Suppressors (Silencers)

[Liberty]

This question goes out to any operator that can answer it. In watching the ongoing war in Iraq I've noticed that the soldiers are using unsuppressed weapons. I've always though that a suppressed weapon gave a considerable advantage to the one using it and I wondered why more soldiers were not issued suppressors. Is it a cost issue or an accuracy issue?

[SanDiego1]

A suppressed weapon is not something your going to see much of on the news because these are for missions that are supposed to be silent. I dont know if youve heard about the oil rigs that were taken by SEALs. I would bet they used silenced or suppressed weapons like the MP-5 SD3 and the MK 23(SOCOM .45). Suppressed weapons are not usually issued to regular military.They need to think of a way to silence HMMWVs an Tanks.

[Swimmer2004]

During the take down, they never fired a shot. Cannot get much more silent than that can it?
Lee

[Doug]

I would bet they used silenced or suppressed weapons like the MP-5 SD3 and the MK 23(SOCOM .45).


Perfect example of why we do not want non-SEALs answering threads on ASK A SEAL. The MP-5 is being phased out. Also, how would you know what was used by the operators to take control of the rigs? Where you there? Do not make assumptions. This is ASK A SEAL. Let us (REAL SEALs) answer the questions....

[SanDiego1]

Sorry Doug guess.No disrespect intended.

[Doug]

Sorry Doug guess.No disrespect intended.


No problem. No disrespect intended towards you either - just stating our viewpoint...

[kai23]

Hey kid (SD1) I respect that you no so much. You know more than me.But I would like to listen to SEALs more.

[grubber]

The MP-5 is being phased out

Hi Doug,

If the MP-5 is being phased out what is in the pipeline to replace? No worries if you cannot answer.

many thanks,
grubber

[Doug]

If the MP-5 is being phased out what is in the pipeline to replace?


They are switching to heavy usage of the M4 Carbine with Accessory Kit. It is an M4 with a shortened barrel. The kit provides more effectiveness for the weapon (i.e., a signature supressor, modified M203 grenade launcher, better night scope, CQB/reflex sight, high-tech daytime scope, rail interface system, etc., etc.). It is a great switch for Special Operations group as the HK MP5 was an outstanding weapon, this M4 just make more sense and provides a wider range of capabilities and is just a better choice of weapon overall. Benefits too numerous to list. Hope this answered your question...

Also the MP5 was designed as a CQB weapon exclusively. The M4 with the kit makes the weapon extremely effective in both CQB AND further out ranges (up to 500 meters)....

[Future-Spook]

what exactly is a reflex site, what does it do and how does it worK?

[Doug]

what exactly is a reflex site, what does it do and how does it worK?


Courtesy of US Army's US Special Operations Command, here is a brief run down of the weapon and kit. This should answer any questions on it:

The Carbine will eventually replace all the M16 series rifles, selected M9 pistols and all 45-caliber M3 submachine guns (and MP5 subguns).

To upgrade the weapon for special operations' soldiers, USASOC, working with the United States Special Operations Command, created the M4 Carbine Special Operations Peculiar Modification Accessory Kit, which provides the following items:

4X day scope: Allows soldiers to judge range and then fire more accurately beyond 300 meters;
Reflex sight: Designed for close range engagements. Only one sight, as opposed to the normal two sights, needs to be aligned with the target. The shooter can keep both eyes open while using this accessory, allowing more rapid engagements;
Visible laser: Places a red aiming dot on the target, much like what is seen on television. This is best used in buildings and close fighting;
Infrared pointer/illuminator: Used at night and can only be seen with night vision goggles;
Visible light: This is a high intensity rail mounted flashlight and is best used in buildings. The light works well with the visible laser by illuminating then pinpointing a target. The visible light is used mainly to discern friend and enemy in close fighting;
Backup iron sight: This is like a typical M16A2 sight and is used by itself when other sights aren't needed;
Forward hand grip: Helps stabilize the weapon and helps keep the hand away from the hand guards and barrel, which become hot during use;
Sound suppressor: Significantly reduces noise and flash, making it more difficult to discern the direction of fire. To accommodate these accessories, Rail Interface Systems, which are basically a series of rigid grooved rails, replaced the normal hand guards. All accessories, except for the sound suppressor, are designed to fit the RIS. These rails are created with tremendous rigidity to improve zeroing capabilities.

Hope that helps...

[NavySEAL1313]

Hey Doug,

I was just wondering if the P-90 was used by spec-ops troops.. What's it's range/effectivness

That's about all for now