Squad Designated Marksmanship Training with the M14 EBR

Pvt. 1st Class Nicholas Howerton with Bravo Company,  2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, takes aim at his target during squad designated marksmanship training at Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb. 14. The 2/504th PIR, preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, received training from members of the Army Reserve Marksmanship team on the Enhanced Battle Rifle.

By Timothy Hale, FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, based here, gathered on the bleachers and listened intently to the instructor.

“Were you able to see, through the scope mounted on your rifle, why we were telling you what to do?” asked Master Sgt. Norman Anderson, a member of the Army Reserve Marksmanship team.

“Hooah!” came the response from the soldiers.

“When you did the practice yourself, you were able to implement and have success. Yes or no?” he asked.

“Yes!” was the unanimous response from the group.

The question and answer session was a small part of the training for soldiers from the 2nd/504th PIR on the Enhanced Battle Rifle – an individual weapon system that will be used by the unit’s squad designated marksmen during their deployment to Afghanistan.

          (Click to enlarge)
The Army Reserve Marksmanship team was contacted by 2nd/504th PIR leadership to conduct squad designated marksmanship training on the EBR, according to Master Sgt. Richard R. Kalina II, who was in charge of the training event.

“Any time we have a chance to enhance the skill of the warfighter directly ... that’s a privilege,” Kalina said. “You can’t place a value on that type of experience.”

Kalina said that many of the trainers have been with the team for many years and have valuable experience to share.

 “Being able to impart the knowledge that we have to our next generation, that is going to firmly implant on their minds,” he said. “In turn, when they make the option to either stay with the Army or go to the Army Reserve or National Guard, they’re going to think back to the training they have received right now and they’re going to do the same for the next generation.”

The EBR itself is not completely new but a modification of the M14 service rifle, said Staff Sgt. John Arcularius, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Army Reserve Service Pistol Team.

“The best thing we can give them is confidence in their weapon’s ability to hit at those extended ranges we expect it to hit,” he said.

Arcularius said the training is broken down into five phases to include: position evaluation; dry fire; range estimation; elevation, windage and hold off-hold on; and field fire qualification.

“In the beginning of it, we are training them. As we progress, we are actually teaching them how to train themselves and how to sustain their training so when we go away they can still keep confidence and competence to keep a sustained force,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Tyree, a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd/504th PIR, said the training was challenging but enjoyable.

They provided “very, very good teaching points,” Tyree said. “They really relate the training to how we are going to use it when we get down range.”

Tyree, who deployed to Iraq twice, said the training was definitely a confidence builder for him and his fellow airborne soldiers.

“Hands down, this is some of the best training I’ve had in the last couple of years,” he said.

The M40A3 and M40A5 Sniper Rifle in Thailand

  Video  


2.16.2012 - Amphibious Reconnaissance and Scout Sniper Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit train combat marksmanship with Marines and Navy SEALS from the Republic of Korea and Royal Thai Marine special forces. Marines of the MEU's scout sniper platoon led a brief period of instruction before all parties fired at multiple targets ranging from 100 to 400 meters. All three nations fired the Marine Corps' M40A3 and M40A5 sniper rifles. 



  Photos  

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bradley Blankenship, a scout sniper assigned to the Battalion Landing Team Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sights in his rifle during scout sniper training with Royal Thai Marines and Republic of Korea Marines and Navy SEAL's at Recon Camp, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 16, 2012.. The training was part of Cobra Gold 2012, a multilateral training exercise. CG 2012 demonstrates the resolve of the U.S. and participating nations to increase interoperability and promote security and peace throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the U.S.'s expeditionary force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine  Corps photo by LCpl. Patrick J. McMahon/Released) 

















Republic of Korea Marine Corps GySgt. Jung Chan Uk, sits behind a U.S. Marine Corps M40A5 sniper rifle during sniper training led by U.S. Marines Scout Snipers.
(U.S. Marine  Corps photo by LCpl. Patrick J. McMahon/Released)

Royal Thai Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Praman Keawsajunnee part of the Royal Thai King's Guard, works with U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bradley Blankenship a scout sniper assigned to the Battalion Landing Team Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the proper shooting method during scout sniper training 

(U.S. Marine  Corps photo by LCpl. Patrick J. McMahon/Released)

 

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Bradley Blankenship, a scout sniper assigned to Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) uses Corporal Emmanuel Velayo, a fellow scout sniper, as a makeshift support during scout sniper training.
(U.S. Marine  Corps photo by LCpl. Patrick J. McMahon/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl.l Micah Crowell, a scout sniper assigned to the Battalion Landing Team Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sights in his rifle during scout sniper training.  
(U.S. Marine  Corps photo by LCpl. Patrick J. McMahon/Released)

Slide Fire Solutions adds new AK47 Slide Stock

By R. Oak - With the success of the AR15 Slide Stock, the folks at Slide Fire Solutions have been busy not just fulfilling the demand for it but also developing stocks for other types of rifles.  And for 2012 they are out with the SSAK-47 XRS.  This slide stock operate the same way as the SSAR-15, but is made for the AK47/AK74 semi-auto rifles.

The SSAK-47 XRS will fit stamped receivers only.  It will not fit any milled receivers or any variants with underfolders stocks (For additional information regarding specific models, please contact Slide Fire Solutions).  Construction of the stock is made of glass filled nylon, which is similar to the AR15A2/M16A2 rifle stock and is lightweight, durable and tough.  But if anyone has any concerns about it, Slide Fire Solutions offers a lifetime warranty.

Installation is simple: remove the pistol grip and replace it with an interface block.  Next, remove the stock and replace it with the slide stock.  And you are done!  The SSAK-47 XRS has 2 settings, semi-auto and bump fire.  In semi-auto mode the stock is locked into position by a knob underneath the stock.  When ready to bump fire, the stock is unlocked so that it can slide back and forth.

It's the sliding action that makes for effective bump fire as the trigger finger does not move, instead the supporting hand does the firing by pushing the rifle forward, then recoil and the sliding completes a cycle.  Hence, the supporting hand becomes the "trigger".  If you've never bump fire before it may sound counter-intuitive, as we're used to pulling the trigger, but this stuff definitely works!  (Click here to watch a field demonstration on the slide stock).

Shooting impressions
I was actually looking forward to shooting the slide stock on the AK47 as it is a larger caliber.  And when I did, well, I wasn't disappointed!  It's got more recoil and it's just plain fun to shoot and of course a lot more difficult to hit a target.  But with some practice one can improve on.  The only problem, I encountered were a couple of failures to feed due to a bad magazine.  My 2nd magazine fed without any issues.

The SSAK-47 XRS is definitely not a gimmick and functions as advertised.  It may take a magazine or two to get used, but most will be able to bump fire in no time.  If anybody wants to experience a safe and fun way to bump fire, the SSAK-47 XRS fits the bill.


SSAR-15 SBS Specifications:
- Available in Right and Left Hand Models
- Constructed of Premium Reinforced High Strength Polymer
- Compatible with most AK47/AK74 with stamped receiver.  Will not fit milled receivers
- Color:  Black
- Made in the U.S.A.
- MSRP $299.95

Includes: SSAK-4 XRS, Interface Block, Nut Retainer, Hex Key, Mounting Hardware, and Instructions.

For more info, visit www.slidefire.com

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101st Airborne is Issued the M26 Shotgun

By Sgt. Joe Padula
2nd BCT PAO

FORT CAMPBELL, KY – It weighs 3.5 pounds, has a barrel length of 7.75 inches, fires 12-gauge shells and can be mounted on the M4 carbine or act as a stand-alone firearm; it is the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the first unit in the Army to be issued the combat enhancer.

“This is a new capability that is now in your hands for you to conduct your mission downrange,” said Col. Scott C. Armstrong, with Project Manager Soldier Weapons, during a presentation ceremony held at Fort Campbell’s Strike Academy, Feb. 7. “This is a big day, not just for the 2nd Brigade, but for the Army.”

Picatinny Arsenal-based PMSW is a group that supports Soldiers through the development, production, fielding and sustainment of current and future weapons systems. PMSW fielded the M26 MASS to the 2nd BCT, also known as the Strike Brigade due to the unit’s profile and future deployment schedule.

“We’re glad to be the first unit to put this weapon to work and there is an appreciation for all that goes into this,” said Col. Dan Walrath, the Strike commander, while holding the new Strike Shotgun.
After the ‘hand-over’ ceremony, the weapons were issued to Strike’s engineer company, Company A, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion and Strike’s military police with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BSTB. For three days, under the guidance of PMSW, the Strike Soldiers learned how to assemble, maintain, repair and effectively fire their new weapons.

“From the classroom instruction to employing the techniques taught at the M26 live-fire range, I was very impressed with the professionalism, motivation and skill of the Soldiers present,” said Maj. Vinson Morris, assistant product manager. “I have no doubt the 2nd Brigade Soldiers will seamlessly incorporate this new weapon into their current missions while benefiting from the weapon’s light weight and exceptional reliability.”
The Strike Soldiers who received and shot the weapons are welcoming to the new firearm into their arsenal, and see how its capabilities will help their missions.

“I can see this being very effective with the engineers for breaching and with the military police, especially since you can shoot ammunition that is non lethal,” said Sgt. Rhys McMahon, a combat engineer with Company A. “So far this is an amazing weapon; I’ve shot about 75 rounds and it works magnificently. This would have helped us out quite a few times when we were in Afghanistan.”

The Strike MP’s first sergeant, 1st Sgt. David Ward, is honored to have his teams utilize the new weapon system and attributes it partly to their accomplishments achieved in Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11.
“Since I have the brigade MP platoon in my company, I feel the initial deployment of these weapons to Strike is a testament to the service the Strike Soldiers have always exemplified, but most specifically in our last deployment into Afghanistan,” said Ward, talking about the brigade’s engineers and MPs. “Both of these elements of the brigade did some outstanding work in Afghanistan and it is nice to see them be the first to field the latest and greatest systems.”

PMSW has invested much time, money and manpower getting the future weapon into the hands of today’s Soldiers and can rest easy knowing those hands belong to Strike.

Slide Fire Solutions adds 2nd model for the AR15/M4 rifle: SSAR-15 SBS

Ken with Slide Fire Solutions demonstrates the use of the AR15 fitted with the SSAR-15 SBS stock, followed by a shooter who never fired it before

(By R. Oak) - The Slide Stock that Slide Fire Solutions introduced just recently, has been such a hit, that it has become a must have item.  The stock is designed to allow for rapid fire (bump fire) without any modifications to the internal parts such as the trigger, sear, and/or bolt carrier that typically needs to be converted.  So the rifle stays a semi-automatic, which is less restrictive than NFA firearms, not to mention the costs and red tape associated with owning one.  And it's even available in California!  Slide Fire Solutions currently has 2 distributors there.

The mechanics of the stock is simple "bump fire" concept.  That is, the trigger finger does not move, instead the rifle moves around the trigger.  So, imagine the stock resting on the shoulder and the shooting finger on the trigger, then when ready to shoot the support hand pushes the rifle forward.  The pushing will cause the rifle to shoot a round.  To fire continuously, keep applying forward pressure on the forearm.  So, the pushing action along with the recoil will help keep the momentum and next thing you know you're be bump firing.  If you've never bump fired successfully it sounds awkward, but it's not.  Most shooters including those who'd never handled a firearms before will get the hang of it by the time they are on their second magazine!
For 2012, Slide Fire Solutions adds a second model for the AR15/M4 style rifles.  Designed to look more like a tactical stock, the SSAR-15 SBS (Standard Battle Stock) retains the same functionality as the original stock SSAR-15 OGR.  Both models are available for either right and left handed shooters and fits Carbine/M4 style buffer tubes only.  Tools and instructions are included and installation is as simple as changing the rifle stock and pistol grip.

Shooting impressions
Ken, a Slide Fire Solutions rep at the SHOT Show Media Day, handed me an AR15 with a funny looking stock and explained how to operate it.  After a brief class, I took it for a test drive.  The rifle did what was advertised and it burped 4-5 rounds.  The next burst came naturally and by the time I was done with the first mag, it left me with a positive impression.  Next, it was time for a second mag.  I slid the stock tighter on my shoulders, leaned forward, and got my sight picture.  Then I let go for a bit longer, perhaps with a 10 round burp.  Recoil was controllable and there was barely any muzzle rise.  To my surprise, I also got quite a bit of hits on the steel target.  Then, I went back to 5-6 round burps until it went empty.  So, what do I think?  I think ammo companies should subsidize the cost of it and hand it out for free to all law abiding Americans, they'll probably make up the cost in 1 shooting session!  But seriously, this thing works as intended and will leave you with a big smile that'll last for a long time.

SSAR-15 SBS Specifications:
- Available in Right and Left Hand Models
- Constructed of Premium Reinforced High Strength Polymer
- Compatible with Mil-Spec and Commercial Buffer Tubes
- Color:  Black
- Made in the U.S.A.
- MSRP $369

Includes: SSAR-15 SBS, Interface Block, Hex Key, Instructions and BATFE Approval Letter.

For more info, visit www.slidefire.com

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Exclusive “Statue of Liberty” GLOCK Auctioned Off

(GLOCK Press Release)
Official 2012 SHOT Show Auction Handgun Sells for More Than $15,000

Smyrna, GA (February 2, 2012) - GLOCK, Inc. has announced its highest bidder for the “GLOCK Statue of Liberty Gun,” the one-of-a-kind, hand-engraved GLOCK 22, which served as the official Handgun for the 2012 SHOT Show Auction.  The gun sold to Alexander Wilson for $15,025, which will benefit programs to further America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.

The exclusive GLOCK features an intricate, hand-engraved tribute to the United States and the Statue of Liberty. This theme was selected to recognize GLOCK’s 25th Anniversary in the United States, which coincides with the 125th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.

“In celebration of GLOCK’s 25 years in the United States, Mr. GLOCK wanted to recognize the customers who have helped the company achieve such a milestone,” stated GLOCK Vice President Gary Fletcher. “This one-of-a-kind piece demonstrates GLOCK’s dedication to its advocates.”

In addition to ownership of the exclusive GLOCK pistol, Alexander Wilson, winner of the 2012 SHOT Show handgun, will also receive a signed drawing of the original GLOCK pistol.

The GLOCK was up for auction from Dec. 14-Jan.20 on GunBroker.com, the world’s largest internet auction site for sporting firearms and related equipment, official auction site of the National Sport Shooting Foundation (NSSF) and promotional partner of the Hunting Heritage Trust. This year, 50,382 GunBroker users viewed the 2012 Shot Show Handgun on the popular internet auction site.  As in recent years, bidding for the SHOT Show auction items took place exclusively on GunBroker.com.




About GLOCK, Inc.
GLOCK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK's superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with 65% of agencies nationwide choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation's law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens' Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit www.teamglock.com.

FN F2000 Bullpup Assault Rifles with Peruvian Marines

(Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Alan Owens 1/30/2012) 

Peruvian Marines with Batalion de Infanteria de Marina No.1 conduct basic rifle marksmanship training during HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012.  Their training is led by U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Detachment from High Speed Vessel Swift.  

These Peruvian Marines are equipped with the FN F2000.  The F2000 is manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium and has been in production since 2001 which makes it relatively new.  It is a bullpup configured assault rifle designed to be compact compared to traditional rifles.  The F2000 the Peruvian Marines are using is equipped with the standard 1.6x scope.

Specifications

Caliber 5.56x45mm NATO

Operating principle Gas operated, rotating bolt

Length ready to fire 690mm (27.16")

Weight (empty magazine) 3.8 kg (8.38 lb)

Barrel type Standard

Barrel length 400mm (15.75")

Buttstock type N/A

Design type Bullpup

Ejection Forwards

Firing mode Single shot, automatic

Magazine capacity 30 rounds

Magazine type Improved M16 type

Muzzle velocity 900 m/s (2.953 fps)

Rate of fire 850 RPM

Safety Manual safety, drop safety, locking safety

Sighting system 1.6x optical

Handguard types available Standard, Grenade Launcher

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Afghan soldiers train with the best: Marine Scout Snipers

Afghan National Army Soldiers with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, pose for a class photo after completing the ANA designated marksman course here, Jan. 25. U.S. Marine Corps scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conducted the course to share their marksmanship expertise with their ANA counterparts. The course was the first of its kind in southern Helmand province.

Story & photos by Cpl. Johnny Merkley  -  FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps participated in a designated marksman course here, Jan. 21-25.

U.S. Marine Corps scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, conducted the course to share their marksmanship expertise with their ANA counterparts.

“The purpose of the training was to familiarize the ANA with the weapons systems they had in their inventory,” said Master Sgt. Joe Caspole, the 2/6 assistant operations chief and lead instructor for the designated marksman course. “Overall we trained the soldiers in the basic fundamentals and the application of the M-24 weapon system so they can use it in the future when they have a need for designated marksman.

The weapons systems used by the ANA marksmen are U.S. Army M-24 sniper rifles with tactical Leupold scope attachments. The Afghan designated marksmen use this Army sniper rifle in place of the custom M40A5 sniper rifle used by Marine scout snipers.





The 1st Kandak leadership requested a select number of their soldiers receive training on the M-24 sniper rifles after seeing the marksmanship expertise of Marine scout snipers with 2/6.

“After the request came down I developed a five day course to give them the basic fundamentals,” said Caspole, a native of Columbus, Ohio. “Other than this class of ANA students, I haven’t heard of this kind of training being offered to any other ANA units.”
During the course, the ANA students learned skills such as land navigation, basic marksmanship techniques, familiarization and utilization of the Leupold scope and many other aspects key to designated marksman training.

“I learned a lot from this course, it was challenging but rewarding in the end,” said Amirkhan Mir, an ANA soldier with 3rd Tolay (company), 1/1/215. “I’ve loved weapons since I was a little boy, being able to train with the Marines and do what I loved was an experience I will never forget.”

With the training these ANA students received during the course, they can utilize and pass the knowledge on to other soldiers within their unit. Although 2/6 will be unable to offer the designated marksman training in the near future, the battalion’s leadership strongly encouraged the soldiers who completed the course to maintain their newly acquired skills and techniques.

“We’ve advised them to go back to their units and continue to maintain the skills they’ve learned during the course,” said Caspole. “This training can be very useful to them if they continue to practice and become more proficient.”

While the five-day training course may seem brief when compared to the three week school of Marine Corps designated marksmen, the ANA students were still appreciative of the training opportunity and are anxious to  utilize their new skill sets.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity to train alongside the U.S. Marines,” said Mir. “I am extremely confident in my abilities and I believe I can be very useful to my unit with the new skills they have taught me.”


Editor’s note: Second Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, 2nd Marine Division (Forward),  which heads Task Force Leatherneck. The task force serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghanistan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling the ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

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