GearScout

Modern Day Marine

Marines to field multibarrel sniper rifle to replace two existing weapons

The rifle will replace both the Mk13 Mod 7 and the M40A6 sniper rifles.

Army expects Next Generation Squad Weapon to get to its first unit by next year

An unloaded XM5 rifle is two pounds heavier than an unloaded M4. But the XM250 is four pounds lighter than the M249 SAW.

Marine grunts are swapping earplugs for 21st century hearing protection

The fielding follows an earlier effort aimed at artillery and reconnaissance Marines.

These Marines will test a lighter, polymer-cased .50 caliber round

The case, links and ammo box are changing to lighten the load.

A new sniper rifle for the Army, Marines and SOCOM

The new rifle can be converted to three different calibers.

Marines will be getting these ‘tacticool’ over-the-ear headsets

Artillery and recon Marines are getting the first order of INVISIO's T5 headsets.

A Marine rifle optic shortage nearly caused ‘critical impact’ in marksmanship training

By redistributing scopes and addressing maintenance problems, commanders fixed a looming optics problem for entry-level Marines.

Air Force labs develop and field chemlight replacement

Forces use chemlights for a wide range of activities, from marking rooms during clearance operations to identifying friendly troops for aircraft.

Hey, crayon eaters, these M27 rifles are built to be ‘Marine proof’ Heckler & Koch says in viral post

“A fresh batch of M27 rifles leaving Georgia headed to the Devil Dogs," the Facebook post from Heckler & Koch starts.

This 50-round drum magazine for 7.62mm could lighten the load for machine gunners

While the 30-round magazines are in use, the military is still evaluating the drum versions.

This company is building ‘barrier-penetrating' 5.56mm rounds for the Marines

The bullets are for penetrating barriers such as windshields and doors while still retaining enough mass and energy to be lethal against the target.

Special operations snipers are getting a new, upgraded riflescope

The scope gives shooters a more consistent picture when magnifying targets.

Here’s one of the big guns competing to be SOCOM’s next lightweight medium machine gun

The .338 NM machine gun is lighter than the current M240 in 7.62mm but can shoot with some of the same effects as the .50 caliber, a much heavier platform.

The military is looking for a leap-ahead weapons fire control system. Could this system be the answer?

Three of the basic requirements of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program's new fire control are met with the Sig Sauer BDX.

Check out the new laser/light combo ‘pistol enhancer’ for the military’s new handgun

The pistol enhancer will give shooters quicker target acquisition in low-light situations.

These moving, robotic targets can modernize any range and keep Marines, soldiers shooting sharp

Marines have tested them already and are continuing evaluations for potential adoption into marksmanship programs.

Navy and Marine Corps are dropping some money on barrier-penetrating 5.56 mm ammo

The new ammo can penetrate some barriers like auto windshields and doors.

The Marine Corps is buying new body armor as it works to upgrade the fit, feel and protection of vital gear

The new inserts and carriers provide a better fit for greater mobility.

New optic needed for machine gun, .50 caliber and automatic grenade launcher

Officials want the optic to help shooters find and hit the target faster.

SOCOM solicitation for ‘reverse engineered’ foreign weapons sparks Russian anger, warnings

Russian leaders warn U.S. military not to copy Russia's weapons designs.

This new helmet offers greater protection, options at a lighter weight

The F70 helmet can also accommodate Peltor hearing devices and additional facial protection.

This advanced night vision goggle is headed to Army and Marine units sooner than you think

An early version of the capability, ENVG-III, will be fielded in the coming months, followed later next year by the ENVG-B.

Check out the upgrades on the way for this 7.62 mm machine gun

An adjustable buttstock and check weld will help soldiers find the right fit when firing.

This military grade pistol is now available for civilian purchase

The handgun has many of the same features of its civilian version but with some significant upgrades.

The Corps is in search of a better fitting pouch for its new Magpul magazine

The Corps could purchase up to 500,000 new magazine pouches.