View Full Version : M9s for 0331s?
249gunner
12-11-09, 08:55 PM
Being with an LAR Bn. we dont have 0331s,
I was asking around and apparently the 240 gunners that find themselves humping the gun in A-stan in alot of cases get stuck with an M4 as a sidearm.
Id like to know what what fraction gets the M4s or if its the 0331s who get attached to infantry squads. I could see an M2HB gunner from a weapons company with an M9.
If revealing this kind of info is an OPSEC violations just PM me plz.
I just wanna know if its possible to get an M9 as a 240 gunner, I could carry more 7.62 that way.
I think, atleast in my unit, it has to do with how many M4's/M9's your unit actually carries. To me carrying a M9 sidearm would be more efficient as a M240 gunner, so I wouldn't see why they wouldnt issue them out to you.
I feel for the guys that have to double hump long weapons. In 2002, our SMAW guy also had to carry a M16A2. So a rocket launcher on one shoulder and a rifle on the other. That sucked.
polizei
12-11-09, 10:17 PM
Not to mention the ammo...7.62 for a 240 and 5.56 for an M4? Hrmmm...no thanks!
Vandrel
12-11-09, 10:23 PM
Not to mention the ammo...7.62 for a 240 and 5.56 for an M4? Hrmmm...no thanks!
My thoughts exacally. With the MTV jacket and full sappies topped off with a full load of ammo flopping around would quickly peak my fun meter.
I felt bad for the guys who got stuck with even M9's, such a waste of carrying weight and a very annoying thing to have flopping around on your leg or hip.
Zulu 36
12-11-09, 10:42 PM
In the "old days" machine gunners were issued a pistol as their sidearm.
249gunner
12-12-09, 01:57 AM
Personally, this is what I live for.
http://media.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/photos/images/july09/khanjar_sm/strike16.jpg
He put the spare barrel in his camelback pouch lol ingenious
This gunner does have an M9 strapped.
http://media.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/photos/images/july09/khanjar_sm/strike09.jpg
7.62 punches through mud huts like paper.
Im not sure but I think we've transitioned from the MTV to the plate carrier for good. Those friggin MTVs would stiffen like rocks from all the sweat and dirt. What a miserable summer.
Jlynch31
12-12-09, 02:16 AM
Yep, so as a gunner I have carried The 240 along with a m4 as well as a 9mm. Good old PFC Lynch comming back from the armory in 29 palms, with more weapons then his entire team. The 240, a new M9 as well as an M9. Excessive? Maybe. Entertaning? Of course. x3 9mm mags, x5 5.56 mags then atleast 150 7.62.
Now did I ever hump the 240 around in Iraq? No, it was always vic mounted, so I was armed with the m4 and 9mm if I was part of the dismounts and I acted as an 11. In the turret I had the 9mm on my leg, M4 to my left in the handles next to me and the 240 and or 249 infront.
My old armor talked about putting a rail on the bottom of the 240. Thoughts on that? Why in the top pic is there a broom handle on the side of the 240? Incase of "rambo" fire in a pinch?
00101010
12-12-09, 02:45 AM
I think, atleast in my unit, it has to do with how many M4's/M9's your unit actually carries. To me carrying a M9 sidearm would be more efficient as a M240 gunner, so I wouldn't see why they wouldnt issue them out to you.
That reminds me when we were replaced by 1/6 one of their guys (who later became a neighbor) told me their BC said M4 were given out based on the Marines' height.
I remember my BN being pretty low on M4's, but that was also almost 4 years ago now.
249gunner
12-12-09, 03:16 AM
Yep, so as a gunner I have carried The 240 along with a m4 as well as a 9mm. Good old PFC Lynch comming back from the armory in 29 palms, with more weapons then his entire team. The 240, a new M9 as well as an M9. Excessive? Maybe. Entertaning? Of course. x3 9mm mags, x5 5.56 mags then atleast 150 7.62.
Now did I ever hump the 240 around in Iraq? No, it was always vic mounted, so I was armed with the m4 and 9mm if I was part of the dismounts and I acted as an 11. In the turret I had the 9mm on my leg, M4 to my left in the handles next to me and the 240 and or 249 infront.
My old armor talked about putting a rail on the bottom of the 240. Thoughts on that? Why in the top pic is there a broom handle on the side of the 240? Incase of "rambo" fire in a pinch?
That makes sense...Its still no way to travel light on a field op.
Going out with 3 TO weapons...you cant be expected to have all 3 ready, the M4 would have to be slung on your back.
Well hopefully my command will be sensible about these things.
I have no idea what that broom handles for lol. I know them new charging handles for the 240s suck pretty bad. big ol bulky things get all caught up on crap
Im hoping my CoC lives by the rule "If you can't truck it...." ya'll know the rest
FistFu68
12-12-09, 12:35 PM
:evilgrin: On prolonged Combat Patrols I Humped 42 Mag's,Two in my Rifle one in Mag well the other taped upside down with Duct tape/Quick Change.When walking Point Carried a 12 Gauge @ 45 1911-15 mags full one in Pistol 16 total @ a Demo bag full of No.4.Humped more Goodies but,You get the Point no Pun intended S/F :evilgrin: :flag:
In the turret I had the 9mm on my leg, M4 to my left in the handles next to me and the 240 and or 249 infront.
I would recommend transitioning the 9 from your thigh and sliding it into the pouch on the front of the MTV...much easier access while in a vic. This goes for being in one the seats as well. I found it made it easier to access and reduced the likelihood it would catch on stuff...although when in the drop holster i normally had that thing rotated to almost the front of my thigh (b/c my hands natural fall there and the 9 wouldn't be as likely to catch on stuff). Some people in leadership may have a problem with not using an actual holster, but no one ever said anything to me.
That reminds me when we were replaced by 1/6 one of their guys (who later became a neighbor) told me their BC said M4 were given out based on the Marines' height.
I can't imagine there being a unit organized enough to issue weapons based on someone's height! Lol!
polizei
12-12-09, 02:21 PM
Lol, I can't imagine how fun that issue would be...oh man.
249gunner
12-13-09, 03:19 AM
There are modular multi position holsters that can attach to the front of the flak (cross draw), riggers belt or your MCMAP belt.
Ive tried out the plastic drop leg holster....its pretty awkward to run with and God forbid you lubed up the M9 today and had to dive into the sand after taking fire. Ive used them on a range and theyre pretty handy for all the drills and everything but.....if Im gonna have my own choice...
There are modular multi position holsters that can attach to the front of the flak (cross draw), riggers belt or your MCMAP belt.
Ive tried out the plastic drop leg holster....its pretty awkward to run with and God forbid you lubed up the M9 today and had to dive into the sand after taking fire. Ive used them on a range and theyre pretty handy for all the drills and everything but.....if Im gonna have my own choice...
Actually I stopped wearing the drop, holster maybe the last two months of deployment, because it was annoying me when I went to make poopy. Especially when wearing a flight suit.
Plus I really did prefer the minimalistic approach to having crap hang off of me while on patrol, anyway. The only reason I wore it to begin with is because I felt obligated in some weird way as it was purchased for me with unit funds...and it was a lefty Black Hawk so they had to order one for me during workup.
249gunner
12-13-09, 05:51 PM
Actually I stopped wearing the drop, holster maybe the last two months of deployment, because it was annoying me when I went to make poopy. Especially when wearing a flight suit.
Plus I really did prefer the minimalistic approach to having crap hang off of me while on patrol, anyway. The only reason I wore it to begin with is because I felt obligated in some weird way as it was purchased for me with unit funds...and it was a lefty Black Hawk so they had to order one for me during workup.
Yeah I like having everything on my flak, dont want anything interfering with my leg movement. I always have the feeling like someone could sneak up behind me and grab my own sidearm strapped to my leg, which is dummy corded at the same time.
MackTheArmorer
12-13-09, 08:53 PM
I would recommend transitioning the 9 from your thigh and sliding it into the pouch on the front of the MTV...much easier access while in a vic. This goes for being in one the seats as well. I found it made it easier to access and reduced the likelihood it would catch on stuff...although when in the drop holster i normally had that thing rotated to almost the front of my thigh (b/c my hands natural fall there and the 9 wouldn't be as likely to catch on stuff). Some people in leadership may have a problem with not using an actual holster, but no one ever said anything to me.
If you're going for easier access, especially with the MTV making you feel like you should have a little guy following you around with a tuba, I'd say you could either drop a good $100 some odd on a whole Serpa drop holster system, or if you've already got a holster you like, then you can just buy the part of the holster that clicks into the system, which you can remove from the leg rig and slide the hooks into your flak slots, then once you've dropped your flak and throw on your sappi carrier you can just slide it back out and lock it back on the leg rig. It's a very good system, I've used it and it makes the whole transition a lot faster, never having to unholster your pistol when it's not needed.
RYDERKUR
12-13-09, 09:01 PM
^^^^Are my eyes/my mind that F-ed up? What is that Avatar?
MackTheArmorer
12-13-09, 09:05 PM
haha it's an inside joke.
I'ts the don't ask don't tell chevron
RYDERKUR
12-13-09, 09:09 PM
Haha, Raaager.
MackTheArmorer
12-13-09, 09:10 PM
I'ts the don't ask don't tell chevron
Ouch my feelings.:flag:
If you're going for easier access, especially with the MTV making you feel like you should have a little guy following you around with a tuba, I'd say you could either drop a good $100 some odd on a whole Serpa drop holster system, or if you've already got a holster you like, then you can just buy the part of the holster that clicks into the system, which you can remove from the leg rig and slide the hooks into your flak slots, then once you've dropped your flak and throw on your sappi carrier you can just slide it back out and lock it back on the leg rig. It's a very good system, I've used it and it makes the whole transition a lot faster, never having to unholster your pistol when it's not needed.
Yeah, I started to see those after being in country a little while. I would have liked that. Mostly I just slid my Beretta directly into the front of my MTV (in that pouch-type thing) if it wasn't in my Black Hawk drop holster. But that Serpa is really nice.
0331 2 0369
12-16-09, 08:05 AM
As for the gunners secondary weapon - that depends solely on the unit. In Afghanistan with 3/6, our gunners all had M9's as a secondary weapon. When we went to Iraq, everyone had either an M16a4 or an M4. Gunners, SNCO's and officers still had their pistols as well as a rifle. The gunners had the option of leaving their m9 in the armory if they wanted. They HAD to have their rifle on them at all times. My gunners in my MAP made hasty gun-racks up in the turret for their rifles. Worked out great for them. With Afghanistan becoming the point of focus now, I would bet most Battalions will probably want everyone to carry a rifle. Again, this is up to the unit.
stretchusa
12-16-09, 06:28 PM
That reminds me when we were replaced by 1/6 one of their guys (who later became a neighbor) told me their BC said M4 were given out based on the Marines' height.
I remember my BN being pretty low on M4's, but that was also almost 4 years ago now.
That guy fed you a bunch of BS LtCol Journey had no saw on perssonal weapons issued.
That guy fed you a bunch of BS LtCol Journey had no saw on perssonal weapons issued.
LOL. I remember those good ole days...back when the only people with SAPI plates and M4's were the people who didn't know how to get to the front gate at Fallujah or Ramadi! I love seeing command staff with M4SOPMODs, great gear, and even a couple of Lt. Col's at Jump School taking up seats for guys who would actual need them. Nothing like distribution based on Marine Corps needs!
stretchusa
12-16-09, 10:15 PM
That guy fed you a bunch of BS LtCol Journey had no saw on perssonal weapons issued.
I meant to say "say" not saw
..and I meant to quote the quote that Stretch quoted.
00101010
12-16-09, 10:33 PM
I meant to say "say" not saw
I got what you were saying.
LOL. I remember those good ole days...back when the only people with SAPI plates and M4's were the people who didn't know how to get to the front gate at Fallujah or Ramadi! I love seeing command staff with M4SOPMODs, great gear, and even a couple of Lt. Col's at Jump School taking up seats for guys who would actual need them. Nothing like distribution based on Marine Corps needs!
Come on, all supply officers and commos need M4s!