The Barrett M82A1 and other name calling issues

    Something new. In the gaming world, specifically Call of Duty, certain weapons are referred to by slang names rather than their technical designations. Usually, this doesn't bother me. However, among my friends and peers; I've noticed a new trend going on. Many people are absolutely awestruck by the pure size, magnitude, and power of the M82. Such a sleek, stunning, and beautiful weapon should be called by it's proper name, as you would call a beautiful woman by her name. With the Call of Duty series, this is not the case. In the game, they titled the M82 the "Barrett 50 Cal.". Granted, the weapon is made by Barrett Firearms, and it is chambered for the .50 BMG. But calling the M82 the "Barrett 50 Cal." Is like calling a beautiful woman "bitch". It's disrespectful, and should not be referred to as such a name. Plus, saying M82A1 is a hell of a lot easier. And the A1 isn't the only variant, as follows.
"M82A1"

Source: http://www.enemyforces.net/firearms/m82a1.htm
"M82A2"

Source: http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/nekotom/imgs/b/4/b4ecbcc9-s.jpg
"M82A3"

Source: http://www.dogfightink.com/M107.jpg

     Another thing is that the M82 is also designated the M107, a series which does not carry the M82A2.
I sure hope this has cleared things up for you folks, and COD fanboys.
Side Note:
The "Striker" is actually a DAO-12
The "Enfield" is an L85A1
The "Commando" is an EX-177, the first M4
(not a name issue) But the AKs-74U is a CARBINE, and not a SUB MACHINE GUN, seeing as it is chambered for the 5.45x39mm
And the Intervention is actually just an M200.

Email me if you have any ideas for what gun I should review next.

M93R, Italy's Glock 18

    An Italian favorite; the M93R.
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 20+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box Magazine
Action: 3 round burst
Sight: Iron
Type: Pistol
Manufacturer: Beretta
Country of Origin: Italy




    Beretta is responsible for some very brilliant weapons. Everything from the reliable M92FS to the concept of the ARX-160. However, the M93R is one of those weapons that can be proudly put under the belt of weapons manufactured by Beretta. The M93R is basically a beefed-up M92. It has a flash compensator, a foregrip, and a heavier slide. The operation of the M93 is very similar to the M92, but isn't exact. The M93R can be fitted with several attachments, everything from a silencer to a stock, on top of what attachments the M93 already boasts. The purpose of the M93 was more of a PDW than a pistol, but ended up becoming a full pistol type weapon. It can be used for all PDW requirements, but fails to meet the capacity standards or stopping power.

And for the rating.
Range:        **
Accuracy:   **
Recoil:        ****
Capacity:    ****
Mobility:     *****
Stealth:        *****
Weight:       *
SAA:          ***
Overall:      ***

    There's not much to say about it. It has good range, like that of any pistol. It's accuracy is lower; due to the high recoil. It has a decent capacity, better than most pistols. It's extremely mobile, and has great stealth. It doesn't weight much, and it's a very stunning weapon. Overall, three stars.

No one has yet, but if you decide to disagree or have a suggestion, email me.
dcholli13@Gmail.com
(realized that I'm a dunce and never put my email up for you guys to respond)

Sniper Rifles

     I'll take a break from my usual weapon posts and introduce a new theme. I'll now be talking about the purposes of certain weapons; and their applications in the battlefield. For example; Sniper Rifles.
     The sniper rifle is intended to deliver singular or several repeating shots on a single target at long ranges. Most sniper rifles come in Bolt Action models, like the M40A5 or the L96A1/L115A3. Other rifles are in semi-automatic configurations; like the Mk. 110 or the SVD S. The bonus of having a Bolt Action rifle is that you can deliver very precise shots. The bolt stays locked when fired, giving the bullet more velocity and power. Think of it like a runner on a track. He starts off, kicking off of a stable basis. This allows him to kick off and go faster, seeing as he has a stable basis for him to start off. Now if he had a springboard, he wouldn't start off as well. This is the downside to Semi-automatic rifles. On the flipside; a bolt action rifle can only deliver one very precise shot, whereas the semi-auto capabilities can put several targets down at slightly less range.
    Calibers:
There are many different rifles out there; and with it; different calibers. I will give specific examples of certain rifles that use certain calibers.
5.56x45:    Steyr Scout Tactical
7.62x39:    Siminov SKS
7.62x51: (Standard round) Mk. 110, M14 EBR, L96A1, PSG1
7.62x54R:  Mosin Nagant 91/30, SVT-40, SVD S
7.62x63 (30-06): M1903A4
8.6x70:      L115A3
.416:          Cheytac M200, M98B
12.7x99:    TAC 50, AS-50, M99, M95, M82A3/M107A1

Sniper rifles are intended to be used at long ranges, but can also be used by SWAT at close to medium ranges. SWAT tends to favor the M24 as a bolt action, and the HK PSG1 as their Semi-Auto. There are also many civilian marksmen, most for recreational shooting. Sniper rifles will always have a use on the battlefield, whether engaging individual targets at 600 yards all the way up to 2 miles.

MG3, carving it's way into the future

     Up next is the MG3. To most untrained eyes; this weapon looks exactly like the MG-42. In all earnest honesty, it is an MG-42, just chambered for the 7.62x51mm.
Caliber: 7.62x51mm
MAG Type: Belt fed
Action: Fully Automatic
Rate of Fire: 1200 RPM
Sight: Iron w/ 20mm Pitcanny rail
Type: Heavy Machine Gun


    Made by Heckler and Koch, the infamous German weapon industries, the MG3 is rivaled to any other purpose-made machine gun out there. It fires at 1200 rounds per minute, which may seem fast; but it's actually slower than the MG-42, which fired at almost 1500 rounds per minute. The classic MG-42 was chambered for the 7.92x57mm, a much bigger round than the current .308. Operational wise, the MG3 is one of the easiest weapons to use, and can be used in either two-man teams, or one-man armies. The MG3 and MG-42 both have a brilliant barrel design. Most machine guns use either an air-cooling or a water cooling units to keep the barrels from overheating due to friction from the bullets. The MG3 uses a unit design that allows for the barrel to be removed out of the side, and replaced with another, without having to re-sight the weapon.

   Now for the rating.

Range:        ****

Accuracy:   **** 

Recoil:        **

Capacity:    *****

Mobility:     ***

Weight:       ***

SAA:          *****

Overall:       *****

    The MG3 has a decent range, giving it decent accuracy, even for a machine gun. The recoil isn't bad, given the bipod or tripod. The capacity is great, seeing as the belt fed action. It's extremely mobile, and weighs enough to be carried by one man. The Shock and Awe is awesome. This is a one-manned walking army here, and is overall just an intimidating weapon. Overall rating; five stars. This is almost a perfect weapon; seeing as it's rugged, and has been proven in all conditions. It was proven in Siberian winters; all the way to the Deserts of Iraq. You can use this weapon nearly anywhere; with limited jams, and ultimate reliability.

I don't know why you would, but if you disagree; email me.

The Makarov, The Red Army's answer

    Now for one of my least favorite weapons; the Makarov PM. I'm not biased, so it will be an honest rating.
Caliber: 9x18 PM
Capacity: 8+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box magazine
Action: Semi Automatic
Sight: Iron Sights
Type: Pistol
Manufacturer: Makarov


     The Makarov PM was designed originally as the PM, seeing as the Red Army needed a more reliable semi-auto pistol to replace the obsolete TT-33 and the Nagant Revolver. Makarov developed the PM in competition against companies such as Rakov, Siminov, and Baryshev. The Red Army selected the PM, and have now developed it until new versions have been released. Two new variants are the IZh-70, and the IZh-71, both chambered for the 9x17mm (.380 ACP). The Makarov is a Blowback operated pistol, using the recoil of one round to chamber the next round. The Makarov can hold 8 rounds in it's magazine, along with 1 more in the chamber. The current PMM can hold 12 rounds, with one in the chamber as well.

Now for my rating. As \I said, I may not like this gun, but I will give it an honest.
Range:          *
Accuracy:     *
Recoil:          *
Capacity:      *
Mobility:       *****
Stealth:         *****
Weight:        *
SAA:           *
Overall:        **

      Two stars. Why? It has low range, low accuracy, decent recoil, along with a small capacity. It's extremely mobile, and has great stealth. Really though, that is all it has running for the Makarov. It has almost no weight, and I've seen more threatening Frenchmen than the Makarov. Overall; two stars.

    I don't know why you'd disagree, but email me if you do.

M249, not so mini after all

     Perhaps it's time for a proper weapon; the M249 SAW.
Caliber: 5.56x45mm
MAG Type: Belt fed
Action: Fully Automatic
Rate of Fire: 750 RPM
Type: Light Machine Gun
Sight: Iron+ 20mm Pitcanny rail
    The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon is a multi-purpose machine gun currently in use by the US military forces, as well as other NATO forces around the world. It is chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO round, which is standard use as far as NATO goes. The M249 is made by the company FN Herstal; which designates it as the FN Minimini. The US designates it as the Model: 249, in other words, M249. It comes standard with iron sights, but can be mounted with Pitcanny rails on top of the chamber lid, on top of the handguard, on the sides, as well as on the bottom to attach a foregrip or other type of attachment. The M249 comes standard as well with it's own Bipod, which can be quickly deployed to provide support for the weapon.The M249 also features a carrying handle, to help with the gun's weight.

Rating is as follows:
Range:        ***
Accuracy:   ***
Recoil:        **
Capacity:    *****
Mobility:     ***
Weight:       **
SAA:          **
Overall:       ****

    The M249 receives a rating of 4 stars, mostly due to the capacity. The range is good, along with accuracy when the bipod is deployed. It has a fair recoil, seeing the 5.56 chambering. It can be belt fed, so you can have any amount of rounds on a belt. It's mobile, with good weight, and has a Shock and Awe rating of two stars. In my opinion, it's a great gun.

    Care to disagree? Email me.

SVD, a Bear's rifle

     One of my favorites is next; the SVD Dragunov.
Caliber: 7.62x54R
Capacity: 10+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box Magazine
Action: Semi Automatic/ Short Stroke Rotating Bolt
Type: Marksman's Rifle
Sight: PSO-1 (4x)
Weight: 4.31 kg.



     The SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) was first introduced in 1958; and accepted into the Soviet Military in 1963. The SVD was not designed as a sniper rifle, originally. The role of the SVD was to extend the range of a support team to up to 600m. Every squad in the Soviet military had at least one man with an SVD. The SVD is chambered for the 7.62x54R, which was a cartridge originally designed for the Mosin Nagant. The SVD and SVD-S are not to be confused with the SVD-K, chambered for the 9.3x64 cartridge. The SVD can be mounted with a bayonet. The SVD is an incredibly reliable weapon, but seeing as it has a short stroke action; it requires frequent care.

Range:        **
Accuracy:   ****
Recoil:        ***
Capacity:    ****
Mobility:     ***
Stealth:       **
Weight:       ***
SAA:          *
Overall:       ***

     The SVD has an okay range, with extreme accuracy at that range. It's recoil is okay, and it has a good capacity for a sniper rifle. It has decent mobility, with not much to say for stealth. The weight isn't bad for a sniper rifle. And as far as Shock and Awe; this rifle isn't terribly impressive. It doesn't have the "oomph" of a 12.7x99mm rifle. Overall, 3 stars.

   Send me a disagreeing email if you, well, disagree.

AA-12, Truly shocking

    Next in line is the AA-12.

Caliber: 12 gauge
Capacity: 8 rnd Box mag; 20 rnd Drum mag
MAG Type: Box Magazine
Action: Fully Automatic/ Open Bolt
Rate of Fire: 360 RPM
Type: Shotgun

   The AA-12 is by far one of the more notable fully automatic shotguns. Many people think it's the only one, but there are others. The design for the AA-12 was first conceived in the early 1960's in response to the Vietnam war. Few were made, however, seeing as the US army didn't need a fully automatic shotgun at the time. Or so they thought. Then, in early 2006, Atchisson decided to remake his AA-12 model. The new one features a completely steel frame. This means that the weapon never needs to be cleaned, other than the barrel. The AA-12 fires from an open bolt, which slows down it's firing rate significantly. Open Bolt means that the action is charged by pulling the charging handle back. It stays back, and when the trigger is pulled, the action is released, and the firing pin does its thing on the round. The AA-12 features small 18.5mm grenade rounds as well, which are powerful enough to blow open a door. Currently there are no major organizations or militaries that use the AA-12 enough to consider it a standard issue weapon.

Now for the rating. I'm going to introduce a new topic into the rating. Shock and Awe.
Range:         ***
Accuracy:    **
Recoil:         *
Capacity:     ***
Mobility:      **
Stealth:        *
Weight:       **
SAA:          *****
Overall:      ***

Three stars isn't bad. It's not perfect, but it's not bad. The AA-12's range is limited (seeing as it is a shotgun), and accuracy goes along with that. Surprisingly, the AA-12 has very minimal recoil. You could hold one in each hand if you really wanted to. They have a great capacity as compared to most shotguns. It's about as mobile as an M16. Seeing as such, it has almost no stealth whatsoever. The weight is good. And personally; I would give this gun on Shock and Awe six stars if I could. This is probably the scariest sounding gun I've ever heard. If you want to know what this awesome beast sounds like, but don't have access to it; go and watch "The Expendables". They feature one, and the sound it makes in the movie is about as close as you can get to the real thing.

Complaints? Issues? Bargains? Feel free to email me.

FN P90

     Who could forget the amazing Belgian creation, the FN P90?
Caliber: 5.7x28mm
Capacity: 50+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box magazine
Action: Semi-Fully Automatic
Rate of Fire: 950 RPM
Sights: Built in Holographic sight
Type: PDW

     The FN P90 was built in the late 1980's as the forerunner for the PDW system. (Personal Defense Weapon) Seeing as the P90 is of a bullpup design; it allows the weapon to be concealed easily, yet still contain the accuracy of a rifle. The large round also allows for armor piercing ability. The magazine is a sideways stacked magazine; which allows the magazine to hold up to 50 rounds. The FN Herstal style flash suppressor on the P90 allows for a fair sized silencer to be attached easily. The silencer adds stealth to the P90, whilst not compromising much mobility. The P90 was designed to be used by tank crews, vehicle escorts, and anyone who would be operating in close quarters. Needless to say; the P90 lives up to its title.

Range:        ***
Accuracy:   ****
Recoil:        *
Capacity:    *****
Mobility:     *****
Stealth:       ****
Weight:       **
Overall:       *****

     Why is this a 5 star weapon? Because it may not be perfect for every situation; but it does quite well in most. It has great range, and great accuracy. The P90 has almost no recoil, with a massive magazine capacity. The P90 is extremely mobile, and offers great stealth. It doesn't weight much, and I give it a 5/5.

    Care to disagree? Feel absolutely free to email me.

SCAR Mk. 17

     Second in line is my review of the SCAR Mk. 17. Just to clarify, Mk. is pronounced "Mark" and not "M-K".
Caliber: 7.62x51mm
Capacity: 20+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box Magazine
Action: Semi-Fully Automatic (Long Stroke Gas Operated)
Rate of Fire: 600 RPM
Sights: Iron Sights/20mm Pitcanny rail
Type: Assault Rifle
Manufacturer: FN Herstal

    Currently; Bushmaster, HK, and FN Herstal are all in competition to win over the United States Military for the production rights to their main assault rifle. Many branches and special forces teams have already selected the SCAR H as their main weapon. It's light for an assault rifle, weighing an astonishing 3.86 kg. It also features multiple barrel lengths for any skirmish; varying from 330mm (CQB), to 406mm (Std.), and even 508mm (LB) barrels. It features 4 separate 20mm Pitcanny rails, including 1 on top, 2 on the sides, and 1 on the handguard. This makes the weapon very versatile in combat situations; seeing as you can mount anything from the Mk. 13 Grenade Launcher, to an ACOG 4x scope. The operation of the SCAR H is much like an M16, featuring a similar slide release, selector switch, and overall design. There are, however, many differences between the M16 family and the SCAR family.

     Time for my say.
Range:        ****
Accuracy:   ****
Recoil:        *****
Capacity:    ***
Mobility:     ****
Stealth:       **
Weight:      *
Overall:      ****

    The SCAR Mk. 17 has great range, with it great accuracy. It has a massive recoil, due to the large round and the weight of the weapon. It holds 20 rounds, so you can't complain, except for having to reload often. It's great on mobility, but can't be easily concealed. The weight is great, and I give it an overall 4 stars.


If you disagree, you can always "shoot" me an email, pun intended.

M1911, the American Workhorse for over 100 years.

     I figure for my first post, I might as well go with the American Workhorse; the M1911.
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1 rounds
MAG Type: Box magazine
Action: Semi-Automatic
Sight: Iron Sights
Type: Pistol
Manufacturer: Multiple (Colt, Smith & Wesson, etc.)


     There are many different versions of the M1911, seeing as it is made by multiple different companies. As the name implies, it was first introduced into the firearms market in the year 1911. The first model was made by Colt. During WW1 and WW2, Colt found that it couldn't keep up with production demands from the US Military, so S&W, and Springfield Armory were given the task of assisting in the production of the M1911. Last year, Colt celebrated 100 years of the weapon system by releasing a new model; a special model that was sold in small numbers. Currently, the M1911 is one of the most popular handguns on the market, seeing as it can be heavily customized. Most of the modern versions you'll find have ringed hammers,ringed triggers, reverse-threaded barrels, customized slide releases, and customized handguards. Most of this is gibberish to the civilian or anyone who doesn't know anything about firearms. I'll be doing more posts later to explain what these enhancements, along with others, do for a weapon.

     Now for my opinion. I'll be using the star system on multiple different aspects of weaponry. I'll have different classes for different weapons.
Range:        ****
Accuracy:   ***
Recoil:        ****
Capacity:    *
Mobility:     ***
Stealth:       ****
Weight:       **
Overall:       ***

     The M1911 has good range, decent accuracy, a fair recoil (due to weight), a low capacity, fair mobility, it can be easily concealed, it doesn't weight much in the world of pistols, and I give it a 3/5 stars.
If you disagree, feel free to email me.

The Beginning

     Some of you are probably wondering what on earth this blog is about. Well, hear this. 
In this wonderful world of ours, there is another smaller world that many are aware of, but not quite aware of the extent of the world of weaponry. This blog is intended to enhance the readers knowledge about certain weapons. I will be posting about once a week, either on Wednesday or Thursday. Each post will feature the rating of specific firearms, along with history, and background knowledge about certain weaponry. I will be featuring news updates, and answering any emails that people may have about weaponry as a whole, or about specific weapons.
     Thank you all for reading.

Dc.

Dcholli13@Gmail.com