
Originally Posted by
Iraqgunz
I believe that only 2 MARDIV has instituted the PMAG ban. It is also unknown as to why they did so.
AFAIK the IAR isn't fully in the pipeline or in use. Do you know from a reliable source as to why the PMAG issue came about?
It sure is. 3rd Marines in Hawaii is deploying them to OEF as we speak, I have seen this firsthand. 1/3 was the first unit to use them at Mojave Viper and they will be/are the first to use it in Afghanistan.
As far as them using PMAGs....well...3rd Marines is one of the biggest supporters of PMAG use in the Corps. Not sure how they're working the IAR/PMAG "dilemma". Ill ask them on Monday.
From what I've seen and heard, the IAR isn't really a huge improvement. SAW gunners like it merely because they don't have to carry a SAW, its alot less weight and they're no longer a target. Most of us know that 90% of SAW gunners in the Corps are not "high speed low drag operators", they are boots. Usually the dumb, demotivated ones at that. That may be why the SAW gets such a bad wrap in the first place. I'm not so sure if I was in a line company without the availability of crew serves for whatever reason I would be cool with having just a 30 round, magazine fed "light machine gun". After 1/3 returns they will be giving AARs to HQMC about the IAR. This may just be the "old corps" talking, but I can't really see them giving very favorable AARs after spending 7 months in helmand without belt fed weapons at the squad level.
Sure, the SAW jams sometimes, and when it jams its a bit difficult to clear but in a FPF situation you have 200 rounds of ammo you can dispense at the cyclic rate. A quick reload and barrel change, maybe a squirt of CLP and you have another 200 down the pipe. Rinse and repeat all day long. What happens when you are getting overrun with the IAR? Who has all the extra mags?
Sorry, this turned into a bit of a rant. I'm just not a fan of the IAR replacing the SAW. It should be used with the SAW
Last edited by Eurodriver; 03-27-11 at 02:45.
Why do the loudest do the least?
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