thedrifter
07-29-04, 02:45 PM
New optic sights aid in weapons training
Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos
Combat Correspondent
Marines from 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment began qualifying at Stone Bay Rifle Range using optic sights on their M16-A4 service rifles.
The battalion is one of the first battalions here to go through the qualification process with three different optic sights. It started out with a few Marines being taught how to properly use these sights, then more classes to teach others.
Knowledge of how to use the sights and the general information on maintenance and parts was taught in a class setting. Practical application followed with a grouping exercise where each Marine shot three rounds to see where their sights were set. This process has been slowly taking effect.
“This is not something that we have had for a long time,” said 1st Lt. Glen W. Taylor, officer in charge of C Range at Stone Bay Rifle Range, here. “We hope to be able to get everyone trained and qualified in the near future.”
Optic sights have been helping Marines become more equipped to accomplish missions and become better marksman. Shooters have been able to engage targets at night more effectively than before.
The PEQ-2 is an optic sight using lasers to better pinpoint a target while shooting at night. An aiming device is placed in the muzzle and pointed at the target while the illuminator’s red dot, seen by the shooter, is lined up with the aiming device to calibrate the sights to the individual shooter. Alignment of the illuminator and aiming laser gives the shooter a more accurate shot at night.
The PEQ-2 can be set up for combat and non-combat situations. It can be used on the range for practice and in the field for training. Once a shooter has zeroed his rifle, he is then ready to use the optic sight for all training purposes.
“Most everyone had them while we were in Afghanistan,” said Lance Cpl. Alex E. Negron, an infantryman with 3rd platoon, F Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Marines. “They were the most common optics that were being used.”
A common sight on many rifles used by Marines overseas is the Advance Combat Optic Sight (ACOG). This is a fast movement sight and is supposed to be used with both eyes open.
Beginners shoot with one eye closed and progress to using both eyes. This helps the movement become faster as the shooter becomes more acquainted with his weapon’s new sight. Both day and night shooting is capable with the ACOG.
Another optic sight, the PVS-17, is a night vision device that also works with a laser pointing system. It is similar to the PEQ-2. It weighs less than two pounds and is battery powered. Two types of this device are available for use. The B model is for the rifles, and the C model is made for light machine guns.
“The optic sights we use help us be able to fire on the enemy quicker,” said Negron. Being able to engage and eliminate the enemy in a quick manner saves lives in combat.
All of these optic sights offer an opportunity to advance the use of rifles and machine guns. They provide another tool for Marines to use when facing combat on deployment.
http://militarynews.com/globe/mainside.html
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos
Combat Correspondent
Marines from 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment began qualifying at Stone Bay Rifle Range using optic sights on their M16-A4 service rifles.
The battalion is one of the first battalions here to go through the qualification process with three different optic sights. It started out with a few Marines being taught how to properly use these sights, then more classes to teach others.
Knowledge of how to use the sights and the general information on maintenance and parts was taught in a class setting. Practical application followed with a grouping exercise where each Marine shot three rounds to see where their sights were set. This process has been slowly taking effect.
“This is not something that we have had for a long time,” said 1st Lt. Glen W. Taylor, officer in charge of C Range at Stone Bay Rifle Range, here. “We hope to be able to get everyone trained and qualified in the near future.”
Optic sights have been helping Marines become more equipped to accomplish missions and become better marksman. Shooters have been able to engage targets at night more effectively than before.
The PEQ-2 is an optic sight using lasers to better pinpoint a target while shooting at night. An aiming device is placed in the muzzle and pointed at the target while the illuminator’s red dot, seen by the shooter, is lined up with the aiming device to calibrate the sights to the individual shooter. Alignment of the illuminator and aiming laser gives the shooter a more accurate shot at night.
The PEQ-2 can be set up for combat and non-combat situations. It can be used on the range for practice and in the field for training. Once a shooter has zeroed his rifle, he is then ready to use the optic sight for all training purposes.
“Most everyone had them while we were in Afghanistan,” said Lance Cpl. Alex E. Negron, an infantryman with 3rd platoon, F Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Marines. “They were the most common optics that were being used.”
A common sight on many rifles used by Marines overseas is the Advance Combat Optic Sight (ACOG). This is a fast movement sight and is supposed to be used with both eyes open.
Beginners shoot with one eye closed and progress to using both eyes. This helps the movement become faster as the shooter becomes more acquainted with his weapon’s new sight. Both day and night shooting is capable with the ACOG.
Another optic sight, the PVS-17, is a night vision device that also works with a laser pointing system. It is similar to the PEQ-2. It weighs less than two pounds and is battery powered. Two types of this device are available for use. The B model is for the rifles, and the C model is made for light machine guns.
“The optic sights we use help us be able to fire on the enemy quicker,” said Negron. Being able to engage and eliminate the enemy in a quick manner saves lives in combat.
All of these optic sights offer an opportunity to advance the use of rifles and machine guns. They provide another tool for Marines to use when facing combat on deployment.
http://militarynews.com/globe/mainside.html
Ellie