Weapon experience in the military: US Army

Jack_from_AL · #1 11-09-2008, 12:10 PM

I noticed a post asking for what kind of weapons I liked/disliked in the military, so here is my answer. The first weapons I carried in combat were the M79 Grenade Launcher, .45 caliber pistol, and the M16. This was before the M16 Over/Under came out (which included a grenade launcher on the bottom). I liked that combination because I didn't have to walk point (the M79 round had to travel 40 meters before it would explode).

Then when they gave me the 'Over/Under' they took away my .45 (and of course I now had to walk point). They figured since I no longer had to carry that 'heavy' .45, they let me carry 3 claymore mines (boy this brings back memories).

When I became a squad leader I received a short barrel M16 for close up fighting (not sure of the nomenclature on that one). I really liked that one. I had South Vietnamese Rangers give me c rations (peaches especially) just so I would trade weapons for an hour. They loved it.

When I first got out I bought an M2 Carbine from a friend at work. In the late 60's early 70's you could buy an entire box (still in original wrapper) for less than $200.00. We often went target shooting together. I really liked that, sorry I sold it.

As I stated in another post I now carry a S&W model 442 (J frame) lightweight. Kind of hard to carry (concealed) a carbine. I hope it never comes to that.

I had a S&W Chief Special that I carried for about 14 years (with Hydroshock +P hollow point ammo) that was stolen from my truck. I wouldn't mind having another. I also carry a Davis 22 magnum derringer (also a nice pocket gun), just not at the same time as my S&W .38 cal. 442. I found me a small leather cell phone case that it fits into nicely. That works much better than 911 anyway.

gdcleanfun · #2 11-09-2008, 12:44 PM

The Army trusted me with an M16, nothing else. I spent my time from 1979 to 1982. Everything else I have ever owned or fired has been in civilian life. My understanding is that enlisted MILPERs now qualify with sidearms. Is that correct?

wolfhunter · #3 11-09-2008, 01:10 PM

Jack,
The "over/under" you speak of is the M203 Grenade Launcher.
My experience in the Marines included the M16A1, M14, M203, M870 Shotgun, M1911 Pistol, .38 Chief's Special, M2 & M60 Machine guns, LAAWS Rocket, and both 60 & 81mm Mortars. Oh the joys of an Infantryman with additional duties in the Armory and as a Marksmanship coach.

ronwill · #4 11-09-2008, 02:58 PM

Because of my duties at the time I was once qualified with the M-16, .38 and shot gun. I know I'm dating myself when I say .38 and wish back then they had already gone to a 9mm or back to the 1911. To brag a small bit, I did keep expert status on all of them.

Red Hat · #5 11-09-2008, 07:58 PM

My experience includes S&W M-15, Beretta 92F, 1911, cut down version of the 1911 for OSI, Colt chiefs special for aircrew, 03A3, M1 Garand, Remington 870, Winchester mod 1912, M-16, M-16 GAU, M-60, M79, XM148, M203, MK19 40mm Grenade Launcher and others.

Jack_from_AL · #6 11-09-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfhunter

Jack,
The "over/under" you speak of is the M203 Grenade Launcher.
My experience in the Marines included the M16A1, M14, M203, M870 Shotgun, M1911 Pistol, .38 Chief's Special, M2 & M60 Machine guns, LAAWS Rocket, and both 60 & 81mm Mortars. Oh the joys of an Infantryman with additional duties in the Armory and as a Marksmanship coach.

Almost forgot! In AIT I did have to qualify with the M60, I had one M60 assigned to my squad. When I was wounded the assistant MG'er took a round through the left side of his helmet. The MG crew was almost always targeted as it put out quite a bit of firepower. I trained on the M14 in both basic and AIT. I didn't even hold an M16 until we got on planes in Atlanta to head to California to ship out to Vietnam (Merchant Marine ship). I liked the M16 for it's weight, but the ammo often made it useless when a cartridge would expand in the chamber and you had to use a cleaning rod to extract it. That actually happened to me (another story).

I also carried a LAW (light anti tank) which I did also fire, but not at tanks. It worked on bunkers pretty good. As to the .38 pistol. I bought that when I worked for the Jefferson county (AL) sheriff's Department. The range Sgt. set up a special (5 round) qualification for me as everyone else was using an 18 round clip. As our qualification was timed, he made qualifying with a 5 round wheel doable. BTW, was the M16A1 the short barrel, adjustable stock M16?

Jack

wolfhunter · #7 11-10-2008, 12:20 AM

The M16A1 replaced the three-prong Flash Suppressor with a cage-type Suppressor and added a Forward Assist mechanism on the left side of the Upper Receiver, to help the bolt fully seat when the finicky thing didn't go all the way home. As far as I know the M16 and the A1 used the same length barrel.

Jack_from_AL · #8 11-13-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfhunter

The M16A1 replaced the three-prong Flash Suppressor with a cage-type Suppressor and added a Forward Assist mechanism on the left side of the Upper Receiver, to help the bolt fully seat when the finicky thing didn't go all the way home. As far as I know the M16 and the A1 used the same length barrel.

Thanks Wolfhunter, I appreciate the reply. In 1967 all of the squad leaders (199th, Light Infantry Brigade) were issued a smaller version of the M16. It had an improved flash suppressor, a much shorter barrel, and an adjustable stock. It was designed for close, jungle warfare. It was especially effective in villages or anyplace were combat happened quick and up close. I've not seen or heard anything about this weapon and it may have just been a trial that just faded away. I loaned mine to my tunnel rat whenever he had to crawl down/into a hole. Previously he would have just carried a .45. War really is Hell.

Red Hat · #9 11-13-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack_from_AL

Thanks Wolfhunter, I appreciate the reply. In 1967 all of the squad leaders (199th, Light Infantry Brigade) were issued a smaller version of the M16. It had an improved flash suppressor, a much shorter barrel, and an adjustable stock. It was designed for close, jungle warfare. It was especially effective in villages or anyplace were combat happened quick and up close. I've not seen or heard anything about this weapon and it may have just been a trial that just faded away. I loaned mine to my tunnel rat whenever he had to crawl down/into a hole. Previously he would have just carried a .45. War really is Hell.

In the AF it was called the GAU the civillian mod was called the CAR. Some had shorter barrels and others had longer barrels. They are still in use today.