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Something that I was hoping I was going to do more during basic training was weapon usage, or more so, the utilization of different weapons platforms. However, during basic, we only utilized our M4A1 service weapons, grenades, and that was it. I went to Fort Jackson for basic, but I've found that previously certain units were allowed to use the AT-4, M249 (I think that's what it was), M16s, etc. I know that when I get to my next duty stations I'll hopefully be able to get more hands on weapon usage. I was a little disappointed by not being able to use more weapons platforms, and learn more about them, but that aside, I was wondering what was your favorite weapons platform that you've used in your career?
Weapons
Duty
Assignments
Mission
Firearms and Guns
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 43
SGT (Join to see)
SPC(P) (Join to see) - Yes, the M-2 was a great platform, a big punch, good thing was, don't matter what you're shooting at, it works. Down range, everything is being chewed up, fun to see things coming apart.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I did get to use the 50 caliber while in Vietnam and there was no question about how effective it was. We had them on both fixed perimeter post and also mounted on Our APCs. Shown here is one of our 50 calibers We used with the USAF 366th Security Police Squadron, Da Nang, Vietnam on our Base perimeter.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
A photo I took in 1968 showing a 50 caliber mounted on one of our APCs used by the USAF, 366th Security Police Squadron, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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SGT (Join to see)
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - That M-2 putting it on and off the vehicle, sure was heavy. Even if it was just the barrel or the gun body by itself.
Hell, a box of ammo was even heavy, for the 50cal, the tripod was just occurred to carry, it made a good swing bat. Lol
And, much better than carrying the 81mm base plate, or jumping out of a airplane with 2ea, 81mm mortars attached to you. I still can remember the PSGT telling me, Blas, all we need is the 81mm rounds, we can always replace you.
Hell, a box of ammo was even heavy, for the 50cal, the tripod was just occurred to carry, it made a good swing bat. Lol
And, much better than carrying the 81mm base plate, or jumping out of a airplane with 2ea, 81mm mortars attached to you. I still can remember the PSGT telling me, Blas, all we need is the 81mm rounds, we can always replace you.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
Thank you for your response Sergeant. I've heard the .50 Cal is extremely fun to use. How was firing that from a technical standpoint? Like what did it feel like? I know it's not necessarily comparable, but my dad said while he was in the Marines, he got to fire a Desert Eagle, and it was the only firearm he's ever fired that bruised his hands (my dads a pretty big dude - 6'2, 250+ pounds).
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SFC Marc W.
The Barrett was fine for me in terms of recoil effect. If you lay properly, you'll know it fired for sure, but you won't hurt yourself. I fired only in the prone supported position.
The M2 I've fired on a remote weapons system RWS and from the tripod position. The RWS was mounted to a stryker and controlled from within the vehicle with a joy stick and screen, so no recoil effect felt for me. The RWS was nice because I could zero it in real time, but could also zoom in and see heat, great for night time exercises. The tripod was a little goofy to get used to, but once I was in and got a rhythm going, it was great. I used it with a T&E system, and a good team with gunner and assistant gunner, we were on target quickly. Recoil was mostly absorbed by the ground, but the hands get a lil wonky after a while, but the butterfly trigger helps from the hands getting cramped up or anything like that.
The M2 I've fired on a remote weapons system RWS and from the tripod position. The RWS was mounted to a stryker and controlled from within the vehicle with a joy stick and screen, so no recoil effect felt for me. The RWS was nice because I could zero it in real time, but could also zoom in and see heat, great for night time exercises. The tripod was a little goofy to get used to, but once I was in and got a rhythm going, it was great. I used it with a T&E system, and a good team with gunner and assistant gunner, we were on target quickly. Recoil was mostly absorbed by the ground, but the hands get a lil wonky after a while, but the butterfly trigger helps from the hands getting cramped up or anything like that.
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Hands down M3A1 Grease Gun!!! I never had so much fun. :)
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-m3-and-m3a1-grease-guns/
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-m3-and-m3a1-grease-guns/
An Official Journal Of The NRA | The M3 and M3A1 "Grease Guns"
Dismissed as ugly ducklings when compared to the finely made Thompsons they replaced, the stamped and welded M3 and M3A1 “grease guns” performed very well and served several generations of American soldiers with distinction.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
MAJ Ronnie Reams - Thank you for your response Sir. How was firing the Tommy gun? I've only ever seen one in person maybe once or twice
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
SPC(P) (Join to see) - Rode up and right, even as heavy as it was. Not much recoil.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
My Engineer units had those in the Armory since we had CEV's, AVLB's and M88's. Neat weapon.
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SFC (Join to see)
CPT Lawrence Cable - A pain in the butt to load but worth it for the fun of shooting it. :)
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