Military Gun names?

[Ryzu 984]

So as some of you may know I'm writing a narrative for school. Guns have an important role in the novel having one of the characters being a nut for anything to do with the military and weapons. I've never really had an interest in guns myself, but I know there are plenty of people, whether it's gamers or actual soldiers who are gun enthusiasts. I need to know common and powerful guns that they use in the military, although you have to be legally able to own them. I'd also like to know the name of a common pistol that's useful for teaching beginners to use a gun. Anyone know any?

[Pinkamena Dianne Pie 465]

Honestly, it depends on what part of the country you live in where certain weapons are legal or not. Hence, why there are civilian versions of most weapons.

Such as:

            -Legal- AR-15, AK-47

            -Illegal_ M4, M240B, M249 Saw, M320/203, Basically any auto/burst weapon.

 

For pistols, I'd recommend the M9 as a easy to use one.

[Admiral Regulus 2,769]

This should be a good starting point, at the very least.

 

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/List_of_weapons_used_by_U.S._Armed_Forces

[Pinkamena Dianne Pie 465]

I went through that whole list and the first thing that came to mind,

 

"The M60 isn't in service anymore. The 240 replaced it..."

[sweetolebob18 728]

Growing up in the sticks, a LOT of my friends had guns when they were kids.  Some of them had .22 rifles in grade school.  (At that time (50 years ago), there was no law against it).  It was popular because it didn't kick too hard for a kid to handle & you could kill small game w it & not rip it up too much for the meat to be useful (although, you wanted to hit squirrels in the head if you could or they'd usually be ruined -give it to the dog).  Using a .22 let the kid learn how to shoot & then you'd get a REAL gun when you were older

[Fender 1,283]

 

 

"The M60 isn't in service anymore. The 240 replaced it..."

 

Variants of the 60 are used by the Navy, I believe. SEALS primarily, as I understand, but other elements as well. 

[Pinkamena Dianne Pie 465]

Variants of the 60 are used by the Navy, I believe. SEALS primarily, as I understand, but other elements as well. 

I totally forgot to add the "in the army" part. Oops. XD

[FishKepr 13]

Context is important.  A pistol for teaching a beginner?  Sure, but we need do know more,  What is the end goal?  What kind of aptitude does the student have toward mechanical devices?  For example:  I've had a few beginners that I would never start with an M9 and others that I would.  (It's a tad complicated.)

 

So with that in mind:  What is the setting for the narrative, what kind of character is the student, and WHY do they want to learn how to shoot?

 

ETA:  You used the word 'nut', which conjures up all kinds of negative impressions.  So, I'd like to know your motivations here.

Edited February 12, 2015 by FishKepr

[Ryzu 984]

Context is important.  A pistol for teaching a beginner?  Sure, but we need do know more,  What is the end goal?  What kind of aptitude does the student have toward mechanical devices?  For example:  I've had a few beginners that I would never start with an M9 and others that I would.  (It's a tad complicated.)

 

So with that in mind:  What is the setting for the narrative, what kind of character is the student, and WHY do they want to learn how to shoot?

 

ETA:  You used the word 'nut', which conjures up all kinds of negative impressions.  So, I'd like to know your motivations here.

I just need it to be an easy-to-use gun that you can get your hands on in any arms store. But it has to be small like a pistol in fit in a pocket or a small bag. The character that's learning to shoot is the protagonist who has been traumatized by guns from an event as a child and I wanted to use a common gun so it's coincidentally the same exact kind of gun that traumatized him.

Nut as in overly obsessed and it's pretty much the only thing she'll ever talk about. She needs to be very passionate about it. It kinda is a negative trait but it has it's purpose in the storyline that's been planned out.

[Poetic Stone 1,040]

Go with the Sig Sauer(P228,9x19mm) also the M9(Beretta 92FS, 9x19mm) those are both in active service here in the U.S. Armed Forces. Also the Glock 19 (9x19mm), also the M1911A1(Beretta 9x19mm) well there's you a start hope it helps.  

 

                                             

[FishKepr 13]

Given those parameters I'd go with a Glock 19:

Large enough to handle well.

Small enough to carry comfortably.

Simple in design and operation.

Proven reliability track record.

Readily available.

Has been in production for years

 

At first glance, Glocks look like an ergonomic train wreck, but they perform extremely well.

 

ETA:  You mentioned 'pocket or a small bag'.  'Off body' carry is usually a bad idea as it reduces your control over the weapon.

Pocket carry is also not recommended as the trigger is not covered without a specialized holster.

Edited February 12, 2015 by FishKepr

[Handsome Changeling 1,851]

@@Ryzu, 

 

A nice common and versatile Assault Rifle used by the United States mostly is the FN SCAR (Multiple models exist of this gun but one of the most useful in a combat scenario is the FN SCAR-H) It is quite a nice sounding name for a gun too, it rolls off the tongue and is quite memorable so a Gun Nut using one would be no surprise especially with the fact the weapon itself looks quite menacing compared to most other guns too so that is a plus.

[Yellow Diamond 7,568]

Go with the Sig Sauer(P228,9x19mm) also the M9(Beretta 92FS, 9x19mm) those are both in active service here in the U.S. Armed Forces. Also the Glock 19 (9x19mm), also the M1911A1(Beretta 9x19mm) well there's you a start hope it helps. 

 

The M1911A1 chambers .45 ACP, not 9x19mm. (Unless you're referring to the fact the Beretta M9 supplanted the 1911 as the standard sidearm in the US military). The 1911 is nonetheless a staple sidearm, especially in the United States.

 

 

 

I just need it to be an easy-to-use gun that you can get your hands on in any arms store. But it has to be small like a pistol in fit in a pocket or a small bag. The character that's learning to shoot is the protagonist who has been traumatized by guns from an event as a child and I wanted to use a common gun so it's coincidentally the same exact kind of gun that traumatized him. Nut as in overly obsessed and it's pretty much the only thing she'll ever talk about. She needs to be very passionate about it. It kinda is a negative trait but it has it's purpose in the storyline that's been planned out.

 

A very interesting project! It's neat to know you're trying to get a sense of the reality of firearms in order to ground the experience of the character.

 

That being said, procuring firearms will depend heavily on your residence. For instance, I live in New York City, where gun laws are some of the strictest in the country. I would need to go through procuring a permit before I could legally possess a handgun, and even then there would be restrictions on where I could carry the weapon.

 

In terms of your character, you'll want to account for context: did the accident occur in relation to a handgun used for law enforcement, military service, hunting, home defense, or as a trophy? That information will go a long way in narrowing your scope.

[idkQuicksilver 48]

I know lots of people swear by the Ruger Single Six revolver as a good way to introduce someone to shooting handguns, its a small caliber (.22lr) and its 6 round cylinder capacity and long reload times teach you to make each shot count. Personally I started on the already suggested Beretta 92FS (civilian nomenclature of the military M9) and moved to the Springfield XD 9mm. At basic training we were issued M16 A2's and M4's. These are the models (A2 and M4) that have fire selector options for single and 3-round burst. The M16 A1 and A3's along with the M4A1's can be shot fully automatic. Good luck on your narrative!

[sweetolebob18 728]

One thing to bear in mind.  In a gun battle, the overwhelming majority of shots miss.  Even a 22 bullet will travel about a mile & punching through a few interior walls won't slow the bullet down at all.  For this reason, Guns & Ammo magazine recommended a shotgun over a pistol for home defense (better chance to hit at close range, pellets not penetrate interior wall (safer), louder sound (for alarm), & greater intimidation)

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

Guns & Ammo magazine recommended a shotgun over a pistol for home defense (better chance to hit at close range, pellets not penetrate interior wall (safer), louder sound (for alarm), & greater intimidation)

 

This.  Assuming you're comfortable enough with it to operate it under high-stress conditions, a shotgun is easy to use, highly lethal (at close range) and intimidating as hell.  The unmistakable sound of a pump action will make any intruder's blood run cold.

Edited February 17, 2015 by PlunderSteed

[idkQuicksilver 48]

This.  Assuming you're comfortable enough with it to operate it under high-stress conditions, a shotgun is easy to use, highly lethal (at close range) and intimidating as hell.  The unmistakable sound of a pump action will make any intruder's blood run cold.

Pfft, If you have to pump the damn thing you're doing it wrong. It should already be loaded with a shell in the chamber, ready to go  . I personally wouldn't want to lose the element of surprise and give away my position to an intruder in my house  .

[Littlepip3000 111]

Oh boy, there are SO many different little nuances that just cannot be covered by any specialist over the internet, no matter how knowledgeable. Personal opinions, track records, recorded combat data(which you won't find), etc. The BEST advice I can give you? Buy some books. I'm sure there are some catalogs of all known firearms in the world and specs.

Here's my personal input:

First time shooters should ALWAYS be turned on to a .22 caliber first; no larger. Glock pistols with a .22 conversion kit are popular choices. People have recommended Beretta M9's and Colt M1911's; these are HORRIBLE choices for beginners. The 1911 is finicky, big, and heavy, with a relatively high power cartridge. The Beretta is just too darn big for its intended caliber, and new shooters would find it difficult to adapt to the weapon's controls. Plus pistols are difficult to shoot by their very nature. I'd turn a new shooter onto a Ruger 10/22; lightweight, handy, semi-automatic .22 rifle.

My personal input on combat rifles:

As far as power and intimidation factors are concerned the ubiquitous AK-47 is always a logical and easy choice. Its usage as the "bad guy's gun" is the oldest trick in the book, but it works. The media's a fan of demonizing "black rifles" like the M16 and such, so that could work to your advantage; use the readers' emotions against them to manufacture this image of fear.

So, my personal recommendation? Buy books. Barring that, here are my recommendations:

Glock 19 with .22 conversion kit for the beginner shooter.

https://4b1e874935ea5d25a97e-f099844d0e354c7ab50c55a966be6870.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/product/f1glk19ngen4.jpg

Arsenal SAM7SF, which is an AK-47 clone, as the evil black rifle.

http://cdn.net.outdoorhub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/08/SAM7SF-side-profile.jpg

Seriously, though; books. Books, books, books.
 

[Ryzu 984]

I'd like to thank everyone for contributing. I've collected more than enough information because of this thread, and now I have one last request which is a bit off-topic. I need to name the female protagonist who has an obsession over the military. I tend to have my characters names relate to who they are or what they love, so I'm thinking either the name of a gun that could also be used as a female's name such as Beretta. I am thinking of using Beretta atm as it means to help but I'd like to know if there are any better sounding names.

[Gearbox10mm 794]

Weaver would make a pretty good name, first or last.

 

Weaver is a manufacturer of rifle scopes and mounts and also is the name of a specific handgun shooting technique.

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

Pfft, If you have to pump the damn thing you're doing it wrong. It should already be loaded with a shell in the chamber, ready to go  . I personally wouldn't want to lose the element of surprise and give away my position to an intruder in my house  .

 

That's an option.  You could just kill/maim them before they even know you're there, but I'm not so sure that's the most ethical approach.

[Gearbox10mm 794]

That's an option.  You could just kill/maim them before they even know you're there, but I'm not so sure that's the most ethical approach.

 

Is it ethical to enter someones home with ill intentions in mind?

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

Is it ethical to enter someones home with ill intentions in mind?

 

Of course not, but you're assuming the illest of intentions.  Could he be there to murder your entire family?  Sure.  Could he also be a mentally handicapped guy who barely knows what he's doing?  Sure.  Do you want to blow his head off without even trying to determine if he's even a real threat?  Many juries would not look favorably on that decision.  Granted, there are 100 variables at work, and no two scenarios are the same.  But to default to the most extreme response is a little irresponsible.

[Sipenda 66]

Oh boy, there are SO many different little nuances that just cannot be covered by any specialist over the internet, no matter how knowledgeable. Personal opinions, track records, recorded combat data(which you won't find), etc. The BEST advice I can give you? Buy some books. I'm sure there are some catalogs of all known firearms in the world and specs. Here's my personal input: First time shooters should ALWAYS be turned on to a .22 caliber first; no larger. Glock pistols with a .22 conversion kit are popular choices. People have recommended Beretta M9's and Colt M1911's; these are HORRIBLE choices for beginners. The 1911 is finicky, big, and heavy, with a relatively high power cartridge. The Beretta is just too darn big for its intended caliber, and new shooters would find it difficult to adapt to the weapon's controls. Plus pistols are difficult to shoot by their very nature. I'd turn a new shooter onto a Ruger 10/22; lightweight, handy, semi-automatic .22 rifle. My personal input on combat rifles: As far as power and intimidation factors are concerned the ubiquitous AK-47 is always a logical and easy choice. Its usage as the "bad guy's gun" is the oldest trick in the book, but it works. The media's a fan of demonizing "black rifles" like the M16 and such, so that could work to your advantage; use the readers' emotions against them to manufacture this image of fear. So, my personal recommendation? Buy books. Barring that, here are my recommendations: Glock 19 with .22 conversion kit for the beginner shooter. http://cdn.net.outdo...ide-profile.jpg Seriously, though; books. Books, books, books.

 

 

Given your posted age i would recommend you talk with your parental Units, have them sign you up for a local safty course, and call around to some of the local ranges , most offer classes that are dirt cheap and have loaner weapons in most cases, Books are great but practical experiance is a sure fire way to learn.

 

 

A co. 2-327 INF

NO SLACK!

Edited February 18, 2015 by Sipenda

[sweetolebob18 728]

Pay attention to local laws.  Most places in the US you need a permit to carry & even out west you usually need a permit to carry concealed.

 

For self defense, AFAIK here in Phoenix the rules are

1) You must believe you (or another) are in immanent danger of suffering "death or grievous bodily harm" (property damage or theft don't cut it)

2) The fear must be objectively reasonable (You are not in danger from someone running away, for instance)

3) The force used must be reasonable

4) You have a "duty to retreat" (means various things in various places)

5) Even so, you can't claim self defense if you provoked the incident (say, by breaking in to someone's house or starting a fight)

 

Oh yeah, I remember reading that Wild Bill Hickock was the defendant in a critical court case about this.  IDK if that's true & am too inept to look it up on the internet.

 

As far as names Jane "Calamity Jane" Canary & Bonnie Parker (Bonnie & Clyde) are the only 2 famous gun fighters I can think of who were women

Edited February 18, 2015 by sweetolebob18