Although official doctrine is that seven 30 rounds mags makes up a "basic load" of 210 rounds, if you talk to Iraq or Afghanistan vets they'll tell you that very few actually carry that little ammo.
It's common for guys to carry 10 to 14 mags instead of the prescribed seven. Soldiers mounted on Bradley's, Strikers, other APC's, or Humvees usually only carry the seven mags on their person though as they have ready access to spare ammo kept in the vehicle. (Even then some guys still carry more on-body).
Granted, I'm making a VERY general statement, based on what I've read and talked with vets, as I'm not a vet myself.
And, for the record, the M-16A2 (current full length rifle) and the M-4 carbine both have 3-round burst limiters. So does the Marines M-16A4, which is a flat top version of the M-16A2.
The newer M-4A1 does have full auto capability, even though it's a carbine. It was designed for special forces and such who needed the ability to break ambushes and may not have another weapon available. It has a heavier barrel then the standard M-4. I've heard it may become more standard issue, but I'm not clear if that's fact or rumor.
Many soldiers still load the 30 round mags with only 28. It's not for reliability so much as to make it easier to load the mag if the bolt is forward. If the mag is fully loaded to 30 it's difficult to insert on a closed bolt. At 28 rounds the problem disappears. (Other soldiers just load 'em all up to 30 and aren't worried about that).
That three-round burst limiter probably saves lives, trebor. Guys panic and hold the trigger down.
I'm glad the guys are carrying more than the 210 rounds. We griped about the load but knew we might need it. (In my personal case, since the demolition man rarely fired his weapon, I was carrying the rounds for whoever else might need them. Several times, when we were under fire, I passed bandoliers up to people on the perimeter.)
It's common for guys to carry 10 to 14 mags instead of the prescribed seven. Soldiers mounted on Bradley's, Strikers, other APC's, or Humvees usually only carry the seven mags on their person though as they have ready access to spare ammo kept in the vehicle. (Even then some guys still carry more on-body).
Granted, I'm making a VERY general statement, based on what I've read and talked with vets, as I'm not a vet myself.
And, for the record, the M-16A2 (current full length rifle) and the M-4 carbine both have 3-round burst limiters. So does the Marines M-16A4, which is a flat top version of the M-16A2.
The newer M-4A1 does have full auto capability, even though it's a carbine. It was designed for special forces and such who needed the ability to break ambushes and may not have another weapon available. It has a heavier barrel then the standard M-4. I've heard it may become more standard issue, but I'm not clear if that's fact or rumor.
Many soldiers still load the 30 round mags with only 28. It's not for reliability so much as to make it easier to load the mag if the bolt is forward. If the mag is fully loaded to 30 it's difficult to insert on a closed bolt. At 28 rounds the problem disappears. (Other soldiers just load 'em all up to 30 and aren't worried about that).
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I'm glad the guys are carrying more than the 210 rounds. We griped about the load but knew we might need it. (In my personal case, since the demolition man rarely fired his weapon, I was carrying the rounds for whoever else might need them. Several times, when we were under fire, I passed bandoliers up to people on the perimeter.)
Joe
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