M-79 and M240 "SAW"

[Raellus]

I recently saw a pic of a U.S. soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan (I can't remember which) carrying an M-79 "Blooper" GL. I haven't seen U.S. troops carrying the ol' Blooper since the mid '70s. I was under the impression that they were all phased out when the M203 came on line. I thought they were all sold (or given away) to our overseas allies (mostly in Latin America). Although I always liked the simplicity and effeciveness of the M-79, there are way more capable GLs out there, nowadays.

So, anyone know what became of the M-79s in U.S. Army service? Are they still being used by SF or something? Did I imagine the whole thing?

Also, it looks like the SEALs are replacing their M60E3s with a chopped down, lightened, tricked-out M240 that they are calling (I think) the M48 SAW. It looks totally badass. Could something like that be modded in the field under T2K circumstances?

[pmulcahy11b]

Don't know offhand about the M-79 in US military use, but it's still in wide use in many countries worldwide. (For that matter, the Iranians still use it. Maybe it's captured from Iran-supported insurgents?)

As for the machinegun, it's true -- called the Mk 48. It's based on late prototypes of the FN Minimi (which in a modified form is the M-249 SAW). FN initially intended to build the Minimi in 5.56mm NATO as well as 7.62mm NATO, but at that time found no market for the 7.62mm version.

[Raellus]

Thanks Paul. Your theory on the M-79 could well be right. If I remember correctly, it had black fixtures (stock and handgrip) instead of the traditional wood which made me think it was a new-ish itteration of the venerable M-79.

As for the Mk.48, that's a bummer. If it was based on the M240, I was thinking that a good T2K gunsmith could probably whip something similar up. Since it's based on an M249, though, it probably wouldn't be feasible.

I haven't heard anything good about the M249 from any forum member who has experience with it. It's a shame, really. It's a neat concept and a sexy looking weapon (especially the various more recent modded versions). I guess in terms of game mechanics, it's not a good pick either.

[kato13]

Originally Posted by Raellus

As for the Mk.48, that's a bummer. If it was based on the M240, I was thinking that a good T2K gunsmith could probably whip something similar up. Since it's based on an M249, though, it probably wouldn't be feasible.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...round/mk48.htm

"It has 70% parts commonality between MK46, M249 and M240"


From this it would seem like there is quite a bit of commonality.

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by kato13

"It has 70% parts commonality between MK46, M249 and M240"
From this it would seem like there is quite a bit of commonality.

Yeah, I saw that too. I just figure there wouldn't be enough a need for such a weapon for someone in teh T2K world to re-chamber the M249 for the 7.62mm round. What I mean is, it'd probably be more trouble than it's worth.

[pmulcahy11b]

Originally Posted by Raellus

Thanks Paul. Your theory on the M-79 could well be right. If I remember correctly, it had black fixtures (stock and handgrip) instead of the traditional wood which made me think it was a new-ish itteration of the venerable M-79.

OK, that makes me think of the Milkor Improved M-79. It has a folding buttstock or a synthetic non-folding stock, a synthetic pistol grip and forestock, and a MIL-STD-1913 rail topped with an Occluded Eye Gunsight. Since the Marines are using a modified version of the Milkor MGL-40, perhaps they are trying the Improved M-79 out too. It would have the advantage over the M-203 of being able to chamber some of the newer, longer 40mm LV rounds that the M-203 can't (since on the M-203, the breech doesn't open far enough).

Law, know anything about that possibility?

[LAW0306]

I cant talk about current op's of my current job sorry brothers.....

[Raellus]

Could be, Paul. It didn't have differently configured grips, though. It had the exact same shape as the old M-79, just black instead of the brown I'm used to seeing in Vietnam era pics. I'm kicking myself for not paying more attention to where I saw that picture. I'm really starting to think that maybe I dreamed it.