Tag Archives: Marine Raiders

Beretta gives the Guadalcanal Raiders a Salute in Frogskin

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Beretta has debuted a new configuration of the A300 Ultima Patrol semi-auto 12 gauge platform in two editions, just in time for the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday.

Built to honor 250 years of the nation’s go-to amphibious corps, the Patrol Raider is clad in a nostalgic yet functional “Frogskin” camo pattern akin to that worn by Marine Raiders as they fought across the Pacific Theater in World War II.

USMC Raiders in frogskin camo Guadalcanal
First carried ashore by Marine Raiders on Guadalcanal, Frogskin was one of the earliest attempts at issuing individual disruptive camouflage uniforms in combat and remained in limited use as late as Vietnam. (Photos: National Archives). 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider
The new A300 Ultima Patrol Raider includes a bayonet mount, enlarged controls, ample accessory mounts via multiple M-Lok mounting points, aggressive texturing in grip areas, and a 7+1-shot extended magazine tube. Weight is 7.9 pounds, unloaded, while the length of pull is 13 inches and includes a half-inch recoil pad.  (Photos unless noted: Beretta)
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider
It has a 19.1-inch barrel with a Mobil choke and an overall length of 38 inches. 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition
A limited A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition includes an Ontario OKC 3S bayonet, which is current-issue to the Marines, along with a custom wooden ammo crate display case. 
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider Commemorative Edition Ontario bayonet
Beretta details that the bayonet mount reflects the shotgun’s historical role in close-quarters combat, going back to Marine units in World War I, offering added authenticity and appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of military heritage.

The standard Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider has an MSRP of $1,399 while the Commemorative Edition, of which just 250 will be made, runs $2,499.

“The United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary is a historic milestone, and we wanted to create something that truly celebrates their legacy,” said Caleb McMillen, Sr. Product Manager at Beretta USA. “The A300 Ultima Patrol Raider is more than a shotgun. It’s a tribute to 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment. By blending battlefield heritage with modern performance, we’re proud to offer both a commemorative edition and a mission-ready configuration that salute America’s Finest Fighting Force.”

Army to Glock: Give us $15M worth of ‘Perfection’

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The Pentagon apparently went looking for some “Glock Perfection” and last week tapped the company with a contract worth up to $15 million. 

Smyrna, Georgia’s Glock, Inc, was awarded a $14,999,980 firm-fixed-price five-year contract “for various firearms, spare magazines, and spare parts.”  The contracting activity was the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey. 

The 59-page Solicitation Notice, published by Picatinny Arsenal in July, was specifically to “procure non-standard weapons/commercially available Glock weapon systems” including up to 1,500 G17 model handguns; 5,000 G19s; and 2,200 G26 pistols across several generations (Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5). Modular Optic System (MOS) (G19, Gen 3, 4, 5) and threaded barrel versions (Metric or Standard threads, G19 MOS, Gen 4, 5) were also covered.

“A Green Beret demonstrates how to dismantle an M249 light machine gun to partner force soldiers of the Maghaweir al-Thowra (MaT) during a machine gun familiarization range at al-Tanf Garrison, Syria, March 4, 2020.” Note the holstered Glock, complete with factory night sights, in what could be termed a “field-modified” holster. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. William Howard)

More in my column at Guns.com.

Sometimes copper is your best friend

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Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8222 was deployed to Bala Murghab in 2009-10. The team was tasked with partnering with national Afghan forces to train them to stabilize a remote valley in northwestern Afghanistan.

This specialized beryllium copper knife was used by the team breacher to cut plastic explosives.

beryllium-copper-knife-was-used-by-the-team-breacher-to-cut-plastic-explosives

Currently on exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

This knife cut every charge used by MSOT-8222 during this deployment.

It’s a Strider BD Beryllium Copper (CuBe). These knives, made in St. Paul, MN, have a 6.5-inch blade, paracord wrapped handle, and go an impressive 0.25-inches wide. They run four-figures but are guaranteed non-sparking & non-magnetic.

They are extremely corrosion resistant and doesn’t spark like a steel blade would. Precisely the type of knife you’d want if your job involved cutting through hundreds of blocks of high explosives.

MARSOC wins the recruiting commercial prize

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Marine Special Operations Command Raiders often travel to exotic places to make friends and influence people. And that sometimes needs some fresh driving skills.

The above video, in which Raiders get some trigger time on (sorta) concealed Glock 19s and not so-concealed Mk 18 rifles while driving like Fast and Furious extras, is the type of thing that has recruiters in strip malls across the nation thanking the ghost of Chesty Puller.

Beretta who?

Marine Raiders conducting vehicle and weapons training glock 19 Marine Raiders conducting vehicle and weapons training glocks mk 18 Marine Raiders conducting vehicle and weapons training GLOCKS mk 18 ar

MARSOC are now Marine Raiders

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marsoc marine radiers

On the 6th of August, 2014, with the proclamation of Commandant of the Marine Corps General James Amos, MARSOC was officially re-flagged as the Marine Raiders. According to the Commandant ,who announced at a MARSOC change of command ceremony that all units within the parent command would undergo a name change. For example, the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion would now be known as the 1st Marine Raider Battalion et al.

The Marine Raiders were elite units established by the United States Marine Corps during World War II to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare, particularly in landing in rubber boats and operating behind the lines.

“Edson’s” Raiders of 1st Marine Raiders Battalion and “Carlson’s” Raiders of 2nd Marine Raiders Battalion are said to be the first United States special operations forces to form and see combat in World War II.

The Marine Raiders and Navy Corpsmen of WWII earned 7 Medals of Honor, 136 Navy Crosses, 21 Distinguished Service Crosses, 330 Silver Stars, 18 Legions of Merit, 6 Navy & Marine Corps medals, 3 Soldier Medals, 223 Bronze Stars, and 37 Letters of Commendation in their brief service.