Much like the rest of the videogame world, we're eagerly anticipating EA and Digital Illusion's Battlefield 2, so much so that we've created our own Battlefield 2 Armory. EA's been pretty mum on the subject, as it hasn't released a full weapons list, but after chatting with people who managed to play the game and pouring over tons of screenshots with friends who love guns, we've come up with a list of our own. It's by no means fully accurate, and we're positive that there are lots more boom sticks in this game, but here's a "list" of some of the weapons of Battlefield 2, cocked and ready to rock.

M-249

In use since: 1987
Manufactured by: FN Manufacturing
Weighs: 16.5 lbs
Caliber: 5.56 mm

Known as the SAW for short, the M-249 is a one man operated fully automatic machine gun that can fire either the standard 30 round M16 magazine or an impressive 200-round box magazine (linked ammunition). Like the M16A2, the SAW is also gas operated, and each infantry squad carries two of them. Although it has a range of over two miles, it's most effective within 3300 feet.

M9

In use since: 1990
Manufactured by: Beretta USA
Weighs: 2.6 lbs fully loaded
Caliber: 9mm

The standard firearm for all of the United States' armed services, the M9 was designed to replace the formerly used .45 caliber M1911A1. Lightweight and with a reversible magazine release button for right as well as left handed owners, the M9 is capable of firing in both single and double modes, and has a 50 meter range. It comes with a 15-round clip, but is capable of being fired without one.

M16A2 Assault Rifle

In use since: The first in the series, the M16A1 entered the military in the year 1964
Manufactured by: Colt Manufacturing and Fabrique Nationale
Weighs: 8.8 lbs
Caliber: 5.56 mm

One of the most famous of rifles, we're pretty sure that EA will include the M16A1, but we're going to place our bets on the A2, simply because it features improvements over its predecessor which include a redesigned hand guard for a better grip, new safety features that prevent discharged shells from hitting the face, and better automatic burst control which limits the max amount of rounds fired to three for better accuracy (because we know what happens when you fire an SMG in Halo 2), among other features.

The M16A2 is a light-weight magazine fed rifle that's gas operated and air cooled. It can be fired from the hip or the shoulder and holds a 30 round magazine. It has an 800 meter range, and is capable of firing various types of ammunition.

M4 Carbine

In use since: 1997
Manufactured by: Colt Manufacturing
Weighs: 7.5 lbs
Caliber: 5.56mm

The M4 is a great weapon to use when in extremely tight spots. A modified version of the M16A2, the M4 Carbine allows soldiers to hit targets from far away when in close quarters. It has a range between 500 and 600 meters, and features a removable handle as well as collapsible stock.

M24 Sniper Rifle

In use since: 1988
Manufactured by: Remington Arms Company
Weighs: 12.1 lbs (empty)
Caliber: 7.62mm

The official sniper rifle of the U.S. Army, the bolt-action M24 is the ideal weapon for long distance shooting. Each bullet in its five-round magazine is capable of being fired well over 3,000 feet, and its cheek pad and fiberglass stock ensures that you'll be quite comfortable while nailing head shots. Capable of being fitted with a night vision scope, darkness will be your last concern.

MP5

In use since: N/A
Manufactured by: Heckler and Koch
Weighs: 7.44 lbs (includes 30-round magazine)
Caliber: 9mm

Used by the FBI in its battle against counter terrorism, the MP5 is an effective weapon to use when engaged in close-quarters combat. Recoil operated and featuring a flashlight, the MP5 has a 100 meter range and holds a 30 round clip.

M203 Grenade Launcher

In use since: The 1970s
Manufactured by: Colt Manufacturing
Weighs: 3.6 pounds fully loaded

Designed as an add-on for the M16 series of rifles, the M203 (and M203A1, which attaches to the M4) packs maximum stopping power via 40mm grenades. A single shot and pump action launcher, the M203 has a max 400 meter range, however its maximum effectiveness with point and area targets is 150 and 350 meters respectively.

Defibrillator

Rumor has it that defibrillators can be used in Battlefield 2 to revive fellow soldiers, but can also be used as weapons! Defibrillators are devices that deliver electric shocks to the heart to reestablish a normal rhythm. Battery-powered and capable of delivering controlled shocks, the paddles are not toys, and shouldn't be messed around with, that is, unless you've got a guy shooting at you with an M16A2.

AK-47 (may also include the AK 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 assault rifles)

In use since: 1949
Also referred to as: Kalashnikov assault rifle
Manufactured by: Various companies
Weight: 4.3 lbs fully loaded

Next to the M16 series, the AK assault rifles are among the most famous in the world. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, the AK is a gas operated weapon capable of emptying its 30 round curved magazine at extremely high speeds. With both semi and fully automatic modes of fire, and because it's easy to maintain, the AK series is extremely popular. The USSR's armed forces began using it in the 1950s, and today the gun is also used in China and Israel, among other nations.

As you can see, there's a varied weapons selection in Battlefield 2, but as we previously mentioned, this is far from a complete list, especially since there are two other factions (the Chinese and the Middle East Coalition) that'll use their own weapons. Look for an updated list in the future, but in the meantime, study all of the known weapons and settle on one that suits you. Your primary weapon should be like an old friend, and it's therefore a good idea to get know your new pal as best you can.

*Note: Weapon information was researched using the following sites:

U.S. Army Fact File: http://www.army.mil/fact_files_site/index.html
Military.com: http://www.military.com/