![]() ![]() The M27 is a version of the commercial HK416 and built by German manufacturer Heckler & Koch. We’ve already mentioned the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle that is now the standard infantry rifle. Suppressors aren’t the only items being used to retool the Marine Rifle Squad. This includes their infantry, select engineers and corpsmen, and Force Reconnaissance. However, the Marines only currently plan to field these suppressors to their close combat forces. Essentially, they got them for free, but the number isn’t great enough to fulfill their total requirement. These were issued to the Marines from Joint Operational Stocks and preciously used by Special Operations Forces. While the initial paperwork does not specify a number of new Small Arms Suppressors to be purchased, we do know that the Marines already have a significant number on hand that have been used over the past few years for unit evaluations. Finally, the deadened sounds will be better for the Marines’ hearing. Additionally, command and control will be easier, as team leaders won’t have to shout as loud over the sounds of friendly small arms fire. Operationally, Marines will have a smaller battlefield signature with the suppressor’s lower noise and flash. Plus, it has already been successfully fielded on the M38 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, which is an M27 IAR fitted with an optic for more accurate fire. Despite being around since 1998, it’s a workhorse, currently in use with loads of federal and local law enforcement agencies. Plus, it already has a National Stock Number (1005-0), which was issued by U.S. Conversely, it boasts a service life in excess of 10,000 rounds, so they’re getting their money’s worth despite the added weight and length.Īlthough many would consider the NT-4 to be old technology, the Marine Corps’ analysis showed that they could continue to use their existing bayonets, as well as their existing Small Arms Collimators (SAC), Laser Boresights (LBS), and Blank Firing Adapters (BFA), all of which are critical to accuracy and lethality in both training and combat and are interoperable with their selected small arms suppressor. The distinctive suppressor with its cooling divots is 6.5 inches long and 17 ounces, so it will definitely add to the length and heft of the rifle. Swapping out flash suppressors is the only modification required to adopt the NT-4 suppressor. The suppressor is put onto the muzzle and twisted into place via the gate latch. The KAC NT-4 is a quick-detach design that works in conjunction with a version of the M-16 flash hider with a notch cut out. Later, they examined multiple commercially available suppressors, but ultimately ended up where they started. The Marines initially used some of SOCOM’s old NT-4 suppressors to learn about how they would employ them and what attributes to look for. Lessons learned there are now being applied to the Fleet, including the use of suppressors. During this event, the service experimented with new equipment and organizational structure. The so-called “Sea Dragon 2025” exercise was a watershed event in determining the future of Marine Infantry. The Marine Corps has been working on a requirement for small arms suppressors since 2016. This means that up to now, only the elite units from each military service, like the SEALs and Rangers, have had them. Service to field weapon suppressors for their infantry. While Special Operations Forces have long used suppressors for specialized applications, even they have only used them as standard issue since United States Special Operations Command first adopted the Knights NT-4 in the late 90s. Marine Corps has issued a letter of intent to purchase an unspecified quantity of NT-4 weapon suppressors from Knights Armament Company for use with the 5.56mm NATO M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR), M4 Carbines and M4A1 Close Quarter Battle Weapons. The so-called “Sea Dragon 2025” exercise was a watershed event in determining the future of Marine Infantry.Īfter several years of studies and experimentation, the U.S. ![]()
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