Guns and Gear Used with Special Operations Vets "Coch," Dave, Dorr, and "Dutch"

Published on October 12, 2023
Duration: 64:06

This video features a discussion among Special Operations veterans about the evolution of firearms and gear used throughout their careers. They cover a wide range of weapons, from early service pistols like the Colt 1911 and submachine guns like the M3A1 Grease Gun, to various iterations of the M16/M4 platform, crew-served weapons like the M240, and specialized rifles like the Mk 12 SPR and SCAR. The conversation highlights the practical considerations, mission-specific requirements, and technological advancements that influenced weapon choices over time, touching on calibers, ammunition types, and the shift towards modularity and optics.

Quick Summary

Special Operations veterans discuss the evolution of firearms from the Colt 1911 and M3A1 Grease Gun to modern platforms like the SCAR. They highlight advancements in machine guns (M60 to M240), the continued relevance of MP5s for maritime roles, and how bullet design has improved terminal ballistics, influenced by sporting industry innovations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Military Clones and Personal Setups
  2. 00:15Iraq Invasion Rifle Clone Discussion
  3. 01:52Chronological Gear Discussion Begins with Dutch
  4. 02:52Dutch's Early Service: M1911 and M3A1 Grease Gun
  5. 04:23M60 Tank Variants and Fire Control Systems
  6. 05:36Tank Fire Control: Leatherwood Scope and Ballistic Computers
  7. 07:09Evolution of Tank Fire Control: M60A3 to Abrams
  8. 08:08Crew-Served Weapons on M60 Tanks: M85 vs. M240
  9. 09:05Infantry Training Differences: Army vs. Marines
  10. 10:27Coch's Navy Career: Photographer to SEAL
  11. 11:29BUDS Training Weapons: M16A1 and 1911
  12. 12:51Coch's Personal M1A and .45 ACP Secondary
  13. 13:27Ranger Service: M16A2 and Lack of Secondary Weapons
  14. 15:16M4 Carbine and Flat-Top Receivers in the Mid-90s
  15. 15:52NSW CQBR and MP5 Use in Late 90s/Early 2000s
  16. 16:58SIG Sauer P226 Dominance as a Sidearm
  17. 18:30Pistol Evolution: M9, Glock, and .45 ACP Sunset
  18. 19:28Regimental Arms Room Concept and TDA/MTO Equipment
  19. 20:02Team Leader Loadouts: M4, M203, M249
  20. 21:30M60 'Pig' Machine Gun and its Variants
  21. 22:31Introduction of the FN MAG 58 (M240)
  22. 23:14M240 Variants: Mk 48 and Weight Reduction
  23. 25:28Later NSW Loadouts: M48s, M40s, and Maritime Missions
  24. 26:29Frangible Ammunition for CQB and Maritime Operations
  25. 27:02MP5 Dominance in Shipboard and Hostage Rescue
  26. 29:16NewP (Non-Lethal Use of Force) Systems Discussion
  27. 30:01Dog Encounters and Tactical Considerations
  28. 31:46SIG Sauer P226 as a Primary Sidearm
  29. 32:00Mark 23 SOCOM Pistol: Size and Capability
  30. 34:44Glock Adoption and Initial Debacles
  31. 36:02Modern Arms Room Concept and Loadout Flexibility
  32. 37:16Return to .45 ACP: STI and Single-Stack Performance
  33. 38:01Pistol Caliber Shifts: .40 S&W to 9mm
  34. 38:55Introduction of Red Dot Sights
  35. 39:31Personal Pistol Carry and Ammunition Compatibility
  36. 40:30M1A vs. FAL and Ammunition Interoperability
  37. 41:28Custom Uppers and Lower Receivers
  38. 41:427.62x51mm vs. 5.56mm Ammunition Choices
  39. 42:47SEAL Team 1: Vietnam Era Loadouts
  40. 43:35Cyber Rifles and Weapon Consolidation
  41. 44:00SOCOM 16 and M14 Polymer Stock Conversions
  42. 44:47SCAR Heavies and Their Role
  43. 45:49SCAR Operating System and Comparison to AR Platforms
  44. 46:05Meeting Coach: End User Assessment for SCARs
  45. 47:317.62mm Weapons in Inventory and Comparison to M14
  46. 47:46Mk 12 SPR and its Effectiveness with 77 Grain Ammo
  47. 48:27L2 RP Ammunition and its Impact on MP5 Effectiveness
  48. 49:58Iraq Invasion Ammunition: Green Tip and 55 Grain
  49. 50:22Cultural Differences in Firearms Knowledge: Delta vs. Army
  50. 50:51CQB Ammunition Evolution: Frangible to Ball
  51. 51:32Sporting Industry Influence on Firearms Development
  52. 52:46Winchester Varmint Round and Target Engagement Rules
  53. 53:42Shot Placement vs. Caliber Myth
  54. 54:255.56mm Bullet Design and Yaw Characteristics
  55. 55:33Modern 5.56mm Ammunition: M55A1 and Barrier Rounds
  56. 56:03Lack of Formal Ammunition Training in the Navy
  57. 57:00Green Tip Ammunition Misconceptions
  58. 57:25Skittles Belts: 50 Caliber Rounds on a Huey
  59. 58:16Internal vs. External Ballistics Knowledge Gap
  60. 58:33Vietnam Era Engagement Distances and M60 Use
  61. 59:10AMU and Ballistics Expertise
  62. 01:00:02Aircraft Carrier Water Fountain Fuel Contamination
  63. 01:03:15War Room Membership and Exclusive Content
  64. 01:05:56Conclusion: Job Set Remains Same, Gear Evolves

Frequently Asked Questions

What were some of the earliest firearms used by Special Operations veterans discussed in the video?

Early firearms mentioned include the Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol, known for its simplicity and reliability despite being loose, and the M3A1 Grease Gun, a basic open-bolt submachine gun with a straightforward safety mechanism.

How did the M60 tank's weaponry evolve over time?

The M60 tank initially featured an M85 .50 caliber machine gun in its cupola. Later variants saw the introduction of the M240 series, including the M240B and lighter versions like the Mk 48, offering improved reliability and rate of fire.

What were the primary reasons for the continued use of MP5s by some Special Operations units?

MP5s were favored for maritime operations and close-quarters battle (CQB) due to their reliability in wet conditions and effectiveness in confined spaces. Their delayed blowback system was less susceptible to water ingress than the buffer tubes of M4-style rifles.

How has bullet design impacted the effectiveness of modern firearms?

Modern bullet designs have significantly improved terminal ballistics, addressing issues like yaw and overpenetration. Innovations in 9mm ammunition, for example, have largely closed the gap with .45 ACP in terms of stopping power, while specialized rounds enhance performance in various scenarios.

What role did the sporting industry play in the evolution of firearms used by Special Operations?

The sporting industry has been a significant influence, introducing innovations like free-float rails and improved trigger systems (e.g., SSA triggers) that were later adopted by military and SOF units. These advancements often originated from civilian enthusiasts and competitive shooters.

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