LAND WARFARE
M14 at 1.13 meter (44inch) and similar service rifles can be difficult to handle moving through dense vegetation, as proven in Vietnam. The length of a firearm can also hamper rapid training on threats especially in buildings or confined spaces. A retracting stock has been introduced in the US M4/M4A1 carbine; its 83cm (33in) can be reduced to 75cm (29.75in) making it handier in these situations. Heckler & Koch takes this further in its G36K compact (reduces to 61cm) and G36C ultra-short (shortened to 50cm) versions of its standard G36 rifle. Although these weapons use standard ammunition simplifying supply and assuring lethality even against body armour, their shorter barrel lengths of 27cm to 35cm (11in to 14in) reduces muzzle velocity. This impacts on performance at ranges beyond 400m. These are trade-offs that must be considered, especially in seeking a single rifle for broad use. The 12 gauge shotgun has been considered an ideal close quarters weapon with its effectiveness demonstrated in the World War I trenches. A challenge for shotguns in the combat role is in providing adequate ammunition capacity. Mossberg’s 590M addresses this with a box magazine feed
with five to 20 round capacities. The US Marines Benelli M4/M1014 semi-automatic shotgun is designed from inception for combat, with an extended seven round tube magazine, pistol grip, ghost sights, Picatinny rail and collapsing stock. The newly introduced Smith & Wesson M&P12 is not only compact with an overall length of 70.6cm (27.8in) but has an innovative two tube magazine design holding up to seven shells each. It also has two pistol grips and a picatinny-style rail for optics and aiming accessories, and accepts a sling. According to company representatives, the Smith & Wesson M&P12 is receiving a great deal of user attention. Again, the shotgun’s short range that makes it great for close combat also limits its general military use. The pistol, on the other hand, is widely distributed as a side arm and can be effective in close quarters. Military models are generally magazine feed semi-automatics in 9mm or other pistol calibres. Submachine guns, like the Uzi and the B & T APC9K generally use pistol ammunition. Modest numbers of the later were purchased by the US Army in 2019. Manufacturers like H&K in its MP5 and UMP, as well as Colt’s 9mm SMG base them
on their existing assault rifle designs. All demonstrate the advantage of being easily carried, quick to aim, and effective in close quarters, especially equipped with today’s reflex sights. CQB SIGHTS Close combat engagements feature relatively short ranges with suddenly appearing and fleeting targets. Success, therefore, relies on rapidly detecting, aiming, and firing. The technique referred to as ‘point’ or ‘snap’ shooting uses both eyes, focusing on the target, aligning the front sight, and then taking the shot in under a second. It is a learned skill that takes practice with iron sights. However, an innovation by the company Aimpoint called ‘red dot optics’ place the target and reticle on the same optical plane. This offers a single focal point allowing almost intuitive aiming at typical meeting engagement ranges. The shooter places the ‘red’ (or green) aiming dot in the sight on the target and pulls the trigger. As Frank Martello, a former US Marine, 28 year law enforcement officer and president of Stafford Tactical a firearms training facility in Virginia explained: “the biggest benefit of the red-dot is that it provides a
december 2021/janurary 2022 - armadainternational.com
11
