The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence

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The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » soldiers dp63162325

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The U.S. Army’s arsenal is more than just firepower; it’s a billion-dollar testament to American influence, one contract at a time. Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. held over 40% of the global arms export market, securing its spot as the world’s leading arms dealer¹.

Every weapon—whether homegrown or imported—represents a lucrative contract and a piece of military strategy that keeps America’s forces equipped and its influence global.

We dug into military handbooks, government files, and industry reports to unpack the lineup that powers the U.S. Army, one firearm at a time.

1. SIG-Sauer P320

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » Sig Sauer P320 X wc
Image Credit: NobuttoO, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The SIG-Sauer P320 is a reliable semi-automatic service pistol adopted by the U.S. Army in 2014. With a maximum effective range of 165 feet, it’s great for close-quarters situations.

It fires the 9×19 Parabellum caliber, known for manageable recoil and accuracy.

  • Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
  • Year: 2014
  • Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
  • Caliber: 9×19 parabellum
  • Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer

2. Heckler & Koch HK 45

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » heckler and koch hk45 wc
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The Heckler & Koch HK 45 is a semi-automatic service pistol adopted by the U.S. Army in 2013. With a maximum effective range of 165 feet, it fires the powerful .45 ACP caliber.

Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip for better control when shooting. 

  • Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
  • Year: 2013
  • Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
  • Caliber: .45 ACP
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

3. Heckler & Koch HK M27

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » heckler and koch hkm27 2wc
Image Credit: Steve, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch HK M27 is a designated marksman rifle introduced in 2011, designed for precision shooting with a maximum effective range of 1,800 feet. It fires the accurate and low-recoil 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, helping you stay on target.

With advanced features and a lightweight design, the HK M27 is a powerful tool for long-range capabilities. 

  • Type: Designated marksman rifle
  • Year: 2011
  • Maximum effective range: 1,800 ft.
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

4. Remington M2010 ESR

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » remington 770 wc
Image Credit: Vitaly V. Kuzmin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Remington M2010 ESR is a bolt-action sniper rifle introduced in 2011, designed for long-range precision shooting. It has a maximum effective range of 3,935 feet and fires the .300 Winchester Magnum caliber, which is known for its power and accuracy. 

  • Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
  • Year: 2011
  • Maximum effective range: 3,935 ft.
  • Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
  • Manufacturer: Remington Arms

5. Heckler & Koch M320 GLM

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » heckler and koch m320 wc
Image Credit: RoyKabanlit, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch M320 GLM is a single-shot under-barrel grenade launcher that entered service in 2010. With a maximum effective range of 492 feet, it fires the 40x46mm SR caliber, making it suitable for close combat situations. 

  • Type: Single-shot under-barrel grenade launcher
  • Year: 2010
  • Maximum effective range: 492 ft.
  • Caliber: 40x46mm SR
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

6. Barrett M107

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » barrett m107 wc
Image Credit: RoyKabanlit, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Barrett M107 is an anti-materiel and anti-personnel sniper rifle that was introduced in 2008. It has a maximum effective range of 1,850 feet and fires the powerful .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) caliber, ideal for penetrating armored targets. 

  • Type: Anti-materiel / anti-personnel sniper rifle
  • Year: 2008
  • Maximum effective range: 1,850 ft.
  • Caliber: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
  • Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms

7. M110 SASS

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » m110 sass wc
Image Credit: Thomas Alvarez, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The M110 SASS is a designated marksman rifle that the U.S. Army adopted in 2007. It boasts a maximum effective range of 2,624 feet and fires the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, providing excellent accuracy for mid-range engagements.

This rifle combines reliability and performance, making it a valuable asset for soldiers on the battlefield.

  • Type: Designated marksman rifle
  • Year: 2007
  • Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Knight’s Armament

8. Heckler & Koch HK 417

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » hk 417 wc
Image Credit: André Gustavo Stumpf from Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch HK 417 is a designated marksman rifle adopted by the U.S. Army in 2006. It has a maximum effective range of 2,625 feet and fires the powerful 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, which provides excellent accuracy. 

  • Type: Designated marksman rifle
  • Year: 2006
  • Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.
  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

9. Heckler & Koch HK 416

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » hk 416 wc
Image Credit: 1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch HK 416 is an assault rifle introduced in 2005, known for its reliability and performance. With a maximum effective range of 985 feet, it fires the 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, making it suitable for close to mid-range combat.

This rifle has become a favorite among soldiers for its versatility in various combat scenarios.

  • Type: Assault rifle
  • Year: 2005
  • Maximum effective range: 985 ft.
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

10. Mk 14

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » mk 14 wc
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The Mk 14 is a designated marksman rifle that entered service in 2004. It has a maximum effective range of 1,500 feet and fires the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, providing great accuracy and stopping power. 

  • Type: Designated marksman rifle
  • Year: 2004
  • Maximum effective range: 1,500 ft.
  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Smith Enterprises

11. Heckler & Koch HK MP7

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » hk mp7 wc
Image Credit: Pistoufinaire, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch HK MP7 is a submachine gun that was introduced in 2001. It has a maximum effective range of 656 feet and fires the HK 4.6x30mm caliber, making it suitable for close-quarters combat.

This compact and lightweight weapon offers soldiers excellent maneuverability and firepower.

  • Type: Submachine gun
  • Year: 2001
  • Maximum effective range: 656 ft.
  • Caliber: HK 4.6x30mm
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

12. FGM-148 Javelin

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » fgm javelin wc
Image Credit: U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) from Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The FGM-148 Javelin is an anti-tank guided missile launcher adopted by the U.S. Army in 1996. With a maximum effective range of 8,202 feet, it fires a 127mm caliber missile, making it highly effective against armored targets. 

  • Type: Anti-tank guided missile launcher
  • Year: 1996
  • Maximum effective range: 8,202 ft.
  • Caliber: 127mm
  • Manufacturer: Raytheon / Lockheed Martin

13. M4 Carbine

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » m4 carbine wc
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The M4 Carbine is an assault carbine that the U.S. Army adopted in 1994. It has a maximum effective range of 1,640 feet and fires the 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, making it suitable for various combat situations.

  • Type: Assault carbine
  • Year: 1994
  • Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing / Remington Arms

14. Beretta M9

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » beretta m9 wc
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The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic service pistol that the U.S. Army adopted in 1990. It has a maximum effective range of 164 feet and fires the 9×19 Parabellum caliber, known for its accuracy and manageable recoil. 

  • Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
  • Year: 1990
  • Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
  • Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum
  • Manufacturer: Beretta

15. Colt M16A4

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » colt m16a4 Wc
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The Colt M16A4 is an automatic rifle introduced to the U.S. Army in 1990. It boasts a maximum effective range of 1,968 feet and fires the 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, providing excellent accuracy in combat. The M16A4 is also known for its reliability and effectiveness in various combat situations.

  • Type: Automatic rifle
  • Year: 1990
  • Maximum effective range: 1,968 ft.
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing

16. SIG-Sauer P228

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » sig sauer p228 wc
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The SIG-Sauer P228 is a semi-automatic service pistol adopted by the U.S. Army in 1988. It has a maximum effective range of 165 feet and fires the 9×19 Parabellum caliber, which is known for its accuracy.

This pistol is a reliable choice for soldiers in close-quarters situations.

  • Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
  • Year: 1988
  • Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
  • Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum
  • Manufacturer: SIG-Sauer

17. Remington M24 SWS

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » remington m24 sws wc
Image Credit: Dr. Zachi Evenor and User:MathKnight, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Remington M24 SWS is a bolt-action sniper rifle that the U.S. Army adopted in 1987. It has a maximum effective range of 2,624 feet and fires the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, making it ideal for long-range precision shooting.

  • Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
  • Year: 1987
  • Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: Remington Arms

18. Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW / LMG

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » fabrique nationale m249 wc
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The Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW is a light machine gun introduced to the U.S. Army in 1984. With a maximum effective range of 2,600 feet, it can fire both 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x51mm NATO calibers. This weapon is valued for its firepower and versatility in various operational settings.

  • Type: Light machine gun
  • Year: 1984
  • Maximum effective range: 2,600 ft.
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing

19. FIM-92 Stinger

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » fim 92 stinger wc
Image Credit: photo by Maryu, taken 2005/10/09, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The FIM-92 Stinger is an air defense missile system that the U.S. Army adopted in 1981. It has a maximum effective range of 15,750 feet and fires a 70mm caliber missile, making it highly effective against low-flying aircraft. This missile system is known for its portability and effectiveness in defense operations.

  • Type: Air defense missile system
  • Year: 1981
  • Maximum effective range: 15,750 ft.
  • Caliber: 70mm
  • Manufacturer: General Dynamics / Raytheon

20. Fabrique Nationale M240

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » fabrique nationale m240 wc
Image Credit: FN Herstal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fabrique Nationale M240 is a general-purpose machine gun that the U.S. Army has used since 1977. It has a maximum effective range of 5,905 feet and fires the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, making it effective for both support and offensive roles.

This machine gun is known for its reliability and firepower in various combat situations.

  • Type: General purpose machine gun
  • Year: 1977
  • Maximum effective range: 5,905 ft.
  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Manufacturer: FN Manufacturing

21. Mossberg Model 590

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » mossberg model 590 wc
Image Credit: U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mossberg Model 590 is a pump-action shotgun introduced in 1975. With a maximum effective range of 130 feet, it fires a 12-gauge caliber shell, making it ideal for close-quarters combat. 

  • Type: Pump-action shotgun
  • Year: 1975
  • Maximum effective range: 130 ft.
  • Caliber: 12-gauge
  • Manufacturer: O.S. Mossberg & Sons

22. Saco Mk 19

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » soldier with grenade dp164236260
Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Deposit Photos

The Saco Mk 19 is an automatic grenade launcher that the U.S. Army adopted in 1967. It has a maximum effective range of 4,500 feet and fires a 40x53mm grenade, making it powerful for engaging enemy positions.

This grenade launcher is known for its high rate of fire and effectiveness in support roles.

  • Type: Automatic grenade launcher
  • Year: 1967
  • Maximum effective range: 4,500 ft.
  • Caliber: 40x53mm
  • Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries

23. Heckler & Koch HK MP5

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » hkmp5 wc
Image Credit: Heckler_&_Koch_MP5.jpg: Samuli Silvennoinenderivative work: Hic et nunc, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Heckler & Koch HK MP5 is a submachine gun that the U.S. Army has used since 1966. It has a maximum effective range of 660 feet and fires the 9×19 Parabellum caliber, making it suitable for close combat. 

  • Type: Submachine gun
  • Year: 1966
  • Maximum effective range: 660 ft.
  • Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum
  • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

24. Mossberg Model 500

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » mossberg model 500 wc
Image Credit: Unknown Author, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mossberg Model 500 is a pump-action shotgun introduced in 1961. With a maximum effective range of 130 feet, it fires a 12-gauge caliber shell, making it ideal for close-quarters defense.

This shotgun is popular for its versatility and reliability.

  • Type: Pump-action shotgun
  • Year: 1961
  • Maximum effective range: 130 ft.
  • Caliber: 12-gauge
  • Manufacturer: O.S. Mossberg & Sons

25. M2 Browning

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » m2 browning wc
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The M2 Browning is a general-purpose machine gun that has been in service since 1921. It boasts a maximum effective range of 6,550 feet and fires the .50 BMG caliber, making it extremely powerful for engaging distant targets. 

  • Type: General purpose machine gun
  • Year: 1921
  • Maximum effective range: 6,550 ft.
  • Caliber: .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO)
  • Manufacturer: Saco Defense Industries

26. Colt M1911

The U.S. Army’s Billion-Dollar Arsenal: 26 Weapons Defining American Influence » colt m1911 wc
Image Credit: M62, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Colt M1911 is a semi-automatic service pistol that was first introduced in 1911. With a maximum effective range of 82 feet, it fires the .45 ACP caliber, known for its stopping power in close combat. This iconic pistol is respected for its reliability and performance.

  • Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
  • Year: 1911
  • Maximum effective range: 82 ft.
  • Caliber: .45 ACP
  • Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing

Whether it’s for defense, precision shooting, or combat situations, these firearms are essential to the Army’s success.

Source:

  1. Statista

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