Throughout its history, the U.S. Army has depended on a variety of factors to succeed, including strategy, training, and manpower. But at the top of this list are dependable, effective firearms to carry out its missions. From early conflicts to modern warfare, certain military guns have been crucial to battle. They have helped shape how the Army fights, adapts, and evolves. These weapons weren’t just tools; they became extensions of the soldiers who carried them.
Some firearms earned their place through sheer reliability, others through innovation that changed war tactics forever. These guns consistently met the necessary demands, whether designed for close-quarters combat, long-range engagements, or sustained firepower. Together, they form a legacy that the U.S. Army owes its success to and continues to build upon today.
Today, 24/7 Wall St. is exploring the weapons used by the U.S. Army — and why. To identify the most commonly used U.S. Army guns, 24/7 Wall St. referenced data from a range of sources, including military handbooks, government press releases, and firearms publications, including the Army’s Weapon Systems Handbook, to identify every standard-issue gun in the U.S. Army. These guns were ranked chronologically. We included supplemental information regarding the type of firearm, range, caliber, and manufacturer from the Military Factory.
This post was updated on February 3, 2026.
Why This is Important
Understanding the firearms the U.S. Army has relied on offers insight into how military technology, both old-school and brand new, influences warfare, strategy, and effectiveness. These weapons reflect the challenges faced throughout the changing decades and the solutions developed to meet them head on. By looking at these guns that proved indispensable, we see a clear picture of military innovation, adaptation, and the critical role equipment plays in national defense and historical outcomes.
28. Colt M1911
- Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
- Year introduced: 1911
- Maximum effective range: 82 ft.
- Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing
- Caliber: .45 ACP
27. M2 Browning
- Type: General purpose machine gun
- Year introduced: 1921
- Maximum effective range: 6,550 ft.
- Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries
- Caliber: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
26. Mossberg Model 500
- Type: Pump-action shotgun
- Year introduced: 1961
- Maximum effective range: 130 ft.
- Manufacturer: O.S. Mossberg & Sons
- Caliber: 12-gauge
25. Heckler & Koch HK MP5
- Type: Submachine gun
- Year introduced: 1966
- Maximum effective range: 660 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: 9×19 parabellum
24. Saco Mk 19
- Type: Automatic grenade launcher
- Year introduced: 1967
- Maximum effective range: 4,500 ft.
- Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries
- Caliber: 40x53mm
23. Mossberg Model 590
- Type: Pump-action shotgun
- Year introduced: 1975
- Maximum effective range: 130 ft.
- Manufacturer: O.S. Mossberg & Sons
- Caliber: 12-gauge
22. Fabrique Nationale M240
- Type: General purpose machine gun
- Year introduced: 1977
- Maximum effective range: 5,905 ft.
- Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
21. FIM-92 Stinger
- Type: Air defense missile system
- Year introduced: 1981
- Maximum effective range: 15,750 ft.
- Manufacturer: General Dynamics / Raytheon
- Caliber: 70mm
20. Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW / LMG
- Type: Light machine gun
- Year introduced: 1984
- Maximum effective range: 2,600 ft.
- Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO
19. Remington M24 SWS
- Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
- Year introduced: 1987
- Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
18. SIG-Sauer P228
- Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
- Year introduced: 1988
- Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9×19 parabellum
17. Beretta M9
- Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
- Year introduced: 1990
- Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Caliber: 9×19 parabellum
16. Colt M16A4
- Type: Automatic rifle
- Year introduced: 1990
- Maximum effective range: 1,968 ft.
- Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
15. M4 Carbine
- Type: Assault carbine
- Year introduced: 1994
- Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.
- Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing / Remington Arms
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
14. FGM-148 Javelin
- Type: Anti-tank guided missile launcher
- Year introduced: 1996
- Maximum effective range: 8,202 ft.
- Manufacturer: Raytheon / Lockheed Martin
- Caliber: 127mm
13. Benelli M4 Super 90
- Type: Semi-automatic shotgun
- Year introduced: 1999
- Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
- Manufacturer: Benelli Armi
- Caliber: 12-gauge
12. Heckler & Koch HK MP7
- Type: Submachine gun
- Year introduced: 2001
- Maximum effective range: 656 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: HK 4.6x30mm
11. Mk 14
- Type: Designated marksman rifle
- Year introduced: 2004
- Maximum effective range: 1,500 ft.
- Manufacturer: Smith Enterprises
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
10. Heckler & Koch HK 416
- Type: Assault rifle
- Year introduced: 2005
- Maximum effective range: 985 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
9. Heckler & Koch HK 417
- Type: Designated marksman rifle
- Year introduced: 2006
- Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
8. M110 SASS
- Type: Designated marksman rifle
- Year introduced: 2007
- Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
- Manufacturer: Knight’s Armament
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
7. Barrett M107
- Type: Anti-materiel / anti-personnel sniper rifle
- Year introduced: 2008
- Maximum effective range: 1,850 ft.
- Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms
- Caliber: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
6. Heckler & Koch M320 GLM
- Type: Single-shot under-barrel grenade launcher
- Year introduced: 2010
- Maximum effective range: 492 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: 40x46mm SR
5. Brugger & Thomet APC9
- Type: Modular personal defense weapon
- Year introduced: 2011
- Maximum effective range: 330 ft.
- Manufacturer: Brugger & Thomet
- Caliber: 9x19mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
4. Heckler & Koch HK M27
- Type: Designated marksman rifle
- Year introduced: 2011
- Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
3. Remington M2010 ESR
- Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
- Year introduced: 2011
- Maximum effective range: 3,935 ft.
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
2. Heckler & Koch HK 45
- Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
- Year introduced: 2013
- Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
- Caliber: .45 ACP
1. SIG-Sauer P320
- Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
- Year introduced: 2014
- Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
- Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer
- Caliber: 9×19 parabellum
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