Posted on Feb 26, 2020
What can I use to simulate the weight and size of an M4 loaded?
1.75K
11
19
1
1
0
For those reservists/guard out there who want to practice their ruck marching while at home, what do you use to simulate the weight of loaded M4 (7.5 lbs loaded)? Needless to say, it is not recommended to run around with a real one loaded...This should be an object that can be carried in the same fashion and size as an M4.
Posted in these groups: 
Fitness
Fitness
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
3
3
0
If you want to practice rucking, I recommend that you do not carry a weapon. It does you no good, it's unbalanced, and it will mess up your wrists if you carry it for long without a sling. It doesn't help your rucking ability in any way to carry one.
(3)
(0)
SGT Dave Tracy
I would concur. If there is any benefit to rucking around with something that simulates a weapon, it's minimal at best.
I can also attest to how it's less than optimal for one's wrists, to go around without a sling. In OSUT, our Drills never allowed slings (or 550 cord used as a poor man's sling). Now--and I'm not saying I did this--if it were dark enough where no one might see it, and a clever Private were cunning enough to put a magazine into the weapon and put the magazine into a pouch on their vest, well, that's just working smarter, not harder. Just sayin'.
I can also attest to how it's less than optimal for one's wrists, to go around without a sling. In OSUT, our Drills never allowed slings (or 550 cord used as a poor man's sling). Now--and I'm not saying I did this--if it were dark enough where no one might see it, and a clever Private were cunning enough to put a magazine into the weapon and put the magazine into a pouch on their vest, well, that's just working smarter, not harder. Just sayin'.
(1)
(0)
SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins
The weight in the ruck has never been an issue for me, and I always make sure never to cheat myself when it comes to it. However, the extra 8 lbs on my front side has always changed my center of gravity enough to change muscle groups slightly (or at least it feels that way after about 8 miles). The same principle applies for wearing an ACH while rucking. This seems to work the smaller muscles of my neck. Such a small matter does not upset me to get it, but I have always felt in more physical pain (muscle wear) when carrying a weapon than I did when not, and the standard for my unit is to carry the weapon during the march. So, I find I must carry one during training as well.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
It’s true that you don’t necessarily need the added weight in your hands while rucking. Not a huge physical benefit. Maybe some realism but that’s about it. That grip strength and mental agility can be developed through exercises like farmer carries and shoulder shrugs at a gym. So, might as well throw in the FLC or plate carrier, gloves, eye-pro, brain bucket, broken in boots, and yes...the all powerful PT Belt around the pack as well. “Full HOOAH”. On a military base, no one will think twice. Hell, you might get some Joes to walk with ya’. However, once you leave the wire, lemme tell ya’, a rubber duck no matter the color will attract a lot of attention... from civilians and the authorities. I’ve had it where cops notified my unit at Bragg regarding a Soldier training with a dummy rifle. Scares the non-freedom loving people (Not a pro-gun dig by the way). Spreads “Unnecessary panic” is how the cops put it. Also, I don’t think it’s authorized to bring ‘em home. But if off post is your playground of choice, I suggest a sledgehammer. They come in all sorts of weights with different grip materials. You could even go to Home Depot or your garage and pick up some power tools like a reciprocating saw. Be creative.
Look, if the bottom line is increasing your physical fitness and overall combat effectiveness, then you should be willing to do what you need to given the resources that you and your unit have. Who cares what it looks like and what people say. You’re training to be the best damn Soldier you can be. Turning to your peers here on RallyPoint tells me you give a damn about what you do and who you are as a Soldier. I applaud you in your search for advice and realism in your training.
...if none of the above works out, you could always join us full time and play Army all day.
Look, if the bottom line is increasing your physical fitness and overall combat effectiveness, then you should be willing to do what you need to given the resources that you and your unit have. Who cares what it looks like and what people say. You’re training to be the best damn Soldier you can be. Turning to your peers here on RallyPoint tells me you give a damn about what you do and who you are as a Soldier. I applaud you in your search for advice and realism in your training.
...if none of the above works out, you could always join us full time and play Army all day.
(1)
(0)
SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins
Probably some of the best advice so far. Did active duty already, though, and was very successful in it; however, not in my best interest to go back there right now.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Sign out a rubber duck from the unit. It's the correct shape, weight, size, and free.
I actually asked to hand-receipt one years ago, and the guy said "just keep it".
Kept it for a while and donated it to my next unit.
I actually asked to hand-receipt one years ago, and the guy said "just keep it".
Kept it for a while and donated it to my next unit.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google