Found a good "Military Small Arms" link? Let Us Know!
Jump to Section on:
| Pistol | Rifle | Shotgun | SMG | Squad Auto |
| Sniper | Scopes/Sights | Thumpers | LAW/AT4 | Hvy. MG |
| Explosives | Grenades/Mines | Expedient | Tactics | Field Manuals |
Torso Targets Survival Primer Website has made these (upper &
full) torso targets available for downloading.
Pistol
Army Marksmanship Unit Pistol Training Guide [PDF] Here is
the coveted Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide published by the Army
Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is an excellent source of
information for the competitive pistol shooter. Because it is a U.S.
government publication, it is public domain. I encourage you to explore this
entire manual!
FM 23-35 - COMBAT
TRAINING WITH PISTOLS & REVOLVERS, 03 OCT 1988: This manual provides
guidance on the operation and marksmanship of the pistol, M9, 9-mm; pistol,
M1911A1, caliber .45; and the revolver, caliber .38. It reflects current
Army standards in weapons qualifications. It is a guide for the instructor
to develop training programs, plans, and lessons that meet the objectives of
the United States Army Marksmanship Program for developing combat effective
marksmen. The soldier develops confidence, knowledge, and skills by
following the guidelines in this manual.
Theory of operation for the Colt .45
semi-automatic pistol [Now hosted as an
SSRsi OnSite article]
Each time a cartridge is fired, the parts of the pistol function in
a given order. The cycle of functioning is divided into eight steps. It
should be kept in mind that more than one step may occur at the same time.
Assume for the purposes of this discussion that a loaded magazine is in the
weapon and a live cartridge is in the chamber. The hammer is fully cocked,
the safety lock is off, the grip safety is depressed, the trigger is
squeezed and the round is ignited. The cycle of functioning begins.
Return to Top
Rifle
Firearms In Russia.
Large, well set-up and researched. Of great interest to many gun collectors
and fans. Lots of gadgets & gizmos.
Basic Rifle Marksmanship
By David Reed Very good article on the fundamentals of marksmanship. [link
updated]
Advanced Marksmanship
By David Reed
Range Estimation
Essential info for hunters & shooters.
Statistics on NATO 5.56 (.223) ammunition with
ballistics The
following article is from the January/February, 1988 issue of Rifle magazine
pages 36, 37, 70 and 71. This article was written by John Schaefer.
The U.S. Rifle, caliber .30, M1917 ©2003 by Dick Culver [PDF] The
U.S. Rifle, caliber .30 M1917 (often called the Enfield or P-17) is one of
the most misunderstood and neglected of United States Service Rifles. For
many years the M1917 has been basically ignored by collectors and shooters
in favor of its more popular cousin, the M1903, usually called the “Ought
Three” or Springfield (even though produced by both Springfield Armory and
Rock Island Arsenal). Here I will attempt to give you some insight into the
thinking and usage of one our most prolific and combat used battle rifles of
WWI. First, we should know the intricacies and the growing pains of our main
(or at least most used) service rifle of The Great War, and why in the final
analysis it was not adopted as our principle service arm...
Recocking & Reinstalling the Mauser Bolt [PDF] ~ "I had my 98
Mauser bolt out of my rifle to disassemble and something happened and now I
can't get the bolt back into the rifle." First - take a deep breath and
relax. Actually and most likely you un-cocked the bolt. This is a very
common mistake that is easily remedied...
Return to Top
Shotgun
Shotguns Designed for the Battlefield
Interesting article.
Benelli XM1014 (M4S90)
On February 12 1999, the US Army
Armaments Research, Development, and Engineering Center awarded a contract
to Heckler and Koch, in Sterling, Virginia for a 12 gauge semi-automatic
shotgun, the new HK/Benelli M4 Super 90 (M4S90) for the US Armed Forces.
The SPAS12
is an example of a Military shotgun. It has a heavy heat guard over areas of
the gun likely to get hot during prolonged operation. It has a latch on the
magazine loading door that keeps out rocks and such when crawling along in a
trench with it. It has a "hook" on the end of the folding-stock that acts as
a carry handle and a shooting support. It has a number of other special
features that adapt it specifically for police and military use, such as a
magazine cut-off button that stops feeding of shells from the magazine so
that the slide may be opened without a new round coming out of the magazine.
This could allow a special round to be manually inserted.
A perspective on combat shotguns
by Bill Clede. Police and shotguns have gone
together since the days of the wild frontier. The emphasis is on the police
handgun only because it is the one most readily available. For serious
business, the shotgun still holds an edge.
Is There a Best Combat Shotgun?
As experienced with virtually every other kind of weapon-system, the
so-called "combat" shotgun, too, is the subject of heated debate as to which
type -- gas or recoil operated self-loader or slide-action (pump) is the
"best." Indeed, for as long as I can remember, gunshop arguments over this
topic range far and wide, with surprising intensity.
Combat Shotgun for Women by Kate Alexander Krueger
A number of years ago I was scared to death to use a shotgun. I
became very nervous and upset when I knew my turn on the line was next. Then
I took Lethal Force Institute's advanced training (LFI, II, III and IV) and
Massad Ayoob taught us about technique, body language and control. I found
out about an aggressive stance and its importance and about controlling the
shotgun NOT the shotgun controlling me.
A FEW ASPECTS OF COMBAT APPLICATION OF SHOTGUNS IN RUSSIA
In Russia this class of firearms as combat weapons has been accepted for
service only recently. Shotguns have been in use mostly by SPETSNAZ -
Russian Forces of Special Deployment. The police still prefer the PM Makarov
pistol and the AK assault rifles. However, thanks to the promotional and
educational efforts of Russian developers and manufacturers shotguns gain
more attention.
Return to Top
Submachine Gun
The CZ 2000
family is the direct descendant of those automatic weapons conceived and
manufactured by CZUB, i.e. the Model 58 Assault Rifle, the Model 61 ŠKORPION
submachine gun and the Model 59 Machine gun; which were produced in cal.
7.62 mm.
The CZ 2000´s development program melded ČZUB´s existing long-standing
tradition and expertise together with the most up-to-date knowledge
available in the field of automatic weapon construction. Its modular design,
high rate of fire, low weight and relatively reduced contours particularly
enhance this weapon's utility.
The Heckler & Koch MP-5 Submachine Gun
-- A Legend In Its Own Time! First appearing way back in the middle
70s with the commercial designator, "HK54", Heckler & Koch's famous 9mm SMG
has indeed come a long way. Subsequently adopted by the German military and
police establishment as the "Maschinenpistole 5" (MP5), it has since seen
widespread adoption and resulting worldwide proliferation.
THE COLT M635 9mm SUBMACHINE GUN -- A
STUDY IN EXCELLENCE A decade ago,
Colt surprised everyone in the firearms industry by entering the
then-budding domestic 9mm submachine gun market -- a market completely
dominated at the time by the Heckler & Koch MP5. Most said they didn't have
a chance, that the MP5 was so good that Colt's new SMG wouldn't last more
than a couple of years.
M1A1 Thompson Submachine Gun
Although officially replaced with the
M3A1, Thompsons were sometimes used during the Korean war. The
M1 carbine was intended to replace the submachine gun in service, and
its greater range and penetrating power were distinct advantages. At close
quarters, however, the Thompson was superior.
The Story and History of the Thompson Submachine
Gun The Thompson Submachine gun
was born from the mind of General John T. Thompson. Gen. Thompson was driven
with the thought of creating a hand held machinegun that would help end the
First World War. At this time in history, machineguns were large heavy
weapons manned by several soldiers. The thought of a compact machinegun,
small and light enough for a single soldier to operate, fascinated Thompson.
It was his never ending devotion to developing the light weight machinegun,
combined with a series of well timed world events, that led to the creation
of the worlds first Submachine gun; The Thompson Submachine gun.
MP5 submachine gun Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns employ the
same delayed blowback operated roller-locked bolt system found in the famous
HK G3 Automatic Rifle. All the elements of HK excellence; reliability, ease
of handling, simple maintenance, and safety are highlighted on the MP5.
Firing from the closed-bolt position during all modes of fire makes MP5
submachine guns extremely accurate and controllable.
Return to Top
Squad
Auto/BAR
FM 23-14
- M249 LIGHT MACHINE GUN IN THE AUTOMATIC RIFLE ROLE, 26 JAN 1994: This
manual provides technical information, training techniques, and guidance on
the M249 light machine gun in the automatic rifle role, which was formerly
known as the squad automatic weapon (SAW). Since this manual addresses the
M249's use in the automatic rifle role as opposed to the light machine gun
role, it is referred to in this manual as the M249 AR. Unit leaders and the
designated automatic riflemen will find this information invaluable in their
efforts to successfully integrate this automatic weapon into their combat
operations. The tactical positions shown in this manual may not be
tactically correct, but they were drawn to enhance the reader's
understanding of related subject material.
Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), M249 Light Machine
Gun The automatic rifle is a
squad leaders weapon. Though the automatic rifle has changed, the role of
the automatic rifleman has not since its conception circa World War I. The
automatic rifleman supports the infantry squad in the offense and defense.
The M249 SAWS is a lightweight, gas-operated, magazine or disintegrating
metallic link-belt fed, individually portable machine gun capable of
delivering a large volume of effective fire. The M249 AR provides accurate
fire approaching that of the rifle yet gives the heavy volume of fire common
to a machine gun.
FM 22-5 APPENDIX F Manual of Arms .pdf file. Yes, I know that FM 22-5 is now "Drill &
Ceremonies." This sucker's kind of old. (grin) The figure shown performing
the MOA is depicted in a Class A uniform. (Big grin - gawd, I hated those
shoes) See Also: FM 22-5
APPENDIX G Manual of Arms—M14 and M14A1 Rifles
Browning Automatic Rifle
The initial M1918A1 version of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was first
used in combat by American soldiers during World War I, and many saw service
in World War II. The BAR received high praise for its reliability under
adverse conditions.
PKM GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUN Likely inspired by the German MG34
and MG42 general purpose machine guns they encountered during WWII, Soviet
designers started to develop their own version of a portable, belt-fed multi
purpose machine gun after the Second World War.
Return to Top
Heavy Machinegun
"FM 23-65: M2 .50HB Browning Machine
Gun"
The M1917A1
The M1917A1 was designated as a Heavy Machine Gun for a very good reason: it
was heavy! It was not a weapon easily used in fluid combat or assault.
However, the weight of this water-cooled weapon also gave it great stability
which, with its capability of sustained volume of fire, made it an excellent
defensive weapon.
M1919A4 .30 Caliber Air Cooled Machine Gun
The air-cooled 'A4 was much lighter and more portable than its M1917A1
water-cooled counterpart. Before the end of World War I, the U.S. Ordnance
Department recognized that water-cooled machine guns took up too much space
inside a tank. Consequently, the water-cooled M1917 was converted to an
air-cooled model by surrounding the barrel with a perforated metal jacket.
M2 Machine Gun
The Browning M2 .50 caliber (12.7mm) Machine Gun, is a World War II era
automatic, belt-fed, recoil operated, air-cooled, crew-operated machine gun.
It is currently fielded by 20 different militaries around the world.
Machine gun
From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia. A machine gun is a small-calibre fully
automatic projectile weapon. Generally any "machine gun" with a calibre of
more than 12.5mm is called an automatic cannon, even through it might
operate the same way. See also:
squad automatic weapon,
assault rifle,
weapon,
General Purpose Machine Gun
Return to Top
Thumpers - Grenade launchers &
mortars
Follow-thru Grenade for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT): A follow-thru grenade for military operations in urban terrain uses a microsecond delay fuzed warhead to breach a target will to allow a deflector protected anti-personnel millisecond delay fuzed grenade to proceed through the wall breach to attach enemy personnel behind the wall.
"BLOOPER" THE M-79 GRENADE LAUNCHER: This
weapon first appeared during the Vietnam war and closely resembled a large
bore, single barrel, sawn-off shotgun. The first M79 Grenade launchers were
delivered to the US Army in 1961. The M79 was designed as a close support
weapon for the infantry, and was intended to bridge the gap between the
maximum throwing distance of a hand grenade, and the lowest range of
supporting mortar fire. An area of between 50 and 300 meters.
"FM 23-27: MK-19 40mm Grenade Machine
Gun, MOD 3"
FM 23-31 - 40-MM
GRENADE LAUNCHER, M203, 20 SEP 1994: This manual provides technical
information, training techniques, and combat techniques of the M203 grenade
launcher. Intended users include leaders and designated grenadiers, who will
use this information to successfully integrate the M203 into their combat
operations. This manual discusses gunnery training and train-the-trainer,
and includes an appendix on the M79 40-mm grenade launcher. The tactical
positions shown in this manual were drawn to enhance the reader's
understanding of related subject material and are not tactically correct.
Return to Top
LAW/AT4 - rockets
FM 23-25 - LIGHT
ANTIARMOR WEAPONS, 17 AUG 1994: This manual provides technical information,
training techniques, and combat techniques of light antiarmor weapons.
Intended users include leaders and designated soldiers who will use this
information to successfully integrate light antiarmor weapons into combat
operations. This manual discusses gunnery training and train-the-trainer.
The tactical positions shown in this manual were drawn to enhance the
reader's understanding of related subject material and do not necessarily
represent the best employment option for that material. &
M72 Study Guide :
Photos of the M72 |
PDF
File
FM 3-23.25
LIGHT ANTIARMOR WEAPONS, 30 AUG 2001 , SS FM 23-25, 17 AUG 1994 (AT-4)
AT-4 Study Guide :
View photos of the AT-4 :
Equipment Information for the AT-4
The RPG-7 Foreign Military
Studies Office AUGUST 1988 Lester GRau The RPG-7
anti-tank grenade launcher is one of the most common and most effective
infantry weapons in contemporary conflicts. It is rugged, simple and carries
a lethal punch.
FM 3-23.24
M47 DRAGON MEDIUM ANTITANK WEAPON SYSTEM, 30 AUG 2001 , SS FM 23-24
Return to Top
(Hand)
Grenades/Mines
US (Korean Era) Hand Grenades
US forces in Korea used five basic types of hand grenades, many of which can
easily be
converted to
rifle grenades. See also:
Article on US WWI grenades.
Communist Hand Grenades US Korean War Hand Grenades.
Hand Grenades. Hand grenades include more than the
casualty-producing instruments of war. The current inventory provides a
specific hand grenade for most circumstances. Each has different
characteristics, and each provides the soldier with a variety of
capabilities. Hand grenades give the soldier the ability to kill enemy
soldiers, destroy enemy equipment, give signals, and control riots.
Historically, the most important hand grenade is the fragmentation grenade.
MK3A2 concussion offensive hand grenade
commonly referred to as the concussion grenade, is designed to produce
casualties during close combat while minimizing danger to friendly
personnel.
ABC-M7A2/3 CS Hand Grenade
riot control hand grenades contain only CS as a filler. They differ only in
the amount of filler and the form of the CS they contain.
AN-M8 HC White Smoke grenade
used to produce dense clouds of white smoke for signaling and screening.
AN-M14 TH3 incendiary hand grenade
used to destroy equipment. It can damage, immobilize, or destroy vehicles,
weapons systems, shelters, or munitions. The grenade may also be used to
start fires in areas containing flammable materials.
M15 White Phosphorous grenade
("Willie-Pete") is a bursting type grenade used for signaling,
screening, and incendiary purposes.
M18 Colored Smoke grenade
is used as a ground-to-ground or ground-to-air signaling device, a target or
landing zone marking device, or a screening device for unit movements.
ABC-M25A2 riot control hand grenade
is a bursting munition with an integral fuze. The M25A2 grenade is an
improved version of the M25A1 grenade.
M61 FRAGMENTATION HAND GRENADE
Fragments are produced by a serrated wire coil fitted to the inside of the
grenade body.
M67 FRAGMENTATION HAND GRENADE
is a 2.5-inch diameter steel sphere designed to burst into numerous
fragments when detonated.
M69 practice hand grenade
simulates the M67-series of fragmentation hand grenades for training
purposes. The grenade provides realistic training and familiarizes the
soldier with the functioning and characteristics of the fragmentation hand
grenade.
XM84 Stun Grenade is
a non-fragmentation, non-lethal "Flash And Bang" stun grenade that is
intended to provide a reliable, effective non-lethal means of neutralizing &
disorienting enemy personnel.
FM 23-30GRENADES AND PYROTECHNIC SIGNALS Field
Manual DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, 27
December 1988
FM 3-23.30
GRENADES AND PYROTECHNIC SIGNALS, 01 SEP 2000 , SS FM 23-30 -
PDF File
This updated version has color photos.
Hand Grenade Study Guide
see also:
Photos of Hand Grenades & Soldiers Manual of Common Task Exercises:
FM 23-23
ANTIPERSONNEL MINE M18A1 AND M18 (CLAYMORE), 06 JAN 1966 , CH 2, 30 MAR 73
Detecting Land Mines
"The conventional method used for detecting land mines out in the field is
to bring out a metal detector to try and locate them," says Van Romero,
director of EMRTC. "However, almost all modern anti-personnel mines used
today are relatively small, from about three inches to 20 inches in
diameter, and are made of plastic with very few metal parts in them, making
them very hard to detect."
Congress Presses for 'Safer' Land Mines
From the "You've got to be kidding me ..." file.
M18A1 Claymore Mine.
Download a powerpoint presentation. Purpose: To inform you on the basics of
the Claymore Mine…. Outline: History of the M18A1 Claymore Mine; The
components of the Claymore; Tactical Employment of the Claymore Mine;
Summary; Questions; Conclusion.
M18A1 Study Guide
View FM 23-23
Photos of the M18A1
Components and Employment of the M18A1 Claymore Soldiers Manual of
Common Task Exercises:
M18A1 Claymore Mine
The M18A1 antipersonnel mine was standardized in 1960, and replaced the M18
antipersonnel mine. Both mines are similar in appearance and functioning.
The M18A1 claymore mine is a fragmentation munition that contains 700 steel
balls and 682 grams of composition C4 explosive.
Return to Top
Sniper
Introduction and History.
( Sniper's Paradise website ) The Sniper has special abilities, training,
and equipment. His job is to deliver discriminatory, highly accurate rifle
fire against enemy targets which cannot be engaged successfully by the
regular rifleman because of range, size, location, fleeting nature, or
visibility. Sniping requires the development of basic infantry skills to a
high degree of perfection.
What Is a Sniper, What Are His Tasks?
By David Reed. A sniper is an expert rifleman trained in the techniques of
the individual soldier and assigned the mission of sniping. A sniper needs
many skills. He must be physically and mentally hard, a crack shot, and must
be able to ...
What It Takes to Be a Good Sniper
By David Reed. Basically, it takes three things to be a good sniper, and a
wicked shot is the least of them. Discipline and cunning are the important
qualities. Snipers do not (usually) roam around looking for people to shoot.
Memorandum of Instruction - SOTIC
PURPOSE. To provide the United States Army Special Operations Command
with the information necessary to prepare students for the SOTIC.
Sniper Rifles.
Photos & stats for 69 rifles, and growing.
(Sniper) Fieldcraft
By David Reed. Includes good info on marksmanship, as well as sniper
tactics. Covers the bases on ingress/egress, cover & concealment, site
selection, tracking, etc. Good article, a little spooky. Not for
everyone.[link updated]
"FM 23-10: Sniper Training"
includes : mission & organization, personnel selection criteria, sniper &
observer responsibilities, team firing techniques, Equipment (M24 sniper
system, inspection, care, maintenance, disassembly, load & unload, storage,
ammo types & characteristics, malfunctions & corrections, scopes & sights,
other equipment), Marksmanship (fundamentals – position, aim, breathing,
trigger control, follow through, calling the shot, etc.), Ballistics (type,
terminology & effects on trajectory, angle of fire), Weather effects,
engaging moving targets, camouflage, cover & concealment, movement, sight
selection & occupation, construction of sniper position, positions in urban
terrain, observation, searches, twilight techniques, night techniques,
target detection & selection, range estimation, mission preparation, mission
packing lists, insertion, execution (of mission), extraction & recovery,
escape & evasion, communication (field exped. Ant., repairs, etc.), tracking
& counter tracking, sniper weapons of the world, much more.
Reading mirage
(Gale McMillan on McMillan Family
website
) What are those squiggly little things I see running along the top of my
target frame? Or what is mirage and how do I cope with it?
Sniper Field Training Exercises
By Kevin R. Mussack Field Training Exercises (FTXs) that closely
simulate actual sniper missions should occupy at least as much training time
as that dedicated to sustaining individual skills.
Sniper FTX Summary By
Jeff Waters The following is a summary of a standard FTX scenario I
used for internal and external evaluations. Of course you should use varying
missions, but I found that when you get a few scenarios drawn up, you can
re-use them a lot, simply by changing the terrain on which they are
executed, or by changing the Situation briefing.
Return to Top
Explosives
FAE's - Fuel Air Explosives
A typical fuel air explosive device
consists of a container of fuel and two separate explosive charges. After
the munition is dropped or fired, the first explosive charge bursts open the
container at a predetermined height and disperses the fuel in a cloud that
mixes with atmospheric oxygen (the size of the cloud varies with the size of
the munition). The cloud of fuel flows around objects and into structures.
The second charge then detonates the cloud, creating a massive blast wave.
Classifications of Explosives
Explosive substances may be classified by
their reaction, composition, or service use. Military explosives are divided
into two general classes, high explosives and low
explosives, according to their rates of decomposition. They may be
further classified according to use.
Mercury Fulminate
Lead Azide
Lead Styphnate
Tetracene
Diazodinitrophenel (DDNP)
Brisance
Tetrytol
Pentaerythritoltetranitrate (PETN)
Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (Tetryl)
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Fundamentals of Naval Weapons Systems - Chapter
12 Military Explosives
The M118-C4 block demolition charge,
or sheet explosive, is a block of four .50-pound sheets of flexible
explosive packed in a plastic envelope. Twenty M118 charges and a package of
80 M8 blasting cap holders are packed in a wooden box. Each sheet of the
explosive has a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape attached to one surface.
Relative effectiveness factor is 1.14.
The M112-C4 block demolition charge
consists of 1.25-pounds of Composition C4 packed in a Mylar-film container
with a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape on one surface. The tape is
protected by a peelable paper cover. In blocks of recent manufacture,
Composition C4 is white and packed in an olive-drab, Mylar-film container.
Relative effectiveness factor is 1.34.
The M180 Cratering Demolition Kit
is a one-step, two-stage, surface-emplaced, 110-pound kit consisting of a
standard 15-pound shaped charge, a firing device and a rocket-propelled
40-pound cratering charge. These components are mounted on one leg of a
tripod assembly. When the kit is fired, the rocket on its downward
acceleration strikes the firing device, which initiates the shaped charge
through the demolition circuit. The shaped charge creates a hole in the
ground to a depth of 6-9 feet. The accelerating rocket "follows through" the
shaped charge back blast to the bottom of the hole, and penetrates further
into the soil to an optimum charge burial depth. A time delay fuse detonates
the cratering charge and produces a 12-22 foot diameter crater.
M303 Special Operations Forces Demolition Kit
The Kit is a collection of inert metal and plastic parts and commercially
available items that give the SOF soldiers a wide selection of warheads and
attachment devices which he can tailor to defeat a specific mission target.
The various warheads include three sizes of conical shaped charges, four
sizes of linear shaped charges, and a new capability with two sizes of
explosively formed penetrators with more sizes to follow. The warheads are
provided in a set configuration that contains all materials, less
explosives, needed to pack the warheads with explosive, set them up and
attach them on or near the target. It also gives the user a new capability
in the form of an inert kit containing the components to tailor-make various
explosive charges and securely employ or attach these charges to targets
which is critical for mission success and user survivability.
RDX compositions are
mixtures of RDX, other explosive ingredients, and desensitizers or
plasticizers. Incorporated with other explosives or inert material at the
manufacturing plants, RDX forms the base for the following common military
explosives:
Composition A,
composition B,
composition C,
HBX,
H-6
and
Cyclotol.
MUNITIONS GLOSSARY OF TERMS Quite extensive.
Return to Top
Expedient
CLUBS You
hold clubs, you do not throw them. As a field-expedient weapon, the club
does not protect you from enemy soldiers. It can, however, extend your area
of defense beyond your fingertips. It also serves to increase the force of a
blow without injuring yourself. There are three basic types of clubs. They
are the simple, weighted, and sling club.
EDGED WEAPONS
Knives, spear blades, and arrow points fall under the category of edged
weapons.
OTHER EXPEDIENT WEAPONS
You can make other field-expedient weapons such as the throwing stick,
archery equipment, and the bola.
FIELD-EXPEDIENT WEAPONS, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT Chapter 12 of the old
FM 21-76 as provided (for some years now) on the
http://www.aircav.com/ website. Thanks guys!
Field Expedient Antiarmor Devices There
are many weapons that you can use to destroy a tank or an armored personnel
carrier. The weapons most frequently used are LAWs, Dragons, TOWs, mines,
and high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) rounds of the M203 grenade launcher.
There may be times, however, when you will not have these weapons available.
In such cases, you may have to use field expedient devices. This appendix
describes some appropriate devices.
How to Make a Bow and Arrow - WikiHow
Global Guerrillas: HOMEMADE MICROWAVE WEAPONS
Chechnya’s Homemade Weapons Fuel War
Rebels are using improvised and home-made weapons to continue their
guerrilla war.
Mini-manual of the Urban Guerrilla — Ch 5
Molotov cocktails, gasoline, homemade contrivances such as catapults and
mortars for firing explosives, grenades made of pipes and cans, smoke bombs,
mines, conventional explosives such as dynamite and potassium chlorate,
plastic explosives, gelatin capsules, and ammunition of every kind are
indispensable to the success of the urban guerrilla's mission.
Laura Lee News - Home-made Radio Frequency Weapon Fries
Electronics
Two home-made weapons capable of frying
electronics and crashing computers have been demonstrated at the US Army's
Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The tests were requested by the US
government, to determine whether cheap but effective radio wave weapons
could be made with little technical know-how.
Most of
the following articles were probably written by bored teenagers with
delusions of grandeur. Most of them won't work as advertised. Some of them
are more likely to harm you (either in the construction or upon attempted
use) than anyone else. The only reason I've included them here is as an
example of what a vivid imagination can conceive. Almost anything can be
used as a weapon - including information. Fair Warning.
PS: if the
following links aren't enough try this:
Homemade Weapons!?!? - Blitwise Bulletin Board
$10 Gun
by WeaponMakerMan Guns are expensive. This is a way to make a cheap
one-shot gun for self defense. You won't be able to get off more than one
shot, as it takes time to reload, but it's the shot no one knows you have.
A Step by Step Guide to Making a Dry
Ice Gun by The Voice Over In the past,
many people have experimented with the power generated by the conversion of
dry ice into gaseous carbon dioxide. One day in May of 1985, an idea was
introduced to me by a friend. His plan was to control the force of the
expanding dry ice and harness it to a useful end. The result was the dry ice
gun.
An Aussie Beer Can Mortar
by Andy A short story on a mortar that fires beer cans full of cement,
because I can!
Antipersonnel Grenades
How to make a bunch of different anti-personnel weapons
Blowgun
In this article we will attemt to explain the use and manufacture of a
powerful blow-gun and making darts for the gun.
CO2 Mortar
by Sic Pyr0 and Cody Easy to make device to launch CO2 cartridges.
Guide to Civilian Warfare & Sabotage
by Opus P. Penguin You would be surprised how many files are out that use
what falls under the category of a "fuse". They assume you just have a few
lying around, or know where to get them. Well, in some parts of the country,
fuses are extremely hard to come by...so this part of our first file is
dedicated to fuses. Both are very simple to make, and are fairly reliable
How to Make A Stungun
by Grean Dean So you want to ZaaaaaaP the shit out of someone. Well I have
the thing just for you. It delivers a nice Shock of 75,000 Volts and causes
muscle spasms.
How to Make Poisonous Gas
It is simple enough. This is an easy way to make a poisonous gas that can
kill, or at least severely injure when made. Here is what you do.
How to Make a Taser
by Zilith the Insane It is easy using a disposable camera.
Jail-bird Ice Pick
by 6ic-Cee Need to make a concealable weapon with an extremely limited
amount of supplies?
Liquid Oxidizer
by lpumsunpiyush A liquid oxidizer for explosives, comprising nitric acid,
ammonium nitrate and water.
Making Slingshots
Slingshots are useful tools for the dirty trickster. The modern ones are as
different from the forked-limb-and-inner-tube variety of your youth as a
Daisy BB gun is from a Taser. They aren't even called slingshots any more.
The technocrats have renamed them hand catapults.
Making a Shock Rod
by Circle Lord This handy little circuit is the key to generating THOUSANDS
of volts of electricity for warding off attackers (notice the plural). It
generates it all from a hefty 6-volt source and is easily fit into a tubular
casing.
Natural Poisons for Ninjas
I was born in Japan, raised and taught the art of Ninjutsu from my family.
I immigrated to the U.S. and became a U.S. citizen. I've been studying the
art for over 15 years now.
Nerve Agents: Lethal Organo-
Phosphorus Compounds All nerve agents
belong chemically to the group of organo-phosphorus compounds. They are
stable and easily dispersed, highly toxic and have rapid effects both when
absorbed through the skin and via respiration. Nerve agents can be
manufactured by means of fairly simple chemical techniques. The raw
materials are inexpensive and generally readily available.
Pipe Pistol for .22 Caliber
Ammunition A .22 Caliber pistol can be
made from 1/8 in. nominal diameter extra heavy, steel gas or water pipe and
fittings. Lethal range is approximately 33 yards (30 meters).
Pipe or "Zip" Guns
Commonly known as "zip" guns, guns made from pipe have been used for years
by juvenile punks. Today's Militants make them just for the hell of it or to
shoot once in an assassination or riot and throw away if there is any danger
of apprehension.
Toothpick Blow Gun
by Eric With some trial and error, construct a homemade blow gun out of
toothpicks, some cotton balls, and a straw!
Unconventional Warfare: Devices and
Techniques by Video Vindicator These
files covers all aspects of incendiary systems. They describe useful
initiators, ignitors, incendiary materials, delay mechanisms, and
spontaneous combustion devices designed for direct use in sabotage and
unconventional warfare.
Unconventional Warfare: Initiators
(#2) by Video Vindicator These files
covers all aspects of incendiary systems. They describe useful initiators,
ignitors, incendiary materials, delay mechanisms, and spontaneous combustion
devices designed for direct use in sabotage and unconventional warfare.
BIC BALISTICS
I'm sure all of you are familiar with the Bic lighter, and
I'm also sure you've tried to make the Bic Flamethrower at one time or
another. Well... here's 2 more things you can do, First off is the Bic
Rocket, and then the Bic Sparkler. Both work almost every time! Enjoy...
Impact exploding arrows
These are impact exploding arrows, and how to make
them. These babies are lethal, and explode on impact.
Make Maceballs
How to make pretty harmful ammunition for paintball gunz with
mace.
SPECIAL AMMUNITION FOR BLOWGUNS
The blowgun is an interesting weapon which has
several advantages. A blowgun can be extremely accurate, concealable, and
deliver an explosive or poisoned projectile. The manufacture of an explosive
dart or projectile is not difficult.
see also:
SPECIAL AMMUNITION FOR BLOWGUNS
Additional instructions for Soft Drink Can Launcher
This is a very short "mortar"
constructed for the express purpose of launching soft drink cans straight up
into the air. It is crude, prone to rupture during use, and consumes rather
inordinate amounts of Pyrodex. But it sure is fun, and it makes an
incredible amount of noise when it goes off!
BUILDING ROCKET LAUNCHERS
ever wanted to make a rocket launcher!! well its easy
to do in my guide to making a rocket launcher
Home-brew blast cannon
Hold the trigger down for 30 seconds, hold on tight,
and hit the switch. With luck and the proper adjustments, you should be able
to put a frozen orange through 1/4 or plywood at 25 feet.
How to make and fire your very own Polish Cannon
The polish cannon was invented for all
of you who would love to have a gun- type weapon or just something fun that
shoots things. With about $1.50 worth of lighter fluid and materials around
the home, you can make your very own cannon.
ROCKETS AND CANNONS
Rockets and cannon are generally thought of as heavy
artillery. Perpetrators of violence do not usually employ such devices,
because they are difficult or impossible to acquire. They are not, however,
impossible to make.
TACK RIFLE
How to make an improvised cannon that fires tacks or nails.
The Ancient Art of Cannonry
So you wanna build a cannon? I think nearly
everybody is familiar with the basic idea of the Tennis Ball Cannon -- some
type of device that, when ignited, fires a tennis ball out one end. This
sounds simple enough, but making a cannon that can shoot long distances
(E.g., 100+ yards) can be a bit tricky. The purpose of this document is to
guide the reader through the production of a number of different types of
cannons.
THE MEYTHAL HYDRATE CANNON
the cannon can be used as a mortar, or a
bazooka, it depends on the target.
BB shotgun
This will tell you how to make a bb shotgun with very easy to
get supplies.
how to build a .22
the gun which I am about to explain how to build is an
original style zip- gun. Other zip-guns have been made, but most have been
of inferior quality and are very dangerous to operate. The gun I have
constructed is easy to use and safe to operate.
Chlorine Gas
Chlorine gas is fairly easy to make, and the effects of it
are very deadly. You could take out a gang of attackers with one gas bomb.
See also:
Make Chlorine Gas and
Make Chlorine Gas
Chloropicrin: Chloropicrin is also known as vomiting gas
Chloropicrin: Chloropicrin is also known
as vomiting gas. Though not really a gas but a liquid, the inhalation of
it's mist or fumes causes projectile vomiting in humans. It's production is
easy but requires some special equipment.
See also:
Vomiting Gas
How To Make Tear Gas
The process I am about to describe is called
Oleoresin. The compound I am about to describe is called Oleoresid Capsicum.
See also:
How To Make Tear Gas In Your BaseMent
and
Making homemade Teargas and
TEAR GAS
Irritant Gasses
There are several eye and nose irritants on the market which
can be easily duplicated, here is how.
KNOCK-OUT DROPS
How to make Cloral Hydrate (Knock-out Drops)
Mace Substitute
It's not actual mace, but it does a damn good job on the
eyes... see also:
Mace Substitute
Nicotine
Nicotine is an abundant poison. Easily found in tobacco
products, in concentrated form a few drops can quickly kill someone. Here is
how to concentrate it:
Poison
THIS POISON WILL KILL THE AFFECTED VICTIM WITHIN A WEEK. THE
REASON FOR THE TIME DELAY IS THAT THE POISON CAUSES THE VICTIM TO GET
TETANUS See also
Simple Poison
Tear-Gas Pellets
This file will document the procedure to produce small .177
caliber cartridges that will fire a cloud of pepper defense spray, for use
by individuals interested in carrying a form of defense, but object to
carrying true firearms or weapons that are capable of serious injury.
See also:
Tear-Gas Pellets and
TEARGAS AND RELATED ITEMS and
TEARGAS AND RELATED ITEMS
The Ultimate Smoke Bomb
There are many philes on smoke bombs, most of them are
OK and some of them are wrong. Hopefully this file will correctly cover
everything...
TOXINS - Killing quantities of things
I tried to type in this chart earlier,
but when the editor and modems got through with it - it was a mess. I'll try
it again. It's a listing of some *HIGHLY* toxic materials...some of which
may fall into the "Most Dangerous Substances On This Planet" hall of fame.
Vinegar Poison
This is a very simple poison to make with almost no materials
needed. Take a lead or copper container and store vinegar in it for a long
time it will then turn to into a deadly poison.
Booby Traps
How to make a very wide array of different types of high
quality mines and traps all out of common materials.
Cartridge Trap
The cartridge trap consists of a cartridge set into a piece
of bamboo fastened to a board and installed in a camouflaged pit
How to make a landmine
How to make an improvised very effective homemade
mine.
MINES & BOOBY TRAPS
Various facts and purposes of different types of mines
and traps.
Pepper Pot Mines
This file contains information on making a replica of a
German WWII mine known as a pepper pot. This mine was not intended to kill
the enemy but wound him by blowing off his foot. The Germans made these in
great quantity and put them to good use. The mine was made out of glass and
plastic with very little metal and was hard to find with a mine detector.
Shotgun shell mine
This was a design used by the Viet Cong in Nam. It's very
effective.
T R I P W I R E S
How to make a highly effective tripwire.
Traps
Traps are the vital part of any assassins strategy. So if you
are going# % to be a dealer of death you must learn the art of trap
building.. # % All traps don't have to kill, the following traps are made to
wound the# % victim and make the kill easier... #
Return to Top
Tactics
(see our
Tactics & Strategy Page for MUCH more)
Range Estimation
Essential info for hunters & shooters. See also:
Range estimation (alpharubicon) and
Some Thoughts On Range Estimation (Fr.Frog)
Trends in Small Arms Tactics
Certain aspects of military small arms tactics seem to
have come full circle in the last 200 or so years.
Guerrilla Warfare
-
excerpt of chapter one of Ernesto "Che" Guevara's General Principles of
Guerrilla Warfare.
On Guerrilla Warfare
- text of Mao Tse-tung's On Guerilla Warfare, including
chapters on history, organization, and political problems.
Psychological Operations in Guerilla Warfare
- tactical manual published by the Central
Intelligence Agency and distributed to the Contras in Central America.
CIA Textbook on Psychological Operations In Guerrilla
Warfare This book is a manual for the
training of guerrillas in psychological operations, and its application to
the concrete case of the Christian and democratic crusade being waged in
Nicaragua by the Freedom Commandos.
TRAINING & READINESS FOR URBAN OPERATIONS
PDF FILE
The Marine Corps' Combined Action Program and Modern
Peace Operations-Common Themes and Lessons
The paper will begin with a historical overview of the
CAP, from its roots in U.S. Marine actions in Central America circa 1935 up
to the termination of the program in Vietnam in 1971. The successes and
failures of the program will be examined in detail. The CAP will then be
compared and contrasted with Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, also known
as Unified Task Force (UNITAF). Operation Restore Hope, Dec 1992- May 1993,
was the generally successful U.S.-led portion of the UN intervention is
Somalia that preceded the ill-fated United Nations Operations in Somalia II
(UNOSOM II). Also examined are the lessons of the CAP that were successfully
applied in Somalia. Finally, the paper will conclude with a survey of
current U.S. doctrine on peace operations and will suggest additions and
improvements to the ways that U.S. forces are prepared for participation in
such operations.
Logistical Operations on Urban Terrain
by MAJ William Carter, Military Analyst, CALL. Combat
Service Support (CSS) to military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) is
a unique type of military operation and presents many challenges. Each urban
area is different. The key to providing successful CSS to urban combat is
with the ability for the logistician at all levels to properly plan for and
anticipate requirements. The logistician must apply basic CSS
characteristics, doctrine, and methodologies used in all military
operations. The logistical planners should understand that urban combat is
not a separate military task or operation, but a unique condition on the
battlefield.
TC 90-1 Training for Military Operations on Urbanized
Terrain (2002 updated) This training
circular is a training support package for training urban operations. It
provides guidance for leaders conducting training in urban environments
across the full spectrum of Army operations: offense, defense, stability,
and support. The focus of this circular is on effective usage of the home
station urban training facilities: Urban Assault Course (UAC), Shoot House (SH),
Breach Facility (BF), and Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF).
Although the primary focus of this circular is on the four primary home
station facilities, with modification it can also support urban training in
nonstandard facilities.
Night Warrior Handbook - Book I
(2nd Battalion, 5th Marines - Training for Night
Operations in the Infantry Company)
Night Warrior Handbook - Book II (2nd Battalion, 5th Marines -
Training for Night Operations in the Infantry Company)
Night Warrior Handbook - Book II (Bibliography) (2nd Battalion,
5th Marines - Training for Night Operations in the Infantry Company)
BUSHCRAFT PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION:
This is a outline of Bushcraft and Tracking course curriculum.
COMBAT TRACKING TECHNIQUES:
How To Track Your Enemy.
TRACKING AND COUNTERTRACKING:
Extract from course notes.
TRACKING: Chapter 7
of Rhodesian COIN manual.
FOLLOW UP OPERATIONS:
Chapter 8 of Rhodesian COIN manual.
RURAL TRACKING OPERATIONS:
Extract from Rhodesian S.A.S. (Special Air Service) combat field manual.
ZAMBEZI VALLEY MANHUNT:
A article about the T.C.U. and one of its operations. The T.C.U. was
absorbed into the Selous Scouts, making up some of the original cadre of
that organization.
TRACKING FOR SURVIVAL:
Covers basic knowledge and skills for military bush trackers.
ADVANCE TRACKING TECHNIQUES:
This picks up basically were tracking for survival leaves off.
TRACKING: THE FOLLOW UP:
Techniques employed by scout trackers to pick up lost spoor.
BUSH TRACKING AND COUNTERTRACKING:
Successful techniques employed in the bush by scout trackers.
SELOUS SCOUTS, FOXHOUNDS, BEACONS AND TRANSMITTERS:
A peculiar and experimental use of tracking dogs.
OVERCOMING TRACKING PROBLEMS:
The essence of the Selous Scouts.
TRACKING TERRS / GUERRILLAS:
The employment of native trackers and combat trackers in a
counter-insurgency conflict.
TRACKING TECHNIQUES FOR PREDATOR AND PREY:
This is some tracking information on techniques employed by the Rhodesian
Security Forces and the Scouts.
Arm-and-Hand Signals for Ground Forces
- Note: This page contains over 50 hand
signals and is graphics intensive, so be aware of a long load time.
Tactics and Training A whole
slew of archived forum messages on the topic.
FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON, 10 APR 1999
FM 7-93 LONG-RANGE SURVEILLANCE UNIT
OPERATIONS, 03 OCT 1995
FM 7-85 RANGER UNIT OPERATIONS, 09 JUN
1987
FM 7-8 INFANTRY RIFLE PLATOON AND SQUAD,
22 APR 1992 , CHANGE 1, 1 MARCH 2001
Psychology of Combat by James Williams
In the military/combat situation, the ability to apply knowledge instantly,
without conscious thought is critical to survival. The intangibles are the
most important factors controlling the outcome of an engagement, the
technique applied being of much less importance. Combat is about damaging
human beings to preclude their ability to function. The means may be gun,
sword, club, knife, or hand; the end, however, is the same. The training in
preparation for this task is very to the point. There is nothing taught or
practiced that is not essential to the final outcome of the conflict. The
person undergoing training must be constantly presented with combat problems
to solve. These problems inherently involve weapons-based attacks including
attacks with firearms. There is no substitute for practicing in as realistic
as possible situations.
Return to Top
Scopes/Sights
Mastering the Use of Military Peep Sights
saved to SSRsi
FM 23-14 Chapter 5 Marksmanship Training
Staying Level and Centered! [PDF]
Scopes, Bases, Rings & Rifles; Making It All
Come Together Article Contributed by: Mark Trope: In my recent article, A
Rifle Comes Home, I touched briefly on using Burris Signature Rings with
floating, synthetic inserts on the subject Mil-Surp Remington 40X. Many Mil-Surp
owners choose to scope their rifles these days. Some rifles, like M-93 &
M-98 type Mauser designs will easily accept one and two-piece top mount
bases. However, they will require drilling and tapping, (D&T)...
Return to Top
Please Read The Website Disclaimer!
Copyright 1986-2012, The Survival & Self-Reliance Studies Institute (SSRsi), All
Rights Reserved
Site conceptualized, designed, created & maintained by MEG Raven
Snail Mail: SSRsi, PO Box 2572 Dillon, CO. 80435-2572