From Rifle to Sidearm: Inside the Arsenal Every Marine Trains With

"November 10 marks the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, one of the deadliest fighting forces on Earth. Every Marine learns to handle the Corps' modern arsenal, from the old school M1911 to the newer M249 SAW. Each of these firearms is a key part of the Marine's toolkit, and what makes them effective on the battlefield. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a look at what the USMC has in its arsenal."

"Understanding the weapons and small arms used by today's militaries gives some insight into a nation's combat capabilities, or even tactical doctrines. These guns are not just instruments of warfare, but they actually reflect the technological innovation and defense budgets for a given military over the time. By exploring which rifles, sidearms, machine guns, and support weapons are fielded by various armed forces, we can better understand how nations prepare for conflict, defend their interests, and ultimately shape their battlefield effectiveness."

The United States Marine Corps marks its 249th birthday on November 10 and maintains a wide range of small arms used by Marines in modern combat. Marines train with weapons from the M1911 and Beretta M9 sidearms to rifles such as the Colt M16A4, M4, and precision platforms like the Barrett M82 and M110 SASS. Support and specialty weapons include the M249 SAW, M32 MGL, M136/AT4, FGM-148 Javelin, and bunker defeat munitions. Guns were identified using the Military Factory database and ordered chronologically with supplemental data on weapon type, maximum effective range, and caliber. The compiled roster reflects technological evolution, tactical roles, and varied capabilities across infantry, marksman, anti-armor, and support functions.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.