The Use of .22 LR Ammunition in US Military Weapon Systems

The 22LR caliber, also known as .22 long rifle, is a popular and effective round for various military and civilian applications. Despite its small size, the 22LR offers significant benefits in terms of cost, training, and environmental impact. This article will explore the use of 22LR ammunition in the US Military, focusing on specific weapon systems and applications.

Introduction to .22 LR Ammunition

The .22 LR caliber is a cartridge widely used for target shooting, hunting, and training due to its low cost, low recoil, and longer range compared to some airsoft rounds. In the UK, the .22 LR is often used in conjunction with drop-in bolt and adapted magazine systems, allowing for extensive and cheap training at various ranges.

The US Military's Use of 22LR Ammunition

While the US military has not consistently used .22 LR ammunition in its primary combat weapon systems, there are instances where this round has been utilized for specific purposes. These include training, survival equipment, and cost-saving initiatives.

Navy Bootcamp: During boot camp, 5 rounds of 22LR ammo are typically issued to novice shooters to familiarize them with basic marksmanship. This usage is limited to basic training and not for combat purposes.

Air Force Survival Rifles: The Air Force has utilized the M6 Aircrew Survival Weapon, a rifle specifically designed for aircrew members. This weapon fires a .22 LR round for self-defense and survival situations when standard .40 SW caliber ammunition is not available.

Coast Guard: The Coast Guard has employed the .22 LR round in their Sig Sauer P-229 pistols as a substitute for more substantial .40 SW caliber ammunition. This has led to significant cost and environmental savings, particularly at the Joint Maritime Training Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Army Training Units: In the early 1990s, the US Army operated a program where drop-in bolt groups were used in M-16 rifles. These "sub-cal" adapters allowed for the firing of .22LR ammo for training purposes. This method was also occasionally used for individual weapons qualification, particularly at indoor range facilities like those at Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir.

References and Examples

Further support for the use of 22LR ammunition in US military applications can be found in historical records and contemporary military manuals. For example, the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) used suppressed High Standard .22LR pistols during the Cold War. One notable user of these suppressed pistols was Gary Powers, who was carrying one during the 1960 U-2 incident over the Soviet Union.

Conclusion

The .22 LR caliber remains a valuable tool in the US military's arsenal, particularly for training and cost-saving initiatives. From Navy boot camps to Air Force survival weapons, this round plays a crucial role in ensuring that service members are adequately trained and prepared for various scenarios.

Keywords: 22LR, Military Training, Weapon Systems