QUICK FACTS
Created Jan 0001
Status Verified Sarcastic
Type Existential Dread
Keywords
united states marine corps, general references, inline citations, improve, introducing, m27 infantry automatic rifle, m240b

List Of Weapons Of The United States Marine Corps

“Ah, you require an elucidation on the instruments of kinetic persuasion employed by the United States Marine Corps. How utterly fascinating. This article, much...”

Contents
  • 1. Overview
  • 2. Etymology
  • 3. Cultural Impact

Ah, you require an elucidation on the instruments of kinetic persuasion employed by the United States Marine Corps . How utterly fascinating. This article, much like a conversation with a particularly obtuse individual, includes a list of general references , but it conspicuously lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations to back up its pronouncements. One might suggest it needs a rather significant effort to improve by introducing more precise citations. Don’t look at me for the grunt work; I merely present the information, sometimes with a heavy sigh. (February 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this message )

This, then, is a comprehensive, if not entirely self-explanatory, list of the various implements of destruction and dissuasion currently or formerly utilized by the United States Marine Corps , an organization perpetually prepared for what they charmingly refer to as “expeditionary warfare.”

Weapons used

The fundamental personal weapon for the modern United States Marine Corps infantryman is now primarily the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle . This particular system, originally envisioned as a lighter, more maneuverable alternative to the squad automatic weapon, has steadily supplanted its predecessors, demonstrating a shift towards greater individual accuracy and controlled, sustained fire within the infantry squad. For the truly necessary application of overwhelming volume, sustained suppressive fire is readily provided by the venerable M240B machine gun, a robust and reliable platform, deployed at both the squad and company levels respectively. Its formidable 7.62×51mm NATO rounds ensure that targets remain, shall we say, indisposed.

In addition to direct engagement, indirect fire capabilities are integrated at multiple echelons. The individual fireteam can deploy the highly versatile M320 grenade launcher , offering both high-explosive and specialized rounds to defeat entrenched positions or light vehicles. At the company level, the M224A1 60 mm mortar provides rapid, close-range indirect fire support, capable of dropping rounds with surprising precision onto targets beyond the line of sight. Further up, at the battalion level, the more substantial M252 81 mm mortar extends this indirect fire umbrella, delivering a greater destructive payload and wider area of effect.

For heavier engagements and area denial, the formidable M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun , affectionately known as “Ma Deuce,” and the MK19 automatic grenade launcher (40 mm) are available. While these can be employed by dismounted infantry teams, they are far more commonly affixed to vehicles, transforming them into mobile platforms of considerable lethality, capable of suppressing vast swaths of territory or obliterating light armored threats. Precision fire, for those moments when subtlety is still considered a virtue, is delivered through advanced sniper systems. The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System offers rapid follow-up shots for designated marksmen, while the classic M40A3, A5, A6 bolt-action sniper rifle provides unmatched accuracy and range for the dedicated sniper, ensuring that even the most distant target receives a very personal message. [1]

The Marine Corps also equips its infantry with a diverse arsenal of direct-fire rockets and missiles, designed to imbue them with both offensive and defensive anti-armor capabilities, because sometimes, a simple bullet just isn’t enough. The SMAW (Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon) and the AT4 are powerful unguided rockets . The SMAW is particularly adept at destroying hard targets like bunkers and masonry, while the AT4 is a highly effective, disposable anti-tank weapon. Both can obliterate armor and fixed defenses at ranges extending up to 500 meters, proving that sometimes, brute force is the most elegant solution. For more sophisticated threats, the FGM-148 Javelin and BGM-71 TOW represent the pinnacle of anti-tank guided missile technology. These sophisticated anti-tank guided missiles are designed to engage and neutralize even the most heavily armored vehicles. Both systems can utilize advanced top-attack profiles , a clever design feature that allows them to strike the often-vulnerable top armor of a tank, bypassing its thicker frontal defenses. These heavy missiles are effective well past 2,000 meters, providing infantry units with a formidable offensive capability against even main battle tanks. [2]

In a rather ironic twist, Marines are also fully capable of deploying non-lethal weaponry when the situation demands a less permanent solution, or when dealing with the general chaos of civilian populations. Indeed, a crucial part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) earning its coveted Special Operations Capable designator is the requirement for a company-sized unit to be fully proficient in [riot control] operations. Because sometimes, you just need to gently remind people to behave.

Finally, not all weapons are for destruction. Some older weapons are maintained for purely ceremonial purposes, serving as a reminder of the Corps’ rich, if somewhat violent, history. Examples include the impeccably maintained M1 Garands wielded with silent precision by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon , or the use of the venerable M101 howitzer for the thunderous punctuation of gun salutes . A fitting retirement for instruments of war, one might say.

Active use

Non-lethal weapons

When the objective is to control rather than to obliterate, the Marine Corps employs a range of non-lethal weaponry . These tools are designed to incapacitate or deter without causing permanent injury, a concept that often feels like a contradiction in terms given the nature of warfare.

  • CS gas : A potent tear gas, causing intense irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, perfect for clearing out an area or discouraging persistent crowds.
  • OC spray : Oleoresin capsicum, or pepper spray, causes temporary blindness and respiratory distress, a highly effective, albeit unpleasant, deterrent.
  • Rubber , beanbag , & plastic bullet : These less-than-lethal projectiles are designed to inflict pain and incapacitation through blunt force trauma, without necessarily penetrating the skin. A firm suggestion to cease undesirable behavior.
  • Riot shield : A defensive tool, primarily used in [riot control] scenarios to protect personnel from thrown objects and physical assaults, while also serving as a barrier for crowd management.
  • Baton : A simple, effective blunt instrument for close-quarters physical control or defense.
  • M6/M7 series chemical grenade : These grenades deploy various agents, including CS gas, to create a non-lethal deterrent over a wider area.
  • M84 stun grenade : A “flash-bang” device designed to disorient individuals through an intensely bright flash of light and a deafening report, causing temporary sensory overload.
  • Sting grenade : A grenade that disperses multiple rubber pellets upon detonation, inflicting painful, non-lethal impacts over a wide radius.

Bladed weapons

Even in an age of advanced ballistics, the utility of a sharp piece of steel remains undisputed, whether for utility or, more traditionally, for close-quarters combat.

  • United States Marine Raider stiletto : A historical and ceremonial blade, a nod to the elite Marine Raiders of World War II.
  • OKC-3S bayonet : The current standard-issue bayonet, designed to be affixed to the M16-series rifles and M27 IAR, or used as a utility knife. Because sometimes, you just need to get up close and personal.
  • Ka-Bar Combat Knife: An iconic and enduring combat and utility knife, synonymous with the Marine Corps since WWII, renowned for its robustness and versatility.
  • Marine NCO sword : A ceremonial sword carried by non-commissioned officers , a symbol of their authority and tradition.
  • Marine Officers’ Mameluke Sword : The distinctive ceremonial sword carried by Marine officers, its design tracing back to the Mameluke sword presented to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805. [3]
  • Original United States Marine Corps Machete : A heavy, broad knife used primarily for clearing vegetation, but perfectly capable of other, less agricultural, tasks if required.

Handguns

A sidearm provides a last line of defense, a convenient tool for close protection, or a primary weapon for those operating in confined spaces.

  • Glock M007 : Adopted in February 2015 specifically for use by MARSOC , indicating a preference for its reliability, capacity, and simple operation for special operations forces.
  • M18 : This compact variant of the SIG Sauer M17 has been adopted as the standard issue pistol for the entire Marine Corps since 2020. It systematically replaces a diverse array of older sidearms, including the M9, M9A1, M45A1, and the MARSOC-specific M007, streamlining logistics and training. [4]

Assault rifles, carbines and battle rifles

These are the primary individual weapons, defining the firepower and engagement capabilities of the vast majority of Marines.

  • M16A4 : A select-fire rifle, offering safe, semi-automatic, and three-round burst firing modes. While it once served as the basic infantry weapon, [5] it is now largely being replaced by the M27 in infantry battalions. A workhorse, but one that is slowly being phased out.
  • M4/M4A1 : The compact carbine variant of the M16, highly valued for its maneuverability in close quarters. Like the M16A4, it is mostly being replaced by the M27 in infantry battalions, but remains commonly issued to non-infantry Marines as of 2010. [5]
  • M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle : This support weapon, based on the robust Heckler & Koch HK416 (which itself is a piston-driven, thus more reliable, variation upon the AR-15 platform), features a free-floating barrel for enhanced accuracy. Initially introduced as a direct replacement for the M249 squad automatic weapon, a significant decision was made in 2018 to adopt the M27 as the standard USMC assault rifle across all infantry battalions, marking a substantial shift in infantry doctrine towards precision and lighter loads. [6]
  • CQBR Block II : A heavily modified M4 carbine featuring a significantly shorter 10.3-inch barrel, optimized for extreme close-quarters combat. This specialized weapon is primarily utilized by the elite MARSOC units, where compactness and maneuverability are paramount.
  • Mk 17 Mod 0 : The 7.62×51mm NATO variant of the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle, known for its modularity and potent stopping power. It is another weapon specifically employed by MARSOC for its specialized mission requirements.
  • M38 Designated Marksman Rifle : Essentially a modified M27 IAR configured for precision engagements. It is fielded as a marksman rifle, providing increased accuracy and range compared to a standard infantry rifle, allowing designated marksmen to engage targets at extended ranges within an infantry squad.

Sniper rifles

For those who prefer to keep their distance, these tools offer precision at ranges where most wouldn’t even see the target.

  • Mk 13 mod 7 : A formidable sniper rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, renowned for its extended range and superior ballistics. It is built upon the highly adaptable Accuracy International Chassis System, incorporating a robust Remington 700 long action.
  • M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System : An improved iteration of the Mk 11, this semi-automatic sniper rifle provides rapid follow-up shot capability, making it highly effective for engaging multiple targets or quickly adjusting fire. It serves as a direct replacement for both the M39 and the earlier Mk 11.
  • Barrett 50 Cal/M82/M107 : The quintessential anti-materiel rifle, chambered in the devastating .50 BMG. It is in active use in its M82A3 and M107 variants. The M82A3 represents an upgraded version of the M82A1A, while the M107 was specifically developed in response to rigorous requirements for an anti-materiel rifle, capable of neutralizing equipment, light vehicles, and even unexploded ordnance at extreme distances.
  • Barrett MK22 : The latest addition to the Marine Corps’ precision fire arsenal, the MK22 is the new standard precision rifle for US Marines. This multi-caliber bolt-action system allows for rapid caliber changes, providing unparalleled versatility for various mission profiles and target engagements.

Shotguns

For close-quarters breaching, non-lethal crowd control, or simply delivering a devastating spread of projectiles, shotguns still hold a niche.

  • Remington 870 : Employed as the M870, notably by Marine Security Guards for embassy protection, and also in its Modular Combat Shotgun configuration, offering versatility for breaching and close-range engagements.
  • Benelli M1014 : A highly reliable, semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun, favored for its robust construction and rapid-fire capabilities in combat situations.
  • Mossberg 590A1 12-gauge pump : A rugged and dependable pump-action shotgun, often used for breaching doors, close-quarters combat, and general utility. [8]

Machine guns

The backbone of suppressive fire, machine guns ensure that the enemy’s day is significantly worse.

  • M2HB : The heavy machine gun, chambered in the potent .50 BMG round. It is primarily used on vehicles, providing overwhelming firepower against personnel, light vehicles, and even some hardened targets.
  • M240B : A 7.62×51mm medium machine gun, serving as the primary general-purpose machine gun for infantry units, as well as being mounted on light vehicles and helicopters. Its reliability and sustained fire capability are legendary.
  • Mk48 Mod 1 : A 7.62×51mm light machine gun, specifically designed for special operations forces. It offers a lighter, more maneuverable alternative to the M240 while retaining significant firepower, making it a preferred choice for US MARSOC .
  • M249E4 : The 5.56×45mm light machine gun, a long-standing infantry support weapon providing a high volume of suppressive fire. While not entirely replaced, it is being steadily supplanted by the more accurate and versatile M27 IAR in many roles, representing a doctrinal shift.

Hand grenades

Simple, effective, and wonderfully indiscriminate.

Grenade launchers

For when you need a little more bang than a rifle bullet, but less than an artillery shell.

  • M203A1/A2 40 mm Rifle-Mounted Grenade Launcher : A classic under-barrel grenade launcher, providing infantry with a direct-fire, high-explosive capability against point targets.
  • M320 Grenade Launcher Module : The successor to the M203, offering improved ergonomics, safety, and the ability to be used as a standalone weapon, enhancing its versatility.
  • M32 MGL 40mm 6 shot Revolver type Grenade Launcher : A multi-shot, semi-automatic grenade launcher, providing a rapid-fire, suppressive capability with 40mm grenades, allowing for quick engagement of multiple targets or sustained area saturation. [9]
  • MK19 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher : A crew-served, belt-fed automatic grenade launcher capable of firing high-explosive, dual-purpose, or training rounds. It’s devastating against light armor and personnel in the open, often vehicle-mounted.

Mortars

The art of lobbing explosives over obstacles to land precisely where the enemy least expects them.

  • M224 60 mm Mortar : A lightweight, man-portable mortar system providing immediate indirect fire support at the company level.
  • M252 81 mm Extended Range Mortar : A heavier, more powerful mortar system, typically deployed at the battalion level, offering increased range and destructive power for sustained indirect fire missions.
  • M327 120 mm Expeditionary Fire Support System : A towed 120mm mortar system, providing the Marine Corps with a highly mobile, heavy indirect fire capability that bridges the gap between smaller mortars and traditional artillery.

Artillery

When you need to rearrange the landscape, or at least a significant portion of it.

  • M777 155 mm lightweight howitzer : A highly advanced, lightweight towed howitzer, capable of delivering precise 155mm rounds at extended ranges. Its reduced weight makes it ideal for expeditionary forces, allowing for rapid deployment by helicopter or other means.
  • High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS): A truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher system, capable of firing a variety of rockets and missiles with extreme precision and speed. HIMARS provides the Marine Corps with a highly mobile, long-range, and devastatingly accurate strike capability against high-value targets.

Shoulder-fired missile and rocket launchers

Portable firepower for defeating hardened targets and armored threats.

Vehicle-mounted weapons

When you need to bring a lot of firepower to bear from a mobile platform.

Aircraft-mounted weapons

The aerial arsenal, designed to deliver destruction from above, making the ground forces’ lives marginally easier.

Guns

  • GAU-12/U 25 mm Gatling gun : A formidable five-barrel rotary cannon, primarily mounted on the AV-8B Harrier II, capable of shredding ground targets with a high rate of fire.
  • GAU-16/A .50 Caliber Machine gun : A variant of the M2, often used as a door-mounted machine gun on helicopters like the UH-1N , providing close-in fire support.
  • GAU-17/A 7.62 mm automatic gun : A six-barrel rotary machine gun known for its extremely high rate of fire, commonly mounted as a door gun on helicopters for suppressive fire.
  • GAU-21/A .50 Caliber Machine gun : An improved version of the GAU-16/A, offering a higher rate of fire and increased reliability, also used as a door gun on various aircraft.
  • GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm Gatling cannon: A truly monstrous seven-barrel rotary cannon, the primary weapon of the A-10 Thunderbolt II (though less common for USMC aircraft, it is listed as an armament option for some joint operations and concepts). Its sheer destructive power against armor is legendary.
  • M61A1 20 mm automatic cannon : A six-barrel rotary cannon, a standard armament on many fighter jets and attack aircraft, providing a high rate of fire for air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements.
  • M197 20 mm automatic cannon : A three-barrel rotary cannon, lighter than the M61A1, commonly found on attack helicopters like the AH-1W , offering a balance of firepower and weight efficiency.

Bombs

For when you need to make a statement, often a loud one, from a safe distance.

  • CBU-99 Cluster Bomb : A cluster munition designed to disperse multiple submunitions over a wide area, highly effective against dispersed personnel and light vehicles.
  • GBU-10 2000 lb laser-guided bomb : A 2000-pound general-purpose bomb fitted with a Paveway II laser guidance kit, offering precision strike capability against hardened targets.
  • GBU-12 500 lb laser-guided bomb : A lighter, 500-pound version of the GBU-10, also laser-guided, used for precision strikes against smaller targets or where collateral damage needs to be minimized.
  • GBU-16 1000 lb laser-guided bomb : A 1000-pound laser-guided bomb, offering a compromise between the GBU-10 and GBU-12 in terms of destructive power and precision.
  • MK82 series 500 lb bomb : A standard unguided, general-purpose 500-pound bomb, widely used for area bombing and against various targets.
  • MK83 series 1000 lb bomb : A standard unguided, general-purpose 1000-pound bomb, offering a greater destructive radius than the MK82.
  • MK84 series 2000 lb bomb : The largest of the general-purpose bombs, a 2000-pound unguided munition capable of immense destructive power against large structures and wide areas.
  • Mk 77 incendiary bomb : An incendiary device designed to create widespread fires, particularly effective against fuel depots, vegetation, or structures.
  • GBU-31 : A 2000-pound JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), which converts unguided bombs into all-weather precision-guided munitions using GPS/INS guidance.
  • GBU-32 : A 1000-pound JDAM, providing precision guidance for smaller targets.
  • GBU-38 : A 500-pound JDAM, the lightest variant, offering cost-effective precision against smaller or numerous targets.
  • GBU-39 : The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) I, a 250-pound precision-guided glide bomb designed to strike targets with minimal collateral damage, often carried in large numbers by aircraft.
  • GBU-53 : The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II, also known as StormBreaker, an advanced 250-pound precision-guided munition with multi-mode seeker technology, capable of engaging moving targets in all weather conditions.
  • GBU-54 : A Laser JDAM (LJDAM), which combines the GPS/INS guidance of a JDAM with a laser seeker, allowing it to engage moving targets or be guided by ground designators.

Missiles

For when you need to hit something with extreme precision, or from very far away, or both.

  • Naval Strike Missile : An advanced anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile, providing long-range precision strike capability against maritime and coastal targets.
  • AGM-65 Maverick : An air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close air support, effective against a wide range of targets including armor, air defenses, and ships.
  • AGM-84 Harpoon : An all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile, capable of engaging surface combatants and merchant ships.
  • AGM-88 HARM : A high-speed anti-radiation missile, designed to detect and destroy enemy radar systems, suppressing air defenses.
  • AGM-114 Hellfire : A precision-guided air-to-ground missile, primarily used by attack helicopters like the AH-1W and drones, highly effective against armored vehicles and high-value targets.
  • AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon : A glide bomb with a standoff range, allowing aircraft to release it from a safe distance, designed for precision engagement of various land and sea targets.
  • AIM-7 Sparrow : A medium-range, semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missile, once a staple for fighter aircraft.
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder : A short-range, heat-seeking air-to-air missile, a classic dogfighting weapon, still in widespread use.
  • AIM-120 AMRAAM : An advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously beyond visual range, using active radar guidance.
  • Hydra 70 : A family of 70mm unguided rockets, launched from pods on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, used for general fire support and suppression.
  • M260 70 mm Rocket Launcher : A common launcher pod for the Hydra 70 rockets, typically carrying seven rockets.
  • Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System : A guidance kit that transforms standard unguided Hydra 70 rockets into precision-guided munitions, offering a cost-effective way to achieve accuracy with existing rocket stocks.

Other

Because not everything fits neatly into a category, and some things are just designed to be unpleasant.

  • M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mine : A directional fragmentation mine, designed to be detonated remotely, projecting a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls towards the enemy. It’s truly a nasty piece of work.
  • M15 anti-tank mine : A large, pressure-activated mine designed to damage or destroy main battle tanks and other heavy armored vehicles.
  • M19 anti-tank mine: Another large anti-tank mine, designed for broad area denial against armored threats.
  • M21 anti-tank mine: A more advanced anti-tank mine, capable of detecting and engaging vehicles through various means.
  • M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) : A rocket-propelled explosive line charge used to clear paths through minefields, creating a safe lane for troops and vehicles.

Accessories

The often-overlooked components that turn a weapon into a precision instrument, or allow it to operate in conditions where human eyes fail.

  • Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) , recently renamed Rifle Combat Optic (RCO): A fixed-magnification telescopic sight, famous for its durability, clear glass, and tritium-illuminated reticle, allowing for rapid target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
  • ITL MARS reflex sight : A multi-purpose aiming device, combining a laser aiming module with a reflex sight, enhancing accuracy in close to medium ranges.
  • AN/PSQ-18 day/night grenade launcher sight: A specialized sight providing improved aiming capabilities for grenade launchers in both daylight and low-light environments.
  • AN/PVS-7 A Passive/Active night vision device : A monocular night vision device, allowing the user to see in near-total darkness by amplifying ambient light.
  • AN/PVS-10 night vision sight : A rifle-mounted night vision sight, offering enhanced aiming capabilities for weapons in low-light conditions.
  • AN/PVS-14 night vision sight: A highly versatile monocular night vision device, widely used as a head-mounted, helmet-mounted, or weapon-mounted system.
  • AN/PVS-17 night vision sight: A compact, weapon-mounted night vision sight designed for short to medium-range engagements.
  • AN/PVS-21 night vision sight: A unique low-profile night vision goggle designed for direct vision, allowing operators to maintain peripheral vision while using the device.
  • AN/PVS-31 night vision sight: A modern, lightweight binocular night vision device, offering superior depth perception and situational awareness compared to monocular systems.
  • AN/PAS-13 thermal sight : A weapon-mounted thermal imaging sight, allowing users to detect heat signatures day or night, through smoke, fog, or light cover, a distinct advantage over traditional night vision.
  • AN/PAQ-4 IR laser sight **: An infrared laser aiming device, visible only with night vision equipment, providing a covert aiming solution.
  • AN/PEQ-15 IR laser sight: A highly integrated aiming light and laser device, combining visible and infrared lasers with an infrared illuminator for target designation and engagement in various light conditions.
  • Knights Armament Company QDSS NT4 suppressor **: A sound suppressor designed to reduce the weapon’s muzzle flash and report, aiding in stealth and reducing hearing damage.
  • various tactical lights **: Weapon-mounted illumination devices used for target identification, disorientation, and navigation in low-light conditions.
  • M2 tripod for light and medium machine guns: A robust tripod platform providing stability for sustained fire from machine guns.
  • M122 tripod for light and medium machine guns: Another tripod system, similar in function to the M2, offering a stable firing platform.
  • M3 tripod for heavy machine guns: A specialized, heavy-duty tripod designed to handle the recoil and weight of the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, ensuring maximum stability and accuracy.

Testing/limited use

Not every piece of equipment makes it to the general population. Some are reserved for the chosen few, or are simply passing through a trial phase, much like a particularly demanding job interview. Marines serving with specialized units such as MARSOC , Force Reconnaissance , and MEU (SOC)s (Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable)) occasionally employ specialized weapons that are not standard issue for the rest of the fleet. This is simply a recognition that their unique missions demand unique tools. Furthermore, some weapons undergo rigorous testing and evaluation within select units before being considered for broader acceptance and large-scale adoption across the Corps. In a few instances, older, previously retired weapons are even temporarily brought back into service for very specific, limited use scenarios, proving that nothing is ever truly obsolete if it still works.

  • M45A1 Close Quarter Battle Pistol : A highly refined .45 ACP 1911-pattern pistol, specifically designed for close-quarters combat. It was issued to Force Reconnaissance , MARSOC , and Special Reaction Team (SRT) personnel, prior to the adoption of the M18. [10]
  • High Standard HDM (.22 LR ): A suppressed .22 caliber pistol, known for its extreme quietness. It saw limited issue (approximately 10 per company) to USMC Force Recon units for specialized clandestine operations where discretion was paramount.
  • Mk48 Mod 1 : As mentioned in active use, but its initial deployment and continued specialized use by US MARSOC highlights its role as a specialized, rather than general, issue weapon.
  • Heckler & Koch MP5-N : A specialized variant of the iconic MP5 submachine gun, tailored for naval special operations. Its use is restricted to MARSOC , Force Reconnaissance , and SRT teams, prized for its compactness and control in confined environments.
  • Multi-shot Accessory Underbarrel Launcher : An innovative underbarrel shotgun system, designed to attach to a rifle, providing breaching or less-lethal capabilities. It was undergoing evaluation, demonstrating the Corps’ continuous search for versatile infantry tools.
  • Mk 18 CQBR : A subcompact variant of the M4 carbine, distinguished by its 10.3-inch barrel and the replacement of burst fire with fully automatic capabilities. This highly specialized weapon is primarily used by Force Recon units for extreme close-quarters battle.
  • FN SCAR MK16 & 17 : The modular rifle system from FN Herstal, with the MK16 being the 5.56mm variant and the MK17 the 7.62mm “Heavy” version. These were evaluated and saw limited adoption by MARSOC for their modularity and adaptability to various mission profiles.
  • Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle : A highly accurate 5.56mm precision rifle, designed for designated marksmen. It saw limited use with MARSOC , providing a semi-automatic precision capability in a relatively lightweight package. [11]
  • Glock 19 : While the M007 was a specific MARSOC adoption, the general Glock 19 was also used by MARSOC more broadly, highlighting its widespread acceptance among special operations communities for its reliability and simplicity.

Retired

A graveyard of once-essential tools, now relegated to history, or perhaps a museum. Many of these weapons served with distinction, but time, technology, and evolving threats rendered them obsolete, much like many human ideas.

Bladed Weapons

  • M9 Bayonet : A multi-purpose bayonet and utility knife, replaced by the OKC-3S.
  • M7 Bayonet : The standard bayonet for the M16 rifle series, a simpler design than its successor.
  • M6 Bayonet : Designed for the M14 rifle, a direct descendant of the M1 Garand bayonet.
  • M5 Bayonet : Another bayonet for the M1 Garand, designed for easier attachment and removal.
  • Raider stiletto : The original combat knife of the Marine Raiders, a slender, double-edged blade.
  • M1942 Bayonet : Used with the M1 Garand rifle during World War II, a longer, more robust design.
  • M1917 Bayonet : Primarily for the M1917 Enfield rifle, a substantial blade.
  • M1905 Bayonet : A long bayonet used with the M1903 Springfield and later modified for the M1 Garand.

Pistols

  • M1911 : The iconic .45 ACP pistol, serving the US military for over 70 years in various forms, a testament to its enduring design.
  • S&W Model 10 : A .38 Special revolver, used in limited roles, particularly by MPs and aircrews.
  • S&W Model 66 : A .357 Magnum revolver, offering greater stopping power than the Model 10.
  • Ruger M108 Revolver : Another .357 Magnum revolver, used by the Marine Corps for various duties. [12]
  • M1905 Marine : An early semi-automatic pistol, a precursor to the M1911.
  • 1873 Colt Single Action : The legendary “Peacemaker,” a single-action revolver from the Wild West era, used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Colt M1861 Navy : A .36 caliber percussion revolver, a common sidearm during the American Civil War era.
  • Colt 1851 Navy Revolver : Another popular percussion revolver, widely used during the mid-19th century.
  • Harper’s Ferry Model 1805 : An early flintlock pistol, reflecting the earliest days of the Marine Corps.
  • Beretta M9A1 : An updated version of the M9, with a rail for accessories, eventually replaced by the M18.
  • Beretta M9: The long-serving 9mm standard-issue pistol, replaced by the M18 after decades of service.

Rifles, Carbines, & Muskets

A journey through the evolution of infantry firepower, from black powder to modern assault rifles.

  • United States Marine Corps Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) : A highly accurate 5.56mm rifle, built on the M16 platform, designed to provide precision fire at extended ranges within the squad.
  • Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) : A 7.62mm rifle based on the M14, providing a semi-automatic precision capability for marksmen.
  • M16A1 /M16A2 : Early variants of the M16, defining generations of infantry combat, with the A1 being fully automatic and the A2 introducing the burst fire mode.
  • M14 Rifle : A 7.62mm battle rifle, briefly serving as the standard infantry rifle before being replaced by the M16, but still valued for its power and accuracy in designated marksman roles.
  • M1 Garand : The iconic .30-06 semi-automatic rifle of World War II and Korea, praised for its reliability and firepower.
  • M1917 Enfield : A bolt-action rifle, serving as a primary infantry rifle during World War I.
  • M1903 Springfield : The standard bolt-action rifle of the US military from 1903 through World War I and into World War II.
  • Springfield Model 1892-99 : A bolt-action rifle, based on the Krag–Jørgensen design, used during the Spanish-American War.
  • M1895 Lee Navy : A straight-pull bolt-action rifle, unique for its time, used by the US Navy and Marine Corps.
  • Springfield Model 1882 Short Rifle: A shorter variant of the “Trapdoor” Springfield, a single-shot breech-loading rifle.
  • M1872 Springfield : An early “Trapdoor” Springfield rifle, marking the transition from muzzleloaders to breechloaders.
  • Spencer repeating rifle : An early lever-action repeating rifle, seeing use during the American Civil War.
  • Springfield Model 1863 : A .58 caliber muzzleloading rifled musket, a primary infantry weapon during the latter half of the Civil War.
  • Springfield Model 1861 : Another .58 caliber muzzleloading rifled musket, widely used during the Civil War.
  • 1853 Enfield musket : A British-made .577 caliber rifled musket, imported and used by both sides during the American Civil War.
  • Springfield Model 1855 : A .58 caliber rifled musket, notable for its Maynard tape primer system.
  • M1819 Hall Rifle : An early breech-loading rifle, a significant innovation in its time.
  • Model 1816 Musket : A .69 caliber flintlock musket, widely produced and used in the early 19th century.
  • Springfield Model 1812 Musket : Another early flintlock musket, similar to the Model 1795.
  • Model 1795 Musket : The first standardized military musket produced in the United States, based on the French Charleville Musket.
  • M1/M2/M3 carbine : A lightweight, semi-automatic (M1) or selective-fire (M2/M3) carbine, widely used as a personal defense weapon.
  • M50 Reising : A submachine gun used in the early parts of WWII, particularly by the Marine Corps, before being replaced by the Thompson.
  • Colt Model 733 : A compact carbine variant of the M16, part of the CAR-15 family, used by special operations forces.

Submachine guns

For spraying bullets in close quarters, a tactic less favored now than in previous eras.

  • Model of 1921 Thompson : The original “Tommy Gun,” a legendary submachine gun of the Prohibition era and early WWII.
  • Model of 1928 and M1928A1 Thompson : Improved versions of the Thompson, widely used during WWII.
  • M50 and M55 Reising : Submachine guns used by the Marine Corps early in WWII, known for their unique operating mechanism.
  • M1 and M1A1 Thompson : Simplified and more robust versions of the Thompson, optimized for mass production during WWII.
  • M3 and M3A1 : The “Grease Gun,” a simpler, cheaper, and more compact submachine gun, introduced late in WWII.
  • Heckler & Koch MP5 (some variants): While some specialized variants are still in limited use, the general MP5 series has largely been superseded for general military roles.

Machine guns

The instruments of continuous, unrelenting fire.

  • M1895 Colt–Browning machine gun : The “Potato Digger,” an early gas-operated machine gun from the late 19th century.
  • Hotchkiss M1909 Benét–Mercié machine gun : A light machine gun used in World War I, known for its distinctive feed strip.
  • M1917 Browning machine gun : A heavy, water-cooled machine gun used extensively in WWI and WWII, known for its sustained fire capability.
  • M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle : The BAR, a light machine gun or “automatic rifle” that provided mobile, automatic fire for infantry squads from WWI through Korea.
  • M1919 Browning machine gun : A versatile medium machine gun, air-cooled, widely used in various roles, including infantry support and vehicle mounting, throughout WWII and Korea.
  • M60 machine gun : The “Pig,” a 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun, the standard for decades, eventually replaced by the M240 series.
  • Quad 50 : A vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft system featuring four M2 .50 caliber machine guns, highly effective against low-flying aircraft and ground targets.

Explosives & Launchers

The tools for making things go boom, in various sizes and styles.

Aircraft/vehicle-mounted

  • M2/M3 cannon : A 20mm autocannon, widely used on aircraft during WWII.
  • M85 Machine Gun : A .50 caliber heavy machine gun designed for commander’s cupolas on tanks, known for its variable rate of fire.
  • M73/M219 Machine Gun: A 7.62mm coaxial machine gun found on some older armored vehicles.

Other

  • Linear Infighting Neural Override Engagement (LINE) Combat System : A highly controversial and complex close-quarters combat system, taught to some Marines, though its widespread adoption and effectiveness were debated.
  • AN/PVS-4 Night Vision Sight: A first-generation night vision scope, a significant advancement in low-light combat capabilities for its era.
  • AN/TVS-5 Night Vision Sight: Another early night vision sight, typically tripod-mounted, for surveillance and target acquisition.

See also

For those who simply cannot get enough of these delightful instruments of war, here are a few more rabbit holes to fall down: