Vietnam-what would you carry?

[45Guy]

It seems everyone keeps asking this question, but sticks with WWII. How about we bring it a little more recent. If you were in Vietnam, what personal weapon would you carry? You can pick either US or NVA weapons.
Have Fun!!

 

[GlenJ]

I would have carried an AK-47 and a Colt 1911 45.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My first tour in Viet Nam, I was an adviser. Our standard weapon was the M2 carbine -- no choice unless you were a colonel or above. My carbine got wrapped around a tree, and I borrowed an M1 rifle from the ARVN and carried that for the rest of my tour. I also carried a privately-owned Colt M357, which I used twice. I picked up a few other guns along the way, including a Colt Cobra and a Colt Python (with 2 1/2" barrel).

My second tour, I was a rifle company commander, and carried the issue M1911A1. I bullied my battalion commander into getting me a pair of M14 sniper rifles (pre-M21) and gave one to the only trained sniper I had in the company, and kept the other for myself.

 

[ojibweindian]

M14 and 1911A1

Dad carried an M1 and a 1911A1.

 

[High Planes Drifter]

Either an AK, or an M1A. 1911A1 as sidearm.


BTW - I like your sigline.

 

[HuntCast]

A Douglas A-1E Skyraider, loaded for bear, orbiting my position 24 hours a day.
Now THAT is personal protection!!

 

[Irwin]

Slr and browning High power 9mm

 

[Ron James]

I would use what I used on all of my tours there. What the Army issued me. However not being authorized a side arm I did pick up a nice High Power from a SF friend on my last trip.

 

[The Unknown User]

Primary: M14
Secondary: 1911

 

[mpmarty]

Custom Remington 700 long action chambered for 6.5 X 300 WWH topped with a twenty power Unertl scope. Eat lots of fish and rice, lay off the pogey bait don't wash with scented soap or use deoderant. Sleep high in trees in the daytime.

 

[Joe Demko]

I would go with the general issue weapons. The advantages of common magazines, ammunition, and repair parts are not things I would lightly surrender.

 

[Dienekes]

Back then I was "given", first, an M1 carbine, later an M16A1. Pistols were S&W M15 with FMJ 130 gr ball.

Never had much use for the carbine other than handiness. Didn't care for it as a weapon before, during, or after my service time. The M16 type weapons are relatively ok now but back then...? The only time I went to use mine it malfunctioned which did not inspire any confidence. Had I had the option I would have loved an M14. Exactly the reverse of the carbine in every respect; still my #1 choice in the M1A persuasion.

I had some Keith-like loads for the M15 (smuggled over) , but would have much preferred a nice loose old 1911 if given half a chance.

Pretty big disconnect between those who mandate what you get and those out there on the sharp end. Not much new there.

 

[SoCalShooter]

I would have carried an AK-47 and a Colt 1911 45.

me three!

 

[CSA 357]

mod 12 winchester and a 1911 45 acp

 

[mdao]

Either an AK-47, SKS, MAT-49, or whatever else the local NVA regiment could drum up. As a mid 20's healthy male of Vietnamese descent, I would have likely been shooting at you guys.

 

[Blue4]

I carried and slept with a S&W Model 15 .38sp Combat Masterpiece. Wish I still had it.

 

[2TransAms]

My uncle was in Special Forces and had a prototype Glock 17.

 

[Brother in Arms]

M14 would have been nice for penetration, power and reliability.

If I had to carry an M16 variant a XM177 would have been a little bit better, at least it would be light and short.

M37 Ithaca Riot gun would also have been nice for those close engadgments or M1897 trench gun.

for a sidearm a 1911A1 or M1917 S&W revolver

If had to carry a sumachinegun a PPSH with stick magazine or a Swedish-K would probably be pretty good.

An M79 would also be interesting.

Brother in Arms

 

[4v50 Gary]

Huntcast, I see your Skyraider and raise you one New Jersey on standby.

BTW, if I was in 'Nam and I'm grateful I wasn't as I was only a kiddie, it would be an AK-47 and a buncha grenades.

 

[Machete]

M14, and a 1911A1

 

[Braith-Wafer]

AR-10 and M1911

Maybe the Australian 'Biach Gun'?

If i had to use an SMG, It would be an Aussie F1, French MAT 49/Hotchkiss Universal/Uzi.

If i was to use a GPMG, It would be a French AA-52.

Well the French were in Vietnam the decade before.

 

[sacp81170a]

Back then I was "given", first, an M1 carbine, later an M16A1. Pistols were S&W M15 with FMJ 130 gr ball.

USAF by any chance?

 

[RNB65]

AK47 and a 1911.

And a flight of BUFF's circling overhead!

 

[Brian Williams]

Ithaca 37 USGI trench gun
USGI 1911a1
M79


Or a Rem 700 short action with a Win Mod 70 trigger guard, Unertl 10x or Redfield scope, walnut stock, in 308 and a 1911a1


OBTW the Glock 17 was not developed until 1980 and the Austrian army, the first users, adopted them in 1982, so you could not have had one in Vietnam

 

[Brian Williams]

When was the company started and the history behind it?
1963 - Glock GesmbH established in Deutsch-Wagram
1963 - Glock's first product: plastic curtain rods
1970s - Plastic kitchen boxes, machine gun ammo belts, shovels, and utility knives are offered.
1980 - Company founder Gaston Glock starts developing a gun
1982 - The Austrian army decides on the Glock 17
1984 - With service in the Norwegian army, the Glock leaves Austria
1986 - G18 introduced
1986 - Glock Inc. in Smyrna, GA, established
1988 - G17L and G19 introduced
1988 - All Glocks get serrated frontstraps and backstraps
1990 - G22 and G23 introduced: the first ever .40 S&W guns
1990 - G20 and G21 introduced
1994 - G24 introduced
1995 - G25, G26 and G27 introduced
1997 - G29 and G30 introduced
1998 - G31, G32, G33, G34, G35 introduced
1999 - G36 introduced