These are the Firearms American War Veterans Relied on in Battle

When it comes to the history of America, guns are ingrained in the country’s DNA. From its founding, which began with the Revolutionary War, to modern day, the firearm has helped shape this country from the freedoms we have to the borders it currently possesses. Today, we're taking a look at the iconic weapons used by American soldiers to defend the United States and its interests in wars at home and abroad.

Entering service in the mid-1990s, the approximately 7.7-pound M4 Carbine continues to be extensively used in the US military. First seeing combat in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and later the Iraq War, this gun remains in the hands of troops currently in combat, who praise its smaller size compared to the M16 and reliability. Soldiers also praise the 5.56mm caliber for its stopping power and 30-round capacity.

First seeing action in the Vietnam War, the M16 rifle is truly an iconic piece of modern American military history, with over 8 million units produced. Troops in Vietnam were initially critical of the M16 due to its frequent jamming, but later models were more reliable in the Gulf War and War in Afghanistan. The gun features a selective-fire trigger, a 20-inch barrel, a 30-round capacity with 5.56 x 45mm NATO bullets, and it weighs around 7.5 pounds.

The M14 was the standard-issue rifle for American forces before the Vietnam War but was largely replaced by the M16 during the conflict. Soldiers equipped with the weapon immediately complained about its length and height after consistently getting it stuck in the thick brush of Vietnam. The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge was difficult to control in automatic fire, so most troops left it in semi-automatic fire to save ammunition.

Beloved by criminals and soldiers alike, the Thompson Submachine Gun is a famous World War II weapon. While it saw some use in the Korean War, it was largely replaced by newer submachine guns.

Nicknamed the “Tommy Gun,” US forces widely adopted it, with over 1.5 million models in use. Featuring a .45 ACP caliber, the Tommy Gun was praised for its stopping power in close quarters, though its 10-pound weight was often considered the gun’s only big disappointment.

An American military staple in World War II, the M1 Garand was even called one of the greatest battle weapons the US has ever fielded by General Patton. A semi-automatic rifle with a .30-06 Springfield caliber, the gun was beloved by troops for having more firepower than those weapons used by Axis troops. However, the “clanging” sound made by empty clips from the magazine could often give Axis troops knowledge of when Americans were reloading and unable to return fire.

A five-round bolt-action service rifle, the M1903 Springfield was heavily utilized by the US in World War I, the Mexican Revolution, the Banana Wars, and World War II. The .30-06 Springfield caliber bullet and gun were highly regarded for their accuracy, making this an ideal weapon for snipers. Unfortunately, bolt-action rifles are slower to fire than semi-automatic rifles, so front-line troops had to select every shot they took carefully, much to their annoyance.

One of the most iconic handguns in US history, the Colt M1911, with its .45 ACP cartridge, is as famous for its use in combat as it was in criminal activity. This gun is a legend for its stopping power, and while it weighs more than traditional pistols, it has achieved an almost mythical status that has led troops in combat to use it in modern-day combat like the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

The Springfield Model 1892-99 was based on the Norwegian Krag-Jørgensen design but was manufactured in the United States and used in the Spanish-American War, Mexican Revolution, and Philippine-American War. One of only a few non-domestic primary rifles of the American military, the 1892-99 was praised for its smooth action. However, it was underpowered compared to what enemies used with its 0.30-40 Krag bullet.

One of the first successful Winchester rifles, the Model 1873 is known as “the gun that won the West.” It’s an iconic firearm generally found with a .44-40 caliber bullet that could carry 15 rounds. This gun was beloved by both troops and settlers moving out west. Over 720,000 were produced until 1923, as it was used primarily in the Indian Wars from 1865 to the 1890s.

The Spencer Repeating Rifle was used in the American Civil War and Indian Wars, and was primarily designed for cavalry use. Union troops were especially fond of the Spencer, which is said to have given them a tactical advantage due to its rapid-fire capability. In addition, the .56-56 caliber bullet was praised for its stopping power, and came in 7-round clips that could be loaded and unloaded.

The standard issue rifle for the Union Army during the 1861-1865 Civil War, the Model 1861, was large with a 40-inch barrel and weighed approximately 9 pounds. It was praised for its accuracy and range, though its weight was a concern, at least until troops were under fire, when it was a Union marksman’s favorite. The weapon’s weather resistance was also praised for use under battle conditions.

A staple of the Civil and Indian Wars, the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver was a .36 caliber six-round pistol designed by Samuel Colt. The Colt 1851 was eventually replaced by the hugely popular Colt Single Action Army, though this pistol saw fewer combat operations.

With six rounds of .36 caliber bullets, the Colt was well-liked for being reliable and easy to use. This helped it become a staple of officer and cavalry troops, with the caveat that it required regular maintenance.

An iconic weapon used during the Texas Revolution and Mexican-American War, the Model 1816 Musket was heavily utilized by US forces. The flintlock musket, later converted to a percussion weapon, had an effective range of around 100 yards with a .69 caliber bullet. Weighing 10 pounds, the weapon’s size, with a 42-inch barrel, was a concern, but it also allowed for bayonet use in close combat.

Used by American troops in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, the flintlock Kentucky Long Rifle was a .40-.50-caliber weapon with an effective range of up to 300 yards. The gun was a favorite of both frontiersmen and the military for its long-range capability, though it offered a slow reload time, which made it challenging to use in straight-up contact with enemy forces.

In service with both American and British forces, the Brown Bess Musket, aka British Land Pattern Musket, was required to be owned by all male citizens of the thirteen colonies for militia duty.

Later used in the Revolutionary War, the Brown Bess musket was simple to use but didn’t come with enough ammunition for heavy contact with the enemy. It is widely remembered as a symbol of this era of warfare.