Combat photos of firearms in the Vietnam War

I like how the ARVN used BARs as improvised bunker defense and the VCs use them to make gunboats.

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Ganderite said:
I happen to own the C1 SMG, the thompson, M2 Carbine, PPSh (Russian and Chinese) and think they all shoot well, and are all relaible.

The Thompson is heavy, but accurate on full auto. The PPSH has a bigger magazine (but faster rate of fire), the C1 has a side mounted mag, which is nice when prone and the M2 has power, accuracy and is an excellent semi (closed bolt).

Now go elect a good government and when the rules get changes I will invite you back to the range and you can try them all out.
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I won't disagree with you on any of those you list. All of them do the job they were designed to do well. One of my favorites that you've left out was The Reising smg.
 
AP said:
I have never fired one - my father had extensive experience with them. His only negative comment was that it was expensive and that a soldier that lost one (other than in action) had a hefty bill to pay. I thought the C1 SMG had very fine characteristics. I recall doing some cross training with US infantry and marine personnel (many with Viet Nam experience) who had been issued M16 —- it was curious that they were all extremely enthusiastic about the C1 SMG after having a chance to fire it.
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Very smooth operating and easily carried. Great for prone positions as well. You don't have to stick your head up to to high when shooting.

I also really liked the French Mas 38 and Mat 49 which was so handy to carry with its folding magazine, that also cocked the bolt open for ready, when it was swung into place. It's only drawback was it was not easy to control IMHO. Still extremely reliable under all conditions.
 
Hello bearhunter, wondering if you have handled the AK47s or AKMs before, and if so what were they like? Really into Nam small arms these days, you seem very knowledgeable and experienced. Thanks in advance!
 
GoodDoomguy said:
Hello bearhunter, wondering if you have handled the AK47s or AKMs before, and if so what were they like? Really into Nam small arms these days, you seem very knowledgeable and experienced. Thanks in advance!
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Yup, I've handled both. Extremely reliable, low recoil, very difficult to control on full auto, except for quick trigger taps, which is also difficult because the have very heavy and creepy triggers. They aren't especially accurate but more than good enough for their intended purpose.

The Kalashnikov platform is made for aggressive work in attack mode. It's a pain when used in a defensive mode. That darn banana magazine is heavy and gets in the way of everything. It's next to impossible to use from a prone position. It's built for people of medium stature. Very tall and very short people sometimes have difficulty handling them.

I don't find the AK platform to be ergonomically comfortable for me. As such I never took a liking to it. That doesn't mean I don't admire the absolute utility of the firearm or it's relative ease to master.

There are dozens of different variants, including stamped sheet metal receivers and machined receivers. Parts aren't interchangeable between some models. Still function is similar.

If I was told it was all I could have, I wouldn't feel undergunned.
 
Post # 21 shows the stacking swivel being used as a sling swivel.

I would guess that was so when the Garand was slung on the shoulder, the muzzle would not catch on low branches.
 
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