Tactical Weapons

Tactical Weapons

Patrick Helmbrecht

ENG:121

Tiffany Young

16 July 2012

The two leading weapons in tactical warfare for the U.S. military that causes the most controversy would have to be the M-4 Carbine Assault Rifle and the MP5 Submachine gun. Even with them both being dominate in certain aspects of a close quarter combat each weapon has its advantages and disadvantages.

The M-4 Carbine is the most familiar firearm in today's military. It's a light weight, gas operated, shoulder fired, semi-automatic weapon. It is chambered to fire the 5.56mm round and can reach ranges up to 3600 meters. Between the two weapons the range factor will go to the M-4 due to the size of the round and length of the barrel. The M-4 remains to be one of the most versatile firearm today. It can not only be used in a close quarters environment, but can also be used in open range combat as well without any modification. The firearm can also be utilized with a under mounted 203 grenade launcher. The variations for this attachment seems endless with its flare rounds, grenades, to even crowd control with rubber bullets or tear gas. In a tactical environment this firearms round caliber can be used in common house clearing situation without worries of the round traveling great distances after its initial target. The weapon itself can then be taken directly from that situation without changes to a long range scenario and still be just as effective. Though as versatile as it may seem many will say that the 5.56mm round is too large for those risky house strikes. The most hindering factor is its overall size for certain situations. Some may say that it is bulky and lengthy. It is definitely a factor worth noticing. A smaller target allows you to utilize tactical angles better and definitely a harder target to shooting at.

The MP5 takes us into the realm of smaller can still pack the punch. It is a tactical dream in a close quarters environment The MP5 uses as smaller caliber of around which is found in most law enforcement pistols. The 9mm round allows this weapon to be used almost risk free in a small area of operation. It also means it uses the same ammunition as your primary side arms. It not only makes the MP5 a viable weapon but more cost effective. The less variety in munitions the cheaper it is to buy in bulk. So far it is a more cost effect weapon. The size of the firearm is also a big factor . The weight and length is almost 2lbs and 2 inches. The down side to this firearm is that it hinders some of the operation factors. The M-4's maximum range is 3600 meters the MP5's is down to a mere 1800 meters. The