The Powerful Weapons That Give U.S. Marines Their Deadly Edge
One of the biggest reasons the United States Marine Corps remains such a dominant fighting force is that its strength goes far beyond elite training. Marines are trained to move fast, fight aggressively, and operate in some of the world’s most difficult environments, but that training only reaches its full potential when paired with the right weapons.
From rifles and machine guns to artillery, armored vehicles, aircraft, and anti-tank systems, the Marine Corps relies on equipment built for speed, precision, and overwhelming force. These weapons allow Marines to strike from land, sea, and air while adapting quickly to whatever the battlefield demands.
That combination of highly disciplined troops and hard-hitting firepower is what makes the Marines such a feared presence around the world. Whether storming a beach, holding ground in urban combat, or supporting larger U.S. military operations, the Corps is built around one central idea: bring enough force to overwhelm the enemy before they can recover.
25. Remington M40
The Remington M40 is a bolt-action sniper rifle with an effective range of 3,000 feet and is a staple of the Marine Corps arsenal. First launched in 1966, this weapon has been around for so long, a testament to its accuracy.
24. Saco MK19
Entering service in 1967, the Saco MK19 can hit a target up to 4,900 feet away. This automatic grenade launcher is a feared Marine weapon manufactured by Saco Defense Industries.
23. M21 Sniper Weapon System
The M21 sniper weapon system is a 7.62x51mm NATO semi-automatic sniper rifle with a range of approximately 2,625 ft. It entered service in 1969 and is manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal.
22. Mossberg Model 590
The Mossberg Model 590 is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a range of 130 ft. It entered service in 1975 and is manufactured by O.S. Mossberg & Sons.
21. Fabrique Nationale M240
The Fabrique Nationale M240 is a 7.62x51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun with a range of 5,905 ft. It entered service in 1977 and is manufactured by FN Manufacturing.
20. M202 Flash
The M202 Flash is a 66mm shoulder-fired incendiary rocket launcher with a range of 66 ft. It entered service in 1978 and is manufactured by State Factories.
19. FIM-92 Stinger
The FIM-92 Stinger is an air defense missile system with a range of 15,750 ft. It entered service in 1981 and is manufactured by General Dynamics/Raytheon.
18. Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW / LMG
The Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW / LMG is a light machine gun with a range of 2,600 ft. It is available in 5.56x45mm NATO or 7.62x51mm NATO caliber. FN Manufacturing manufactured it, and it entered service in 1984.
17. Colt M45 MEU (SOC)
The Colt M45 MEU (SOC) is a .45 ACP special forces semi-automatic service pistol with a range of 165 ft. It entered service in 1986 and is manufactured by Colt Manufacturing.
16. M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4)
The M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4) is an 84mm anti-armor rocket launcher with a range of 985 ft. It entered service in 1987 and is manufactured by Alliant Techsystems.
15. SIG-Sauer P228
The SIG-Sauer P228 is a 9x19mm parabellum semi-automatic pistol with a range of 165 ft. It entered service in 1988 and is manufactured by SIG-Sauer.
14. Beretta M9
The Beretta M9 is a 9×19 Parabellum semi-automatic service pistol with a range of 164 ft. It entered service in 1990.
13. Colt M16A4
The Colt M16A4 is a 5.56x45mm NATO automatic rifle with a range of 1,968 ft. It entered service in 1990 and is manufactured by Colt Manufacturing.
12. M4 Carbine
The M4 Carbine is a 5.56x45mm NATO assault carbine with a range of 1,640 ft. It entered service in 1994 and is manufactured by Colt Manufacturing/Remington Arms.
11. FGM-148 Javelin
The FGM-148 Javelin is a 127mm anti-tank guided missile launcher with a range of 8,202 ft. It entered service in 1996 and is manufactured by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin.
10. Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 JSCS)
The Benelli M4 Super 90 (M1014 JSCS) is a 12-gauge semi-automatic combat shotgun with a range of 164 ft. It entered service in 1999 and is manufactured by Benelli Armi.
9. Navy Mark 12 Special Purpose Rifle
The Navy Mark 12 Special Purpose Rifle is a 5.56x45mm NATO designated marksman rifle with a range of 1,640 ft. It entered service in 2002 and is manufactured by Colt Manufacturing/Knights Armament Company.
8. Fabrique National Mk 48 LWMG
The Fabrique National Mk 48 is a 7.62x51mm NATO light weight machine gun with a range of 2,624 ft. It entered service in 2003 and is manufactured by Fabrique Nationale.
7. M32 MGL
The M32 MGL is a six-shot grenade launcher. It can launch 40x46mm grenades as far as 1,315 feet. It entered service in 2006 and is manufactured by Milkor USA.
6. M110 SASS
The M110 SASS is a 7.62x51mm NATO designated marksman rifle with a range of 2,624 ft. It entered service in 2007 and is manufactured by Knight's Armament.
5. M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle
The M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle is a 7.62x51mm NATO designated marksman rifle with a range of 2,550 ft. It entered service in 2008 and is manufactured by USMC Armorers.
4. Fabrique Nationale FN SCAR (Mk 16 / Mk 17)
The Fabrique Nationale FN SCAR (Mk 16 / Mk 17) is an automatic assault rifle with a range of 1,640 ft. It entered service in 2009.
3. M320 GLM
The M320 GLM is a 40x46mm SR grenade launcher with a range of 492 ft. It entered service in 2010 and is manufactured by Heckler & Koch.
2. HK M27 IAR
The HK M27 IAR is a 5.56x45mm NATO designated marksman rifle with a range of 1,800 ft. It entered service in 2011 and is manufactured by Heckler & Koch.
1. Accuracy International Mk 13
The Accuracy International Mk 13 is a .300 Winchester Magnum bolt-action sniper rifle with a range of 3,940 ft. This weapon entered service in 2017 and is manufactured by Accuracy International.
