What can I use to simulate the weight and size of an M4 loaded?

SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:04:24 -0500

For those reservists/guard out there who want to practice their ruck marching while at home, what do you use to simulate the weight of loaded M4 (7.5 lbs loaded)? Needless to say, it is not recommended to run around with a real one loaded...This should be an object that can be carried in the same fashion and size as an M4.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 26 at 2020 7:12 PM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:12:29 -0500

Lead pipe.

Seriously though, it's a bit more awkward trying to keep both hands on a lead pipe, which will make carrying a rifle easier. Plus it's not terribly expensive.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 7:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:14:33 -0500

Try filling a PVC pipe with sand and capping the ends

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 26 at 2020 7:28 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:28:29 -0500

For the most realistic experience, I recommend BlueGuns Firearms Simulators. They can be a bit pricey but you might find an affordable used one on the "interwebs". SPC Joshua Blotzer posted a handy link to them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 7:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:29:50 -0500

Add an extra 7.5 lbs to your ruck, simulating the M4 is not necessary.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 7:38 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 19:38:47 -0500

Sign out a rubber duck from the unit. It's the correct shape, weight, size, and free.
I actually asked to hand-receipt one years ago, and the guy said "just keep it".
Kept it for a while and donated it to my next unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 3:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 03:05:05 -0500

If you want to practice rucking, I recommend that you do not carry a weapon. It does you no good, it's unbalanced, and it will mess up your wrists if you carry it for long without a sling. It doesn't help your rucking ability in any way to carry one.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 10:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:09:29 -0500

It’s true that you don’t necessarily need the added weight in your hands while rucking. Not a huge physical benefit. Maybe some realism but that’s about it. That grip strength and mental agility can be developed through exercises like farmer carries and shoulder shrugs at a gym. So, might as well throw in the FLC or plate carrier, gloves, eye-pro, brain bucket, broken in boots, and yes...the all powerful PT Belt around the pack as well. “Full HOOAH”. On a military base, no one will think twice. Hell, you might get some Joes to walk with ya’. However, once you leave the wire, lemme tell ya’, a rubber duck no matter the color will attract a lot of attention... from civilians and the authorities. I’ve had it where cops notified my unit at Bragg regarding a Soldier training with a dummy rifle. Scares the non-freedom loving people (Not a pro-gun dig by the way). Spreads “Unnecessary panic” is how the cops put it. Also, I don’t think it’s authorized to bring ‘em home. But if off post is your playground of choice, I suggest a sledgehammer. They come in all sorts of weights with different grip materials. You could even go to Home Depot or your garage and pick up some power tools like a reciprocating saw. Be creative.

Look, if the bottom line is increasing your physical fitness and overall combat effectiveness, then you should be willing to do what you need to given the resources that you and your unit have. Who cares what it looks like and what people say. You’re training to be the best damn Soldier you can be. Turning to your peers here on RallyPoint tells me you give a damn about what you do and who you are as a Soldier. I applaud you in your search for advice and realism in your training.

...if none of the above works out, you could always join us full time and play Army all day.