Irish Military Online is in no way affiliated with the Irish Defence Forces. It is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the Irish Defence Forces or the Irish Government. Opinions expressed by the authors and contributors of this site are not necessarily those of the Defence Forces. If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Just a thought: would the Naval Service be better equipped with a small, light sub-machine gun, rather than an assault rifle such as the Steyr? Something like the H&K MP7...
Just a thought: would the Naval Service be better equipped with a small, light sub-machine gun, rather than an assault rifle such as the Steyr? Something like the H&K MP7...
They probably would, but it all comes back to cost.
Don't stand there GAWPING, like you've never seen the hand of God BEFORE!!
They probably would, but it all comes back to cost.
How much does an MP7 cost? About €1,000 each? How many would the NS need? 8 ships, each with 20 in the armoury, plus some for training and guard duty in Haulbowline, 200 altogether? Say €250,000 total, incl. some ammunition - that's not a lot, is it? especially as the weapons should last for 10 or 20 years.
you should know as well as i do that the DF are cheap bastards and if they have something that can do the job already,they won't get something to replace it.
Don't stand there GAWPING, like you've never seen the hand of God BEFORE!!
The Army were going to get the P90 to replace the Gustaf but decided against it due the obviouse issues with adding another caliber round to the supply chain and because the Steyr has a decent full auto capability. The aug has shorther barrel lengths available and can be converted to 9mm so why go out and spend all the money on MP7's? Also it's not just the cost of the guns its the rounds, parts and training not to mention time consumed in doing it all.
The MP7 can fire semi-auto or full-auto, same as the Steyr. The big advantage is that the weapon is much smaller and lighter, and therefore more convenient - I would have thought - for use by a naval boarding party.
The problem with 9mm is that it can be stopped by body armour. The MP7's round will penetrate body armour at up to 200m.
For example, the UK MOD police are now armed exclusively with the MP7, replacing the Browning 9mm pistol, the MP5 SMG, and the SA80.
Lots of sailors use 9mm SMGs with specialised frangible rounds. Some even use 5.56mm but I think it's more of a case of the Naval Service would let it be known if they felt they needed the kit.
SMGs are not hugely expensive in the grand scheme of things so I suspect if the need was felt it would be answered fairly promptly.
"It is a general popular error to imagine that loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for it's welfare" Edmund Burke
The Army were going to get the P90 to replace the Gustaf but decided against it due the obviouse issues with adding another caliber round to the supply chain and because the Steyr has a decent full auto capability. The aug has shorther barrel lengths available and can be converted to 9mm so why go out and spend all the money on MP7's? Also it's not just the cost of the guns its the rounds, parts and training not to mention time consumed in doing it all.
Very good points, a combination of the AUG and a decent side arm is sufficently flexible for the requirements at present...
"There is nothing braver then the heart of a volunteer" Lt. Col. Dolittle, USAC, 1941.
It seems to be the case that 9mm is obsolescent, because it can't penetrate body armour.
If the NS are to have a role overseas (with the EPV), Steyrs will be needed for ship security, remember the pictures of the Niamh alongside in Monrovia.
We process personal data about users of our site, through the use of cookies and other technologies, to deliver our services, personalize advertising, and to analyze site activity. We may share certain information about our users with our advertising and analytics partners. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Tweet
Comment