These gun enthusiasts at the Virginia rally carried more firepower than many US troops

One person decked out in tactical gear carried an underbarrel M203 grenade-style launcher attached to a modified assault weapon, which appeared to include a collapsible buttstock for greater firearm control, a laser mount for accuracy, and a holographic sight.

These modifications surpass the effectiveness of standard-issued gear for many US service members. They also may have complied with existing laws. Colt Manufacturing, the iconic company that once created M-16 and AR-15 variants, was one of the few companies that produced a $2,000 M203 that complied with civilian regulations.

This particular M203, which would ordinarily be used for 40mm grenades by the US military, was repurposed to shoot 37mm non-lethal smoke and flare rounds, according to Task & Purpose.

Conservative provocateur and embattled showman Alex Jones rode inside a truck made by the Canada-based armored vehicle company Terradyne.

"If they try to take our firearms, 1776 will commence again!" Jones reportedly yelled in a microphone, referring to the year when the 13 American colonies declared their independence from Britain.

Terradyne includes a 6.7 liter V-8 turbo diesel motor capable of producing 330-horsepower for all of its rapid-patrol vehicle variants, including a civilian version.

The company on its website describes the vehicle for "discerning individuals" who require "executive protection" or a "rolling panic room."

Another person was pictured clinging on to a Barrett M82A1, a rifle capable of firing armor-piercing .50 caliber rounds.

The individual, who owns an indoor shooting gallery in New York, according to The Washington Post, said he visited the rally to show his support for gun rights.

"This sends a strong visual message," the man said to The Post. "The government is not above us. They are us."

Virginia has no regulations that prohibit the ownership of .50 caliber rifles, according to the gun-reform group Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

The rifle, which is distributed in limited amounts to combat-focused US military units and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel, is used only in special circumstances, such as shooting vehicles or unexploded ordnance from a safe distance.

While some of the protesters carried firearms capable of inflicting serious damage against buildings and vehicles, others wearing tactical gear were content with their assault weapons.

Some of the attire, which resembled that of a law enforcement personnel in an urban environment, included VELCRO patches that displayed their blood type and allergies — features that are typically displayed on uniforms by police and US service members operating in austere conditions.