[DPB]

Q,

From what I've seen, at least for contractors, that's a negative on seeking heavier caliber weapons. The only guys I've seen with .45s appeared to be USMS working in the Green Zone. There is effectively no .45 ammo available, and since late '04/ early '05, the guns haven't been readily available either, due to the reasons M4guru mentioned. Most of the reputable companies are issuing G19s, but there are a few SIGs and 92s floating around as well.

Same for long guns. There are no readily available 7.62 long guns that are as functional around vehicles as M-4s. Truth be told, of all the Army guys I've seen, in both the red and green zones, there aren't very many of them carrying M14s either. Since this is very much a war on wheels, all of the vehicles carry heavier weapons, but Army has the same problems maneuvering longer guns in and out of vehicles while wearing 50 pounds of armor and accessories. Some of the contractor companies still run the roads with AKs, but everyone who can get ARs into country is using ARs.

Add the fact that an increasing number of contracts will fire you if they catch you with a non issued weapon, there are not that many people getting overly creative with the blasters.