A half-century is a long time for a standard-issue weapon such as the M16 to remain 'standard.' Here is a quick look at three M16 variants that saw service.Posted on 01/26/2018 4:46:54 AM PST by w1n1
A half-century is a long time for a standard-issue weapon such as the M16 to remain 'standard.' Here is a quick look at three M16 variants that saw service.
The M16 has served as the United States’ primary service rifle for nearly half a century, and in that span of time, many variations of the rifle have been created. Some were prototypes that never went beyond the testing stages, others represented improvements to the original design, and some simply defy easy description.
While a complete history of all the unusual M16 versions could fill a book (and probably have), here is a look at three significant oddball M16 variants that reached production.
THE COLT 9MM SUBMACHINE GUN
The Colt Company has a long history with submachine guns dating back to the legendary Tommy Gun used by both gangsters and lawmen during the Prohibition era. But by the time of World War II, Colt was largely out of the submachine gun business.
This changed in the early when the company developed a submachine gun to compete with the popular Heckler & Koch MP5 in the lucrative law enforcement market.
Instead of designing a completely new firearm, Colt piggybacked on the success of the M16 by incorporating as much of the look and feel of the stalwart service rifle into the new design as possible. The resulting Colt 9mm Submachine Gun retained the characteristic M16 lower and upper receivers and operating controls.
The biggest changes were the elimination of the gas system in favor of a simpler direct blowback design and the caliber switch to 9x19mm. Like the MP5, the Colt SMG fired from a closed bolt, which contributed to its excellent reputation for accuracy.
The gun was adopted by many law enforcement agencies that liked its accuracy, reliability, and similarity to the M16. These agencies included the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the United States Marine Corps.
The original Model 635 had a 10.5-inch barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist, a fixed carry handle with M16A1-style sights, and a M16A2-style flashhider.
The gun fired standard 9mm ammunition at a cyclic rate of 900 rounds per minute. The magazines were based on the Uzi design, and modified Uzi mags could also be used. Both fixed and collapsible stock versions were available. Read the rest of the Colt 9mm submachinegun here.
We do have in storage Thompson’s and Grease Guns that have real stopping power
I remember something like this that was offered back in the 80’s. It was the “CLET” carbine I think.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_9mm_SMG
HOWEVER, the police (those stalwart guardians of the bill of rights) can have any type of firearm their tyrannical bosses think they should. Thank you Republicans and thank you Ronald Reagan for substantially diminishing our God given rights and violating the 2nd Amend.
What a nice little “Room Broom”...
Unless the Thompson’s are sitting in a forgotten warehouse, I’m guessing that those from WWII were scrapped decades ago. Note that none were used in Korea or Vietnam. The old grease gun was kept because it was easy to store inside a tank as a ‘crew weapon’ for the crew to have something other than their pistols when dismounted. I think that the grease guns are now gone from the Army’s inventory, except for those in Army museums.
Sorry. I was just raised a lil different.
.45 ACP for close in fighting has to be preferable over 9mm parabellum.
Choose your platform but don’t tell me 9mm would be better or equal.
I am not an m16/5 fan but can see it’s benefits in 5.56 as far as carrying extra ammo over, say, 7.52x51…308. (Though I’ll take the latter when shooting into structures or cars).
If the little girls they allow in combat these days can’t handle .45 ACP, at least give them .40 S&W.
I’m not arguing for/against .45 &/or 9mm. I was trying to answer the question you asked about whether or not the Army had a bunch of Thompsons & M-3 Grease Guns stored somewhere. I think the M-3 Grease Guns were finally purged from the Army inventory, mainly in armor units, during the last 20 years.
You’d be surprised what the army has stored. There are currently pre WW2 1911s (not A1s) going to be sold by the army CMP to the general public. Nothing gets tossed. Sold perhaps, shipped to allies, but not trashed.
Trashed? I remember back around 1979-80, when I was at Ft. Hood, the Army destroyed several thousand M-1 Garands that were stored there. President Carter had canceled the Army’s plan to sell them via the CMP and ordered that they be destroyed.
CMP are Still selling citizens Garands. That’s how many there were. Most now are lended and just coming back from allies. I got mine from DCM the CMP precursor back in the early 80s. A Springfield of WW 2 vintage. My son Bought his privately it is an international harvester from the Korean War era.
Both excellent shooters.
;>)
I have fun with my m1 carbine. .30 carbine is a fun little cartridge. It’s got a little more oomph than a 9mm but zero recoil. Very similar. Dad carried one throughout the Pacific Island hopping campaign during WW2.
If I was in a close in jungle situation fighting 100 lb Japanese soldiers who were wearing thin tropics clothing it would be ok. For a long range /city/large heavily winter dressed, 200 pound enemy? I would want something a bit heavier.
That's a great little weapon. The muzzle energy is right up there with a .357 Magnum, and expanding bullets really help deliver that to the target (there was an NYPD stakeout specialist who swore by his carbine, for quickly ending gun fights ;>). And they tend to be reliable little beasts: I've read that after we left Vietnam, a bunch of anti-communists we left behind (Hmong? Montagnards?) headed for Thailand on foot. They were armed mostly with M16s, AKs, and M1/M2 carbines, but the carbines survived the year-long journey better than the other rifles...
“If the little girls they allow in combat these days can’t handle .45 ACP, at least give them .40 S&W.”
I prefer a 40 over a 45.
A 155gr Speer Gold Dot at 1250fps is preferred over a 230gr ball round at 950fps.
357 sig is a good one too.
FYI. Benjamin “Bugsey” Siegel was shot through the eyes with an M1 Carbine.
Yes, it is. Same power level and high velocity.
A 158gr Speer Gold Dot at 1235fps. Nearly identical to the 40 load.
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