SparkleShan

This is the MK-19 Grenade Machine Gun. I got to take this apart and practice firing it, but the simulator weapon was broken so I didn't to actually fire it. Which is OK , because I had to re fire on the M2, and my body couldn't take handling another 80 pound weapon. .

Yeah I did it. Today I got to learn to break down, put together and Engage targets with the M2 50 Caliber Machine Gun (nicknamed the Ma Deuce). These weapons are usually the ones you'll see mounted on a HUMVEE during convoys in the desert. Again this was mt first time, seeing, touching and firing this weapon. Let me give you some background. It Weighs 84 pounds (I'm 112), It's 65 inches long (I'm 61.5 inches). So I thought the charging handle on the M249 was bad, this was worse. I had to put both feet on the tripod and pull back the charging handle with both hands and that was still a struggle. Taking it a part wasn't many steps, but the bolt was heavy and you had to use a lot of strength to put the spring back in. So when I finally got to the simulator to fire it, I had pretty tight shot groups, but my contacts kept moving around in my eyes and they got so blurry at the end that I couldn't see the targets. This weapon gets 119 rounds to qualify and you need to ...

Today I am actually doing some real Army training, instead of sitting in the office doing administration stuff. As part of our training for deployment we have to fire several different weapons systems. I normally only fire the M16A2. But when we are deployed we have to be prepared for any situations, such as convoys and what not. I just fired the M249 (also known as the Saw) for the first time in my life. I have a lot of respect for infantry guys that have to fire those all the time. My body hurts! It doesn't help that I am only about five feet tall! My arms are to short To reach the charging handle comfortable, so every time I had to charge it, I would get this tingly feeling in my arm. It is very exciting to be behind an automatic weapon and just let loose. But I don't think this will be my assigned weapon, I just made the minimum you need to qualify of 35 hits.