Guns Used by SEALS (Complete Weapons and Gear List)

The Navy SEALs are the embodiment of the elite when we talk about military forces. They operate in the most daunting terrains, under conditions most of us can’t even fathom. But what makes them the fearsome operatives that they are? While their training and determination play a significant role, the weaponry and gear they employ are just as crucial. Today, we’ll delve into the guns and gear these warriors rely on.

Guns Used by SEALS: Assault Rifles/Carbines

M4a1

A staple in many military arsenals (it’s also one of the guns used by Special Forces), the M4a1 is loved for its reliability and adaptability. It’s the kind of rifle that won’t let you down when the going gets tough. 

It uses the 5.56×45mm NATO round, created in the U.S. in the 1980s. This rifle is essentially a compact variant of the M16A2 assault rifle and operates on gas.

Reference: US Department of Defense

Noveske 10.5″ NSR 5.56×45mm

The Noveske 10.5″ NSR 5.56×45mm rifle is a compact yet powerful tool in close-quarter battles. Its short barrel makes it ideal for tight spaces, while the advanced NSR rail system allows for the attachment of essential accessories. The rifle’s accuracy and reliability at close to medium range make it a top pick for urban engagements.

Reference: The Drive

MK 13 CQBR

Perfect for close-quarters combat, this carbine chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum gives SEALS the edge in tight spots.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St

MK 16 SCAR-L & MK 17 SCAR-H

Personally, the SCAR series is a gas-piston operated 5.56 carbine that’s a sight to behold. They’re both versatile, with the SCAR-L being lighter and the SCAR-H packing a heavier punch.

When a mission calls for a lightweight but powerful rifle, perhaps in terrains where mobility is key, the SCAR-L is one of the primary guns used by SEALS.

For missions that require more stopping power, perhaps in environments with longer sightlines, the SCAR-H is used. It delivers heavier rounds, making it ideal for medium to long-range combat.

M14 EBR

An evolved classic, the M14 rifle is a blend of old-school reliability with modern-day precision.

Formally known as the United States Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, the M14, is an American battle rifle with the ability to select between firing modes and uses the 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 in) round. 

It was designated as the primary weapon for the U.S. armed forces in 1957, taking the place of the M1 Garand for the U.S. Army by 1958 and for the U.S. Marine Corps by 1965.

The M14 EBR’s civilian version is the MK14 SEI from Smith Enterprises. 

Guns Used by SEALS: Automatic Weapons/Machine Guns

MK46 Mod 0

This light machine gun is often employed for suppressive fire. Whether it’s covering a retreat or advancing on a position, the MK46 keeps the enemy’s head down.

Reference: US Department of Defense

MK48 Mod 0

Take the MK46, give it more power and you’ve got the MK48. This machine gun is made for laying down suppressive fire. It’s often used for vehicle mounting or fixed positions.

Reference: US Department of Defense

M240

The M240 chambers the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It was produced by the American branch of the Belgian company Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal, and was selected by the U.S. military for various purposes after extensive global evaluations and tests. 

This versatile belt-fed, gas-operated machine gun can be fired from its bipod, mounted on tripods, vehicles, boats, and aircraft. The U.S. Army first adopted it in 1977 for tank use and gradually expanded its applications in the following decades.

Durable and deadly. The M240 has seen countless battles and continues to be a favorite among many.

Reference: US Department of Defense

M2

Call it old, but never outdated.

The M2 machine gun, also known as the Browning .50 caliber machine gun or informally as “Ma Deuce”, is a robust machine gun developed towards the end of World War I by John Browning. Although it shares similarities with Browning’s previous M1919 machine gun, which utilized the .30-06 cartridge, the M2 is designed for the bigger and mightier .50 BMG (12.7 mm) cartridge.

When it’s time to bring out the big guns, quite literally, the Browning .50 caliber is deployed. Whether it’s taking out vehicles or fortified positions, the M2 is a game-changer. It’s old but gold, and when it speaks, everyone listens.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St.

Guns Used by SEALS: Handguns

Sig Sauer P226R

The Sig P226R is every SEAL’s trusty sidekick. It’s accurate, reliable, and fits comfortably in the hand. This hammer-fired pistol is popular even among non-military gun enthusiasts.

Reference: US Department of Defense

HK45CT 

The HK45CT is compact yet fierce. It’s one of the backup guns used by SEALs that are chambered in .45 ACP.

It comes with elevated front and back sights and has an elongated threaded barrel suitable for attaching suppressors. These handguns use 8-round magazines, but there’s also an option for extended magazines that can hold 10 rounds.

Reference: American Special Ops

Glock 19

Let’s not forget the Glock 19. It’s like the multi-tool on your belt — not too big, not too small, and it can handle just about anything thrown its way. It’s rugged, and dependable, and with a 15-round magazine, you’re ready for a long night if things get dicey.

Reference: Special Ops

Guns Used by SEALS: Sniper Rifles

MK 12 Mod 1 

The MK 12 MOD 0/1/H Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) from the United States Navy was a marksman rifle used by the U.S. Special Operations Forces until 2017. It was specifically designed to be more compact than typical weapons.

Precision is its middle name. It is perfect for those crucial, calculated shots.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St

MK 11 

The US Navy’s MK11 Mod 0 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) is modelled after the precise SR-25 automatic rifle, designed for Navy SEALs’ requirements. 

It’s a reliable, semi-automatic sniper rifle resembling the operation of an M16 or M4A1 and can accurately shoot up to 1,500 yards. Given its impressive accuracy, U.S. Special Operations Forces regard it as one of the world’s top semi-automatic sniper rifles.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St

M91A2

The RAD M91A2 sniper rifle is designed for the US Navy’s long-range sniper needs, particularly for Naval Special Warfare units like the regular SEAL teams and DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six). 

Based on the Remington model 700 (like the Army’s M24 SWS), it features a match-grade stainless-steel barrel, a 3 lb pull Remington trigger, and a stock made of black, kevlar, and fiberglass. 

It can be equipped with a folding Harris Bi-pod and is often paired with Bausch & Lomb or Leupold 10x scopes. Impressively, it boasts a 0.5 MOA accuracy.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St

MK 13 

The MK 13 rifle utilizes the Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) 2.0 paired with a long action Remington 700 receiver. 

The rifle features an adjustable cheekpiece, beneficial for night vision or large-lens telescopic sights. A spring-loaded cheek-piece is also available for quicker adjustments. Its side panels come in olive drab, dark earth, or black and are made of high-strength polymer. 

It also includes sling attachment points on both sides, accommodating left- and right-handed users.

Reference: 24/7 Wall St

TAC-338 

The McMillan TAC-338, favored by Navy SEAL snipers, is a sniper rifle using .338 Lapua Magnum rounds, which offer longer engagement ranges than cartridges like the .300 Win Mag. 

While its typical effective range is 1600 meters, some skilled military marksmen have reached over 2000 meters with .338 rifles.

The TAC-338 is a heavy-barrel, bolt-action rifle built on the McMillan G30 long action, featuring an adjustable cheek-plate tactical stock, a rail system for attachments, a free-floating match-grade barrel, and adjustable trigger pull. It comes with a standard Leupold MK 4 8.5-25x50mm M1 Mil Dot.

Reference: American Special Ops

MK 15 

The MK 15 Mod 0 SASR is the Navy’s version of the McMillan Tac-50, a long-range rifle favored by Navy SEALs for its anti-material capabilities. 

Similar to rifles like the M82/M107, the MK 15 uses .50 BMG rounds for engaging diverse targets, including armored vehicles. 

The rifle boasts a fluted match-grade barrel, a fiberglass adjustable and removable buttstock, and is typically used with a bipod. Unlike the semi-automatic M82/M107, the MK 15 operates with a manual rotary bolt action.

M82

The M82 was standardized by the US Military as M107. It’s a semi-automatic anti-material rifle made by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing.

Often referred to as the Light Fifty due to its .50 BMG 12.7×99mm NATO cartridge, it comes in three versions: the original M82A1 (and M82A3), the bullpup M82A2, and the titanium-built Barrett M107A1 with a special muzzle brake ready for a suppressor. 

While the M82A2 isn’t produced anymore, the XM500 is viewed as its replacement. Even though primarily an anti-material weapon, the M82 can be used against personnel.

Guns Used by SEALS: Missile / Rocket Launchers

M136 AT4

When facing armored vehicles or fortified structures, SEALs use the M136 AT4 for its anti-armor capabilities. It’s a one-shot, disposable weapon that packs a punch.

Javelin Missile

For taking out heavily armored targets like tanks, the Javelin is the SEALs’ go-to. It’s fire-and-forget, allowing operators to move to safety after launch.

Just consider how Javelin’s completely obliterated Russian armored columns on the way to Kyiv in ‘22 to realize how effective these can be in the right hands!

Reference: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3159196/javelin-replacement-contract-awarded/

Gear Used by SEALs: Night Vision and Optics

Steiner 7×50 M750rc Commander Military Binoculars 2690

Let’s clear up front that the average joe isn’t going to lay hands on military-grade NV gear. It’s normally export controlled and very pricey. That said, we found like units for you to look into when possible.

These aren’t your ordinary binoculars. The clarity they offer, especially under dim conditions, is unmatched.

Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle | GPNVG-18

The real thing isn’t available within the civilian market. But here’s a replica that’s pretty cool too.

Newcon Optik NVS-9 3rd Gen (2 Eye Tubes)

The NVS-9 goggles enable SEALs to navigate closely to the ground, conduct covert operations, and other tasks at night without the necessity of external lighting. 

Newcon Optik’s professional team stands ready to help SEAL teams select the right goggles tailored for their specific missions and operational environments.

FAQs

Do the Navy SEALS choose their weapons? 

Yes, to an extent. While they are standard-issued weapons, SEALs, given their expertise, often have some flexibility in choosing their gear based on the mission’s specifics.

Do Navy SEALS use Glock or Sig? 

Both have been used, but the Sig Sauer P226R has been a preferred choice among the guns used by SEALs for a long time.

Conclusion

The Navy SEALs aren’t just formidable because of their training – it’s also the cutting-edge weapons and gear they utilize. From rifles that assure pinpoint accuracy to night vision optics that pierce through the darkest nights, their arsenal is both impressive and intimidating.

further reading: Guns Used by SEAL Team Six

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Images from Amazon Product API