XM177E2
The XM177E2 is the designation for the second version of the CAR-15 Commando carbine purchased by the United States Army during the Vietnam War. It was basically a shortened version of the M653, which itself was a carbine version of the XM16E1, using the same basic receiver and parts with a shortened stock and barrel.
Overview[]
During the Vietnam War, American soldiers encountered problems with their full-sized M14 and M16 rifles. Their size made it difficult to both carry and aim them in the jungles covering most of Vietnam. Because encounters with the enemy in this thick foliage often were short-range, quick firefights between small units, soldiers needed a weapon that could be quickly aimed and fired, rather than long-range accuracy. In 1966, to alleviate this problem, the U.S. Army purchased and issued Colt 609 Commando's (Army classification XM117E1) to front-line troops. Several problems were found with the carbine, including double feeds (also a problem with early M16's and aggravated by the shortened gas-porting system), loud report and bright muzzle flash (caused by the shortened barrel allowing more propellant to exit the barrel before burning), barrel fouling, and accuracy.
In 1967, to counter some of the defects found in the E1, the MACV SOG purchased 510 Colt 629 Commando's, classifying them as the XM117E2. The major difference was a longer 11.5 inch barrel compared to the E1's 10 inches. This served to lessen the noise and muzzle flash, although the other problems found in the E1 were not fixed.
Usage[]
San Hieronymo Incident[]
- Main article: San Hieronymo Incident
| Warning: The following information is from outside Hideo Kojima's core "Metal Gear Saga." Its canonicity within the continuity is disputed, therefore reader discretion is advised.[?] |
During the San Hieronymo Incident in 1970, the FOX Unit utilized the XM177E2 as their primary assault rifle, and often used them in guard duty. Naked Snake's rebel group later procured some of these weapons as a consequence of recruiting some of the FOX soldiers to their cause.
| Non-"Metal Gear Saga" information ends here. |
Behind the scenes[]
The XM177E2 is featured in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, primarily used by FOX soldiers. The weapon can also be acquired by the player, either by recruiting FOX soldiers, or, in the European version only, rolling onto a bus's roof in the Town area to get it.
- "The carbine model of the M16A1. Modifications include a shortened barrel and the addition of a retractable stock, reducing the length by about 25cm.
It also features a flash hider equipped to suppress the loud bang and intense muzzle flash produced as a result of the shorter barrel.
Uses 5.56x45mm ammo." - ―XM177E2 weapon description in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops