What does an AN/PEQ exactly do?

[Dr. Strangelove]

I've already seen hundreds of pictures of m4's with AN/PEQ's on them, but I am always wondering what their exact purpose is.

On the website, Nightline says it's a combination of pin point aiming and broad beam target illumination. But what does that exactly mean in simple terms? Can someone illustrate this with pictures?

And do US soldiers really use it that often? Or is it a "just in case"-accessory? When was it first used by the military? And do soldiers have to pay for it themselves, or is it considered basic military equipment?

Last question: why do you need an AN/PEQ for, when you have a red dot sight like Aimpoint mounted on your weapon? Doesn't an Aimpoint also shows you a red dot on your target?

So far for my silly questions... But hey, like my teacher always said: there's no such thing as a stupid question...

[TacoDelRio]

I've never used the AN/PEQ2, just the AN/PAQ-4, and it's basically designed ot project a laser beam onto a distant target that is only visible through night vision or FLIR stuff. Basically we just put on our NVG's, and clicked the padle on the PAQ4, and guided the laser to the target, and fired. You can shoot from most any position with reasonable accuracy using this method.

Some of those kinds of lasers can be used to guide laser-guided weapons onto target. That way, a single infantryman with commo to air assets can lase a target, and the munition should guide itself on target.

[Mick]

i always wondered why the hell the PEQ2 was so big, when civvie laser sighting systems will fit in a damn recoil spring guide rod.

[ShakesFIST]

PEQ2's work like the 4's but have an IR spotlight as well. Works pretty good if you ask me.

[Dr. Strangelove]

So, an AN/PEQ has no use in broad daylight?

[ShakesFIST]

So, an AN/PEQ has no use in broad daylight?

That would be correct.

[Yeoman]

I've only used it for a couple of night shoots, I don't see it that often as I'm a machine gunner and not a rifleman. I do have to say that these things are a killer piece of kit. I was hitting targets that were about 150 meters or so away and still having them go down. I can't wait for my new machine gun to be issued to me so I can mount of these bad boys on there for on tour and live fire exercises.
Greg

[Michael RVR]

PEQ2's work like the 4's but have an IR spotlight as well. Works pretty good if you ask me.

They're not bad, though i wouldn't leave it on - anyone else with NVG's can see you walking around like you're carrying a white light torch. ;)

[wildernesswhore]

Which those terrorists don't ;) !

[ShakesFIST]

When I was in Iraq we found some Syrian Night Sights so I wouldnt be too sure... ;)

[Twombles375]

Is there any differance with a PEQ-6? A Marine told me thats what he had quick-tied on his M16A2. Im guessing its smaller?

[JTAR7242]

i always wondered why the hell the PEQ2 was so big, when civvie laser sighting systems will fit in a damn recoil spring guide rod.Military systems have a higher degree of tolerance and shielding that are required, plus they aren't cutting edge, remember by the time something makes it to the front lines it's probably at least half a decade old. ;)

[Alex_All_Alone]

i always wondered why the hell the PEQ2 was so big, when civvie laser sighting systems will fit in a damn recoil spring guide rod.

Ok, so your Civilian Laser is relative small and light weight? How much did it cost you? 100 bucks for a average one?

Lets multiply that a few times. Lets say we are going to attach that bad-boy to, oh . . . . lets say Half A Million Rifles. But we dont just want half a million of them, we need spare parts for them, batterys, and a durrable shell that is very terrain-resistant. It wont be on a Safe-Queen - it will be on a rifle that will bang into things like walls, hull of an Armoured Personel Carrier, etc. It also needs to be able to be mounted easily onto multiple weapon platforms easily.

Obviously a Crimson Trace just wont cut the sausage.

Now, a Larger system made with older technology that is a little less sensitve to the elements (wind, rain, snow, sand), its going to be a little lower in cost (thus, if it gets damaged beyond repair, we're out less money), and is a little tougher . . . .

[TacoDelRio]

Thank you Alex... ;)

Speaking of IR spotlights, anyone try out the Surefire M1 IR Illuminator? I was gonna buy one, haven't even seen one yet!

[wildernesswhore]

:bash: :cantbeli: