SA80A2

[Jon]

I know that the SA80A2 can only be fired from the right hand shoulder, but dont the Marines make any allowences for any left handed soldiers?

Its just that ive seen pictures and videos of Marines and operations were they are holding other weapons such as the M16203 and the G3. Are these weapons and others used commonly or just for special engagements?

Ive also read that when the Marines used the SLR, they were taught how to fire it from both shoulders so that they were less of a target whichever side of cover they were firing from. Is anything like this still taught?

Are Marines also issued with pistols? (Just curious)

[Tab]

You must fire this weapon from your right shoulder, failure to do so can lead to you getting a faceful of bullet casings.

[COMBAT WOMBAT]

Yeah, firing the SA80 A2 from the left shoulder is not so good idea, but i think only certain specialists use different weapons, i think the Brigade Recce Troop use the M16.

[Artist]

When you are walking the streets of NI/Iraq. (the latter was after my time)

Best thing to do is change arms as in put it from your right to your left as you have a skeg around corners. (less for the enemy to aim at) Someone fires at you at least you can return fire without aiming. Nine times out of ten it will give you time to get yourself and your mates a rough working idea where the incoming fire is coming from. Then you work out the best way to combat the problem.

Artist

[voodoo sprout]

SA80: Yes it can only be safely fired form the right shoulder as the cocking handle (on the right hand side) moves with the bolt so would be in dangver of hitting you in a most uncomfortable fashion. As such, the unit doesn't make any difference .

Armalites are used by recce units (I think only ML's and SC's, but I'm not sure on that one?), and can be fired form the left shoulder as the cocking handle is static during firing. I haven't heard of G3's being used though .

Yup the SLR was used in both shoulders, but that can't be done with the SA80, as above.

And with pistols, yes; I think in the Fleet Protection Group boarding teams each man has a pistol in addition to their rifle.

[spitz]

Because of the lack of access to firearms in the UK, it’s policy to teach everyone to fire right handed, even lefties. It’s also easier to teach because there’s no need to fix bad habits acquired through previous firearms experience.

[GINGE]

There are SA80's you can fire left handed but not right handed thay are made for left handed people, I fired one at Warminster Small Arms School
when on my PW's course we fired the SA80 about seven years before the Corp got them in Commando units. The cocking handel and ejection opening are on the other side than normal.

[Wholley]

I have an FN SLR which I shoot left-handed.Very accurate and reliable weapon,unless you mount a SUIT(Sight Unit Infantry Tritium).It just will not stay in zero.I suspect the cause is the rather limp dust cover that the sight is mounted on.
Any Servicemen on here have the same problem?
Wholley.

[Jon]

During basic training to you learn how to fire other weapons such as the minimi?
Is this all done right handed?

[zero megahertz]

Im not sure, but you are trained to use grenades.

[AshSkett]

I'm a lefty and I must say I'm not looking forward to having shoot cock-eyed

'Spose I will get used to it eventually mind, just gonna be a tad uncomfortable.

[Jon]

Problem is that ive got worse vision in my right eye therefore my left eye is dominant (even with glasses on).

This means that if I hold a gun with my right hand, ill naturally look down the sights with my left eye. Ill then need to shut my left eye so that I can aim with my right, overwise ill just be looking at the side of the gun.

[E4W]

It depends on just how bad your eyes are, but it is entirely possible to shoot very well with metallic sights and less than perfect vision. Listen to your instructors.

[The JaCkAl]

The gun generally looks like an arse kicker...with the M203 style thing on it.



i know this about an SA80A2 but check the size of this AK47 round. This would take a limb off if it hit you. A SA80 round is about a third of the size isn't it?





Compaired with the humble SA80 round...




Real killers these, they really make your eyes water

[chunky from york]

Jackal,


Most of what was called the 'Soviet Bloc' has now re-equipped with the AK74 which has a smaller calibre, 4.45mm, than the SA80 or the M16 and variants.