Guns of the Special Forces, 2001-2015

by Leigh Neville

Overview

An in-depth look at the weaponry employed by Special Forces units around the world following the September 11th attacks.
In the years since 9/11, Special Forces of many nations have been in almost constant action in covert, high risk operations around the globe. These include the two long conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting nationalist insurgents and jihadist terrorists, as well as other lesser-known operations.
The weapons used by SF are a constant source of interest and speculation, as are SF training, methods and vehicles. The armories of these elite units have developed rapidly to meet their demands and the ever more sophisticated threat. They include for example suppressed piston-driven carbines, programmable grenade launchers that airburst behind hidden enemy, and sniper rifles of extreme accuracy and range.
This highly researched book gives the reader a privileged insight into this secret world, exploring the custom-built weapons that operators carry on capture/kill missions in the 21st Century.
Praise for Guns of Special Forces
"A cut above most of the books that purport to review special ops weapons. Its limitation to the War on Terror years allows coverage of the many weapon developments that have taken place as special operations units have been constantly deployed and in action over the last decade and a half." —SWAT Magazine

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473881013
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Military
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Leigh Neville has numerous published works on modern military subjects with a particular focus on Special Forces. He is an authority on war-gaming. He lives near Sydney, Australia.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Acknowledgements xvi

Acronyms xvii

1 Combat Pistols 1

2 Submachine Guns and Personal Defence Weapons 45

3 Assault .Rifles and Carbines 74

4 Battle Rifles, Special Purpose and Designated Marksman Rifles 146

5 Combat Shotguns 174

6 Sniper and Anti-Materiel Rifles 186

7 Squad Automatic Weapons and Machine Guns 204

8 Grenades, Grenade Launchers and Rockets 223

9 Conclusion and the Future 240

Bibliography 245

Editorial Reviews

"A cut above most of the books that purport to review special ops weapons. Its limitation to the War on Terror years allows coverage of the many weapon developments that have taken place as special operations units have been constantly deployed and in action over the last decade and a half."

SWAT Magazine

A cut above most of the books that purport to review special ops weapons. Its limitation to the War on Terror years allows coverage of the many weapon developments that have taken place as special operations units have been constantly deployed and in action over the last decade and a half.

January 2017 SWAT Magazine

"Recent military operations in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq have shown up new weapon designs being used by various armies from around the world. These are in use alongside the standard issue weapons such as the British SA80 and the newer, lightweight types popular with Special Forces. This interesting title is a look at what is currently in use around the world with assault teams, snipers and as a personal defense weapons. Some are futuristic, but the pistols are the same design. The author clearly knows his subject but the text reads like a collection of magazine features. Interesting in itself, which allows the reader to pick up anywhere. One question is why, a book on guns, strays into the realms of grenades and rockets for a short spell. Despite this, the book is good for keeping up to date on modern weapons developments."

GunMart

Recent military operations in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq have shown up new weapon designs being used by various armies from around the world. These are in use alongside the standard issue weapons such as the British SA80 and the newer, lightweight types popular with Special Forces. This interesting title is a look at what is currently in use around the world with assault teams, snipers and as a personal defense weapons. Some are futuristic, but the pistols are the same design. The author clearly knows his subject but the text reads like a collection of magazine features. Interesting in itself, which allows the reader to pick up anywhere. One question is why, a book on guns, strays into the realms of grenades and rockets for a short spell. Despite this, the book is good for keeping up to date on modern weapons developments.

Gun Mart

This color-illustrated reference for general readers, students, and others features color photos on every page; because many photos are of real special operators in training and on missions, many faces are obscured. The book gives details on the weapons used by American, British, Australian, Canadian, and European military special operations forces (SOF) active in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. The introduction gives an overview of types of special forces operations, such as hostage rescue, counterinsurgency, counter terrorism, and unconventional warfare. The next eight chapters give details on types of weapons: combat pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, marksman rifles, combat shotguns, sniper rifle, automatic weapons, and grenades and rockets. Each chapter highlights how these weapons are used during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other battlefields such as Mali and Somalia. Historical background in each chapter explains why and how certain weapons systems and types are used.

Protoview

"This color-illustrated reference for general readers, students, and others features color photos on every page; because many photos are of real special operators in training and on missions, many faces are obscured. The book gives details on the weapons used by American, British, Australian, Canadian, and European military special operations forces (SOF) active in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. The introduction gives an overview of types of special forces operations, such as hostage rescue, counterinsurgency, counter terrorism, and unconventional warfare. The next eight chapters give details on types of weapons: combat pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, marksman rifles, combat shotguns, sniper rifle, automatic weapons, and grenades and rockets. Each chapter highlights how these weapons are used during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other battlefields such as Mali and Somalia. Historical background in each chapter explains why and how certain weapons systems and types are used."

ProtoView