Originally Posted by
RetreatHell
I can completely understand some CO's reluctance to allow any of their soldiers/marines to make any mods to their issued weapons, as some PFCs would strap on some cheap ass hunting scope that their meager salary can afford and that POS would lose its zero quickly and also be easily damaged within the first week probably in A-stan.
But as long as whatever the individual is buying either has an NSN and/or is considered good to go for combat operations by those who have already used them extensively in very bad places around the world (Magpul stocks and grips, Larue Mounts and FUGs, Aimpoint T-1 Micro RDS, Daniel Defense Omega rails as well as high quality, true free floating rails that a trained armorer could install, etc..), then I really don't see why they would have any objections to these upgrades.
To be completely honest, if I could do it all over again, I would've bought an aimpoint RDS (among MANY other things) before I deployed for the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. If someone told me to take it off, I'd say, "Roger that, sir/Staff Sergeant/Corporal!" But as soon as they walked away I would've put that bitch back on. If I would've been threatened with an NJP or something more severe, oh ****ing well! I'm the one who's going to be using my rifle in combat, so I want my shit to have the best upgrades I can afford that make me more deadly.
There was always a saying in the Marines: "If the Corps didn't issue it to you, then you don't need it." That's bullshit and I hate that mentality! I also hate the whole, "the Marine Corps has always done more with less than any other branch," and, "we don't need all that high-speed shit the Army has."
The Marine Corps has always prided itself on the fact that we always have the shittiest and oldest gear compared to the Army. But there are so many better options out there when it comes to the gear and accessories that Marines (and Soldiers) are issued. So if I were a Marine or Soldier going into harms way today, I would buy anything on my own that the military didn't issue me that I thought I needed. I'd buy a shit-ton of PMAGs, a Larue forward universal grip and QD mount for my issued optic (or if I could afford it, or had enough available on my CC, I'd just buy a aimpoint T-1 and Larue Tall mount combo, as well as the 3X magnifier in larue flip to side mount), Magpul CTR stock/MOE grip/enhanced trigger guard, Surefire X300 or the new mini Scout weapon light, either a Troy or KAC 600m folding rear BUIS, and I'd probably buy both a VCAS 2-point sling and a Magpul MS2 sling w/ASAP plate just to have a variety (or whatever your favorite sling is).
As far as the rail, after reading this thread I'd most likely do exactly what the OP did, as it's a GREAT idea in my opinion! I think it's awesome that you found a way to work around the option you had and made it better in every way. Good job, brother!
Take care everyone and Semper Fi,
-Paul
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