehicle threats.

M14 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

The DMR is a modified, precision-grade M14 7.62mm rifle. Its range, accuracy, and lethality provide units greater operational flexibility and survivability during day or night operations. Marine Corps security police special reaction teams use the DMR for performance of antiterrorism and security missions. Explosive ordnance disposal teams also use the DMR during their standoff munitions disposal mission.

M16A2 5.56mm Rifle

A 5.56mm magazine-fed, gas-operated weapon, the M16A2 is an upgraded M16AI rifle that was originally fielded in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War. Improvements to the A1 included heavier barrel, improved sights, improved rifling twist, and improved hand guards as well as a three-round burst, instead of fully automatic, fire selector. The M16A2 began entering the Marine Corps in 1984 and is fielded to all active and reserve units. The weapon has a maximum effective range of more than 600 yards at point targets, and more than 860 yards at an area target. The M16A2 has a magazine capacity of 30 rounds.

M16A2 Squad Advanced Marksman (SAM) 5.56mm Rifle

The SAM is an enhanced M16 rifle with a match-grade barrel, free-floated hand guards, and trigger assembly integrated to create a new precision weapon. The flat-top upper receiver allows for the attachment of high-quality optics. SAM sniper rifles will give the infantry squad sniper rifle capability. SAMs were fielded in 2003 for ongoing evaluation.

M16A4 5.56mm Rifle

The M16A4 Rifle is an improved M16A2 and is part of the Modular Weapon System (MWS). The MI6A4 incorporates a military standard M1913 rail adapter system in place of the integral rear carry handle/sight assembly and in place of the standard hand guards on the upper receiver. This modification to the weapon allows for mounting of various accessories such as: day/night/thermal optics, infrared (IR) designators, flashlights, and the M203 grenade launcher. The MWS reduces the number of components required to attach accessories and allows for configuration management at the operator level. The M16A4 has the same capabilities as the M16A2 except that the rear sight can only be elevated to a maximum sight range of 600 yards, instead of 860 yards, due to a shorter elevating screw required for the detachable rear carry handle. The Marine Corps began fielding the M16A4 in 2003 and expects to complete fielding during 2007.

M4 5.56mm Carbine

The M4 Carbine is a shortened version (16-inch as opposed to 20-inch) of the Ml6 series of weapons and is also part of the MWS. The M4 carbine is a semi-automatic and select-fire three-round burst weapon, as are the M16A2 and M16A4. The M4 also incorporates the M1913 RAS and detachable carrying handle. The M4 carbine is also being fielded to ground forces and augments the M16A4 as part of the MWS. In addition, certain other elements of the Marine Corps may adopt the M4, such as aircraft crew.

M4A1 5.56mm Carbine Close Quarters Battle Weapon (CQBW)

The CQBW is a modified M4 Carbine, which is fully automatic and incorporates an equipment package with the weapon to include visible light illuminator, IR designator, broomstick handle, red dot sight, suppressor, and carrying bag. In 1998, the CQBW replaced the Heckler & Koch MP5 in service with Marine reconnaissance units.

M9 9mm Pistol

The Beretta M9 is a 9mm, semi-automatic, magazine-fed pistol. This service pistol has been issued since 1985 when it replaced the M1919A1 .45-caliber service pistol. The Marine Corps is assessing receiver modifications to equip the pistol with a rail system, which would allow for attaching high-intensity lights and laser aiming devices. The M9's maximum effective range is about 50 yards. This pistol has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

M40A3 7.62mm Sniper Rifle

The M40A3 is a bolt-action 7.62mm sniper rifle. A new stainless steel barrel improves accuracy to a maximum effective range of 1,000 yards. The M40A3 will replace all the current inventory of M40A1 rifles with improved stocks, barrels, cheek pieces, and the M1913 rail adapter system. Fielding began in 2001.

M82A3 .50-Caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR)

The SASR is a commercial-off-the-shelf Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle. The weapon is extremely effective against hard targets and vehicles at ranges up to 2,000 yards. The Marine Corps first fielded the M82A1 in 1989. The current A3 configuration incorporates safety and reliability improvements to extend the service life, as well as adding the M1913 rail adapter system. The U.S. Army uses Barren's M107 variant.