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Written by Victor Reyes
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Monday, 19 November 2007 |
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Marin Corps Basics:
Weapons Handling and Firing Techniques
Properly handling your marker can give you a great advantage over your opponent in a MOUT environment. Here are some combat tested techniques that may work for you.
Weapon Carries
a. Tactical Carry: Used when no immediate threat is present. It permits control of the rifle while moving and still allows quick engagement of the enemy. The butt stock of the rifle is placed along side of the body at hip level and the barrel is angled upward about 45 degrees in the general direction of the enemy.
b. Alert Carry: The alert carry is used when enemy contact is likely. The butt stock of the rifle is placed in the shoulder with the muzzle angled down about 45 degrees and pointed in the likely direction of the enemy. In the alert, you keep both eyes open and scan for any threat with the weapon always in line with your line of sight (guns and eyeballs).
c. Ready Carry: The ready carry is employed when contact with the enemy is imminent. It allows for immediate target engagement. The butt stock of the rifle is in the shoulder with the muzzle of the rifle pointed in the direction of the enemy. You should always strive for a clear tip and front sight post alignment for a center mass shot.
d. Short Stocking: Rifles may be “short stocked” to increase their maneuverability in an enclosed area and to reduce possible “target indicators” for the enemy (i.e. muzzles sticking around corners). The stock is positioned so that the pistol grip is behind your head. You may use your index finger or thumb to manipulate the trigger. The hand guard is placed against the face cheek and a firm stock weld is attained. Short stocking may reduce accuracy of fire.
e. Weak-Hand Carry: You may carry your weapon on the weak-hand side in order to obtain maximum cover and fire from the weak-hand position to avoid body exposure. This is used in conjunction with the “wall-body-weapon” technique (explained in the MOUT movement article). For most people this technique will greatly reduce accuracy of fire. In most situations, especially during movement, it is better to use the strong-hand carry and be able to effectively engage targets, than to use the weak-hand carry and reduce body exposure. This is primarily used inside buildings and structures.
Firing Techniques
a. Pieing: Although the preferred technique is to bypass an opening (i.e. under, over, or pass it quickly) there may be an instance where you cannot bypass it. In this situation, pieing is an effective technique in clearing dead space inside rooms and buildings to gain security on hallways, stairwells, mouse holes, etc. Pieing is conducted by using the ready carry position or short stock technique, ensuring that your strong side arm elbow is tucked in to reduce exposure. The weapon is aimed at a sector of a window, doorway, corner, hallway, etc., ensuring that the muzzle does not break the plane of the opening. The area is “pied off” until the sector is cleared of any threat.
b. Aimed Quick Fire: Your initial focus is the target. As the rifle is brought up, the firing eye looks through the sight maintaining alignment and sight picture. You will engage the target once the target is down then lower the weapon to look over the sights and scan for additional targets (guns and eyeballs). This type of firing technique must be strived for at all times. Otherwise, the accuracy of your shots will be reduced.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 29 November 2007 )
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