US military documents recently uncovered tell an unsettling story of the Sig Sauer model P320, a standard issued sidearm of American soldiers across the globe, seemingly firing without the trigger being pulled. Nine separate incidents were included in the information obtained via the Freedom of Information Act request; from bases in Missouri, Oklahoma, Virginia, Louisiana, Okinawa, Japan, and Amman, Jordan. Details released also noted witnesses stated in many of these cases that the soldiers did not have their hand on or near the trigger. Sig Sauer maintains that the pistol is safe and has prevailed in 13 legal cases against the company seeking a liability judgment for these types of claims. The military also states that the guns involved in the incidents did not display any “material flaws.”
The Sig Sauer model P320 was released in 2014 and quickly became one of the most popular guns in America, selling more than 2.5 million units. In 2017, the Department of Defense finally completed its selection process to replace the Beretta M9 as their standard-issued sidearm. The P320 made the cut, and Sig Sauer signed a $580 million deal with the DOD to provide the weapon, ammunition, and parts for 10 years.
While this pistol is a relatively new addition to the US military’s arsenal, there is a history of different types of iconic weaponry utilized by soldiers over the years in conflicts, skirmishes, and wars. One such gun is from Operation Desert Storm, the M16A2. It was first introduced in 1983 and played a significant role throughout the conflict. This gun improved upon the original M16 used in the Vietnam War. The main improvements were updated rifling patterns, reinforced barrels, and a more ergonomic style, beginning with the pistol grip. The M16A2 is also more modular than its predecessor. Another weapon used during the Gulf War was the Remington M24, introduced several years before the war began and has since been deployed around the world during the Global War on Terror.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed various historical and military sources to determine what other small arms were used by the military during Operation Desert Storm. The arms are listed alphabetically. We included supplemental information from Military Factory regarding the country of origin, manufacturer, year introduced, maximum effective range, firing action, caliber, and feed.
What Is Important about American Military Guns?
Military spending on weaponry has both positive and negative effects on the economy. It can create jobs through the US firearm and ammunition industries. The military’s quest for better technology also translates into the civilian economy, transferring this knowledge gained. There can be some negative impacts, including adding to the national debt and diversion of resources.
These are the guns used by the US military in Operation Desert Storm.
Barrett M82
- Year introduced: 1982
- Type: 1982
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms
- Firing action: Semi-automatic; recoil-operated; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 10-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 1,850 ft.
Beretta M9
- Year introduced: 1990
- Type: 1990
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Firing action: Semi-automatic; single-action / double-action
- Caliber and feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 15-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
BGM-71 TOW
- Year introduced: 1970
- Type: 1970
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft / Raytheon
- Firing action: Tube-launched; optically-tracked; wire-guided
- Caliber and feed: 127mm / 152mm, Single shot; reusable
- Maximum effective range: 12,303 ft.
Browning M1919
- Year introduced: 1919
- Type: 1919
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: General Motors / Rock Island Arsenal
- Firing action: Gas-operated; belt-fed; air-cooled
- Caliber and feed: 7.92x57mm Mauser, 30-06 Springfield, 7.62x51mm NATO, .303 British, 250-round fabric belt
- Maximum effective range: 4,500 ft.
Carl-Gustav M3
- Year introduced: 1948
- Type: 1948
- Country of origin: Sweden
- Manufacturer: Bofors / Saab
- Firing action: Hinged breech; percussion firing mechanism
- Caliber and feed: 84x246mm, Single-shot; reusable launch tube
- Maximum effective range: 6,600 ft.
Colt CAR-15 Commando
- Year introduced: 1966
- Type: 1966
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
- Firing action: Semi/full auto; gas-operated; locking bolt
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm M193, 20- or 30-round detachable box
- Maximum effective range: 1,320 ft.
Colt M16A2
- Year introduced: 1983
- Type: 1983
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
- Firing action: Gas-operated; semi-automatic; select fire
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable magazine
- Maximum effective range: 1,969 ft.
Colt M1911
- Year introduced: 1911
- Type: 1911
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Colt Firearms
- Firing action: Single-action; short recoil-operated
- Caliber and feed: .45 ACP, 7-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 82 ft.
FN M2HB
- Year introduced: 1933
- Type: 1933
- Country of origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
- Firing action: Recoil-operated; automatic fire only
- Caliber and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, metal-linked belt fed
- Maximum effective range: 5,900 ft.
FN Minimi
- Year introduced: 1982
- Type: 1982
- Country of origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
- Firing action: Gas-operated; selective fire
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 200-round metal link belt, 30-round detachable box
- Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
HK MP5
- Year introduced: 1966
- Type: 1966
- Country of origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Firing action: Roller-locked delayed blowback
- Caliber and feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 15-, 30-, or 40-round detachable box, C-Mag 100-round support
- Maximum effective range: 660 ft.
M1 Carbine
- Year introduced: 1942
- Type: 1942
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Winchester / Inland Division
- Firing action: Gas-operated, short-stroke piston; semi-automatic
- Caliber and feed: 30 M1 Carbine, 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 600 ft.
M1 Garand
- Year introduced: 1936
- Type: 1936
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Firing action: Self-loading; gas-action piston
- Caliber and feed: 30-06 Springfield, 8-round internal clip
- Maximum effective range: 1,320 ft.
M134 Minigun
- Year introduced: 1963
- Type: 1963
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: General Electric
- Firing action: Electrically-driven; belt-fed
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 4,000-round linked belt
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.
M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4)
- Year introduced: 1987
- Type: 1987
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Alliant TechSystems
- Firing action: Single-shot, self-contained recoilless rifle
- Caliber and feed: 84mm, Single shot
- Maximum effective range: 985 ft.
M14 Rifle
- Year introduced: 1959
- Type: 1959
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt, selective fire
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 20-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 1,509 ft.
M2 Browning
- Year introduced: 1921
- Type: 1921
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Saco Defense
- Firing action: Automatic short recoil-operated, air-cooled
- Caliber and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 110-round metalic link belt
- Maximum effective range: 6,550 ft.
M21 Sniper Weapon System
- Year introduced: 1969
- Type: 1969
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 5-, 10-, or 20-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 2,263 ft.
M240
- Year introduced: 1977
- Type: 1977
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
- Firing action: Gas-operated; full-automatic; open bolt; belt-fed
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, Disintegrating link belt of various counts
- Maximum effective range: 5,905 ft.
M249 SAW
- Year introduced: 1984
- Type: 1984
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
- Firing action: Gas-operated; open bolt
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, 200-round metal link belt, 30-round detachable box
- Maximum effective range: 2,600 ft.
M3 (Grease Gun)
- Year introduced: 1943
- Type: 1943
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Company
- Firing action: Open bolt; blowback
- Caliber and feed: .45 ACP, 9x19mm Parabellum, 30-round detachable magazine
- Maximum effective range: 300 ft.
M47 Dragon
- Year introduced: 1975
- Type: 1975
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Raytheon / McDonnell Douglas
- Firing action: Single-shot, line-of-sight, hollow charge
- Caliber and feed: 140mm, Single-shot, single use
- Maximum effective range: 246 ft.
M61 Vulcan
- Year introduced: 1959
- Type: 1959
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics
- Firing action: Hydraulically operated, electrically fired, rotary
- Caliber and feed: 20x102mm Vulcan, belt-fed
- Maximum effective range: 2,000 ft.
M72 LAW
- Year introduced: 1963
- Type: 1963
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Talley Industries
- Firing action: Single-shot; disposable tube
- Caliber and feed: 66mm, Single shot disposable tube
- Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.
MAS FR F1
- Year introduced: 1966
- Type: 1966
- Country of origin: France
- Manufacturer: Manufacture d’Armes St. Etienne / GIAT Industries
- Firing action: Manually-operated bolt-action
- Caliber and feed: 7.5x54mm French; 7.62x51mm NATO, 10-detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 2,630 ft.
McMillian M87
- Year introduced: 1987
- Type: 1987
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Harris Gunworks / McMillan
- Firing action: Manually-actuated bolt action
- Caliber and feed: 12.7x99mm NATO, 1-, 5-, or 10-round magazine
- Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft.
Remington M24
- Year introduced: 1987
- Type: 1987
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Firing action: Manually-operated bolt-action
- Caliber and feed: .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester Magnum, 7.62x51mm NATO, 5-round internal magazine / 5- or 10-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
Remington M40
- Year introduced: 1966
- Type: 1966
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Firing action: Bolt-action; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, 5-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.
Remington M870
- Year introduced: 1950
- Type: 1950
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Firing action: Pump-action repeating
- Caliber and feed: 12-, 16-, 20- or 28-gauge, 4- or 7-round tubular magazine
- Maximum effective range: 120 ft.
SA80
- Year introduced: 1985
- Type: 1985
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
- Manufacturer: Royal Small Arms Factory / BAE Systems / Heckler & Koch
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable magazine
- Maximum effective range: 1,300 ft.
Saco M60
- Year introduced: 1957
- Type: 1957
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Saco Defense / Inland Division
- Firing action: Gas-operated; open bolt
- Caliber and feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, Disintegrating link belt of various counts
- Maximum effective range: 3,280 ft.
Saco Mk 19
- Year introduced: 1967
- Type: 1967
- Country of origin: United States
- Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries
- Firing action: Self-powered, air-cooled, belt-fed, blowback-operated
- Caliber and feed: 40x53mm, Belt-fed
- Maximum effective range: 4,500 ft.
SIG-Sauer P226
- Year introduced: 1984
- Type: 1984
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Firing action: Semi-automatic; short-recoil; double-action
- Caliber and feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 12-, 13-, 15-, 17-, 18-, or 20-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
SNT Motiv K1
- Year introduced: 1981
- Type: 1981
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Manufacturer: ST Motiv (Daewoo Precision)
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt with direct impingement system
- Caliber and feed: .223 Remington, 30-round detachable magazine
- Maximum effective range: 820 ft.
SNT Motiv K2
- Year introduced: 1987
- Type: 1987
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Manufacturer: ST Motiv (Daewoo Precision)
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington, 20- or 30-round detachable box
- Maximum effective range: 1,968 ft.
SNT Motiv K3
- Year introduced: 1991
- Type: 1991
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Manufacturer: ST Motiv (Daewoo Precision)
- Firing action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt
- Caliber and feed: 5.56x45mm NATO, 200-round metal link belt, 30-round detachable box
- Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
Walther PP
- Year introduced: 1929
- Type: 1929
- Country of origin: Germany
- Manufacturer: Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen
- Firing action: Semi-automatic; straight blowback; double-action
- Caliber and feed: 7.65x15mm Browning SR, 9x19mm Short; 6.35x15mm Browning SR, 9-round detachable box magazine
- Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
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