Here is a report from the 1-187th Infantry that is using the latest hardware in Afghanistan:
The weapons listed have the following 'Confidence Ratings' that the troops gave to them-
M249 SAW 64%
M9 63%
M4 89%
M203 95%
M240B 100%
All ratings reflect the percentage of confidence the soldiers had in the weapons they were issued. All of the soldiers interviewed had used these weapons in combat.
For related info, the M4 was considered only 77% reliable, and was quoted as "getting dirty fast, the handguards rattle and get hot quickly". The M249 was lethal and accurate (79%/89%), but only had a 50% reliability rate. Ease of handling and maintenance (32%/15%) was even lower. One soldier said, "It is great when new, but gets worse over time. The drum mags fall off".
Most grenadiers wanted buckshot loads for their M203s, along with non-slip handguards and a 40mm muzzle cap to keep dirt out.
The only complaint about the M240B machinegun, was the method of carrying ammo. Most gunners wanted improved ammo bags and a quick-detatch sling.
Overall, most weapons issued were hard to keep clean and operating due to insufficient cleaning supplies in standard-issue kits. The 5.56mm round was also criticized. Many of the troops want expanding rounds, not ball or AP, which was for enemies with body armor. Not many of our opponents in the desert wear body armor. To help effectiveness, shooting lower (into the pelvis) produces better results, instead of aiming center-mass.
Now remember, this entire report is for the real steel, not the airsoft versions. All info came from a recent article in 'Stars and Stripes'.
-The Crow
"Fear is for the enemy. Fear and bullets."
Edited by - TheCrow on 08/04/2002 11:41:28 AM
