In warfare the introduction of new weapons can often lead to significant changes on the battlefield and even give one side an overwhelming advantage for victory. Therefore, military technology is often rapidly advancing, looking for the latest and greatest weapon. That is what makes these five weapons so special – they stood the test of time, outlasted the competition, and proved themselves on the battlefield over and over again.
1.British Land Pattern Musket
First introduced in 1722 the British Land Pattern was a smoothbore, flint-lock, muzzle-loading musket. The Land Pattern and its derivatives would become the standard infantry weapon of the British Empire for over 100 years. Affectionately known as the Brown Bess by the soldiers who carried it, the weapons saw action all over the world. In several cases, such as the American Revolution and the Texas Revolution, the Brown Bess was used by both sides. The Brown Bess was finally retired from British service in 1838 in favor of a new percussion cap musket.
2. 3-line rifle M1891
Known colloquially as the Mosin-Nagant rifle, the M1891 saw service with the Russian Empire as well as the Soviet Union and is one of the most produced rifles in history with over 37 million units made. The M1891 first saw action in the Russo-Japanese war from 1904-1905. The M1891 was the main infantry rifle of Russian forces during the First World War and an improved version, the M1891/30, would serve as the main infantry rifle for the Soviets in WWII. After almost 60 years of service the Mosin-Nagant was finally retired shortly after World War II as the AK-47 and SKS became widely available.
3. Lee-Enfield
First introduced in 1895 the Lee-Enfield pattern rifles would serve as the primary rifle for British and Commonwealth forces for over 60 years before being retired in 1957. The rifle saw service worldwide, arming troops in the Boer Wars in South Africa, through both World Wars, and with some UN forces in Korea. A sniper variant rechambered in the 1950’s for the 7.62 NATO round and designated the L42A1 would see service until 1993, almost 100 years after the first rifle was fielded.
4. Springfield M1903
The Springfield Model 1903 was created in response to the poor performance of the US Army’s Krag-Jorgensen rifle during the Spanish-American War. Entering service as the main infantry rifle of the US military in 1903, the Springfield used a similar design to its predecessors – a bolt-action with a five-round internal magazine. The rifle would be the main weapon of US forces during World War I and would continue to serve alongside the newly introduced M1 Garand during World War II. As a sniper rifle, the M1903A4 would serve through the Korean War and into the early stages of the Vietnam War. The last user manual was printed by the US Army in 1970 almost 70 years after the rifle entered service.
5. Browning M2 Machine Gun
Affectionately known as “Ma-Deuce,” the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun has been in service around the world for almost 100 years. Design began at the tale end of World War I based on requirements put out by General John J. Pershing for a heavier machine gun. John Browning responded by scaling up his successful M1917 machine gun to accept a new .50 caliber round developed by Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The new weapon was first accepted in 1921. The unique design made the receiver transformable into seven different configurations. The M2 has served in all types of roles, from infantry to aircraft. The M2 is so reliable that in 2015 an M2 arrived at Anniston Army Depot for an overhaul after 94 years of continuous service. With 99 years of service under its belt and modifications being made the M2 will continue to be a staple of the infantry for years to come.
FAQs
Browning M2 Machine Gun
Affectionately known as “Ma-Deuce,” the Browning M2 . 50 caliber machine gun has been in service around the world for almost 100 years. Design began at the tale end of World War I based on requirements put out by General John J. Pershing for a heavier machine gun.
What is the oldest gun still in military service? ›
The munition Browning developed, known as the . 50 BMG, entered official service with the Army in 1921 and is still being used today. After WWI, the M1917 became the standard heavy machine gun of both the Army and the Marine Corps. The gun's design was modified and refined over the years.
What is the longest serving military round? ›
Probably the longest serving military cartridge is the 7,62 x 54R. It adopted in 1891 and continues as a standard military round to this day. The 7,62 x 39 (AK 47 round) is probably the most widely produced round. The most used, longest serving, most rounds used is most definitely the 9x19 or 9mm Lugar.
What are Class 5 weapons in the military? ›
GSA approved Class 5 weapons containers are authorized for storage of small amounts of Risk Category II, III, and IV Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E). They are manufactured in accordance with Federal Specification AA-C-2859.
What is the oldest functioning gun? ›
The Heilongjiang hand-gun is dated to 1288. At 3.55 kg (7.83 pounds) and is considerably lighter than older projectile devices such as the bulky trebuchets that were used to launch explosive bombs.
What gun do most soldiers use? ›
In active service (some branches or limited roles)
- XM7 (6.8×51mm Common Cartridge) (US Army)
- M16A4 (5.56×45mm NATO) (USMC, US Army)
- M16A3 (5.56×45mm NATO) (Navy SEALs and USN Seabees)
- M16A2 (5.56×45mm NATO) (USAF, USCG, and US Army Training/Reserve/National Guard)
Both U.S. Army Special Forces Units and SFOD-D continue to use modernized M1911s, such as the M45 MEU(SOC) and a modified version of the Colt Rail Gun (a 1911 model with an integrated picatinny rail on the underside of the frame) designated as the M45A1 CQBP (Close Quarters Battle Pistol).
What is the oldest weapon still used in the Marine Corps? ›
OFFICER'S MAMELUKE SWORD
Though now designated for ceremonial duty, the swords our Marine Officers carry are the oldest weapons still in service in the United States Armed Forces and represent the Marine Corps' rich legacy of fighting by those who our Nation trusts to win.
What gun has been used in the most wars? ›
The 1911 is one of the most notorious handguns in history and easily the most famous in America, having seen action in every U.S. conflict since World War I. One of the most successful product designs ever, the 1911 has achieved something rare in the world of machines: immortality.
What is the largest caliber round ever fired? ›
950 in (24.1 mm) bullet.
Gen. Harry Goldsworthy, the man considered to be the oldest living retired air force general in the world, celebrated his 107th birthday.
Has anyone ever served in all 5 branches of the military? ›
REENA ROSE SIBAYAN/The Jersey JournalVeteran Bob Button stands in his Jersey City home next to photos of himself in the Navy, Marine Corps and Army. Button has served in all five branches of the military.
Are M16 still in service? ›
The US military has largely replaced the M16 in frontline combat units with a shorter and lighter version, the M4 carbine. In April 2022, the U.S. Army selected the SIG MCX SPEAR as the winner of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program to replace the M16/M4. The rifle is designated XM7.
Does the Navy still use M16? ›
The Army and Marine Corps subsequently picked up the rifle, equipping soldiers and Marines headed to Vietnam. Today, the M16 and its descendants serve with the Army and Marine Corps. Meanwhile, Navy SEALs use the MK18 (top), a short-barrel version of the rifle, while sailors aboard Navy warships are issued M4 carbines.
What is class 7 in the military? ›
Class VII – Major end items such as launchers, tanks, mobile machine shops, some parachute systems and vehicles.
Can I serve 40 years in the military? ›
10 U.S. Code § 636: Mandates retirement for O8s after 35 years of active commissioned service or 5 years in grade, whichever is later; after 38 years of active commissioned service for O9s; and after 40 years of active commissioned service for O10s.
What is the longest military training? ›
The longest and most challenging of all military boot camps, Marine Corps basic training is 13 weeks long and is broken into four phases. Training happens at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island in South Carolina and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
Can you serve 20 years in the military? ›
In most cases, Soldiers who have completed 20 years of active service are eligible to receive Retired Pay at the end of their career. The Date of Initial Entry into Military Service (DIEMS) determines which of the three retirement systems a Soldier falls under.
