Photo By Cpl. Mark Stroud | Marines engage unknown-distance targets using the Machine Gun Day Optic and Ruggedized...... read more read more
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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines recently had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the Marine Corps’ new SU-260/P Machine Gun Day Optic and Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight for the M240G medium machine gun.
Marines from 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, received classes on the MGDO and RMRS before moving to the range for hands-on training.
James Rutan, from Vista, Calif., a new equipment trainer contracted to Marine Corps Systems Command, introduced the Marines to the MGDO at a pre-range class, comparing it to optics Marines are already familiar with, such as the Squad Day Optic and the Rifle Combat Optic.
“The Squad Day Optic is the baby version of [the MGDO],” said Rutan. “The RCO is also very similar.”
The similarity has helped Marines efficiently learn how to use the optic.
“They have been picking it up pretty quickly,” said Rutan.
The new day optic is a 10.5 inch, 2.8 pound optic with six times magnification, according to Rutan. Its reticle includes a bullet drop compensator specifically designed for the ballistics of the M240G with ranging lines out to 1,200 meters.
“It was pretty easy to engage targets,” said Cpl. Gus Dearman, from Cedar City, Utah, a heavy equipment operator with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marin Division.
The advantage the MGDO and RMRS system provide over traditional iron sights is the speed of target acquisition and the ability to accurately gauge range and adjust the point of impact using the six-times magnification and bullet drop compensator.
“It will give Marines faster target acquisition and engagement, and allow them to account for wind and [traversing and elevation] adjustments since they can see the [impact] of the rounds,” said Rutan.
“Anything with magnification is going to allow them to engage more accurately.”
The RMRS is a tritium-powered reflex sight, designed for rapid target acquisition at ranges closer than would be practical for the MGDO to engage.
According to Rutan, the MGDO and RMRS systems will soon become a familiar sight to Marines across the Corps.
“It’s going to be issued to all units,” said Rutan. “It will be on every [M240G], with the deploying units getting them first.”
| Date Taken: | 02.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.04.2011 00:26 |
| Story ID: | 64772 |
| Location: | CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 446 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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