Our most used weapons are the M16/4, 249, 240, M2, MK19, M9 (soon to be changed, the are looking at many option and I am hoping for a 45), Benelli M4, etc etc. We have a basic weapon, M16/4, and we have specialty weapons.

I think the strangest / scariest thing I experienced while working at the gun shop was:

We had a non-english speaking (just enough to be 10% functional) customer buy a black powder muzzle loader (45 caliber) and then use a bullet puller to dissemble 45Acp ammunition. He then proceeded to put 50 ROUNDS worth of 45Acp powder down the barrel and patched a 32 caliber ball with a section of underwear elastic. Fortunately for him - he didn't understand that a cap was needed on the nipple to ignite the thing.

On the other hand - we could have cleaned out the shallow end of the gene pool by just handing him a $0.02 cap......

Slightly OT, but do you see many Benelli M4? Any feedback on the system?

I like my personal 870, since I trust a pumop more than an auto, but the M4 is what I was trained on. I haven't heard any complaints about it from Marines who use it daily.

It is the standard security weapon. Guarding gates and such.

Thanks.

I've been wondering how Benelli's gas operated system is performing (the M1, M2 and M3 are inertia driven...well the M3 is inertia in auto mode but is convertible to a pump by flipping a switch).

When I was trained for the auxiliary security forces in Afghan-land, I used the M4. It is a great weapon. the only issues I had were my fault. I put about 700 rounds through a well used gun (the bluing was rubbed down to the shinny metal in parts) and it didn't have any function issues.

I'd trust it with my life as I would an M16.

Arch, check this weapon. I have held it, but not fired it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ebtj1jR7c

I've seen those on TV only.

There is a local firm make drums for Saiga-12's. I was at the range when they were testing their final prototype. They were tired of testing and handed me a 12 Gauge AK, two drums and lots of ammo....

It was pretty impressive.

Found a link to their site...

http://www.alliancearmament.com/

Here's the drum I was allowed to "beta test"...

http://www.alliancearmament.com/alliancearmament30rddrum.aspx

The range in the video is the range I've been going to since 1983. Its a great place, because you literally never know what's going to show up.

I've seen everything from belt fed machine guns to FLAME THROWERS there.

I have fired a lot of weapons, even sent 155 mm down range, but flame throwers!

gundog, what you dont understand is that small arms mechanics work on SMALL ARMS AND CAN SERVICE ALL TYPES OF WEAPONS SYSTEMS. I am an Ordnance officer. i handle ammunition, explosives, and various types of munitions - as well as track the soldiers who work on weapons systems. my howitzer mechanics work on small arms as well. you need to do your research and know what you are talking or asking about before you go see a recruiter.

look up 91 series jobs within my branch, Ordnance. its all weapons systems maintenance. we are the largest branch in the entire army. and our guys do everything from mounted patrols to maintenance on weapons to traffic control points, etc. there is no other soldier in the us army that is as versatile as a 91 series ordnance soldier. anyone who knows will tell you this!