Australian troops in Vietnam carried the Commonwealth (inch-pattern) version of the FN FAL called the L1A1. Some Aussie operators came up with a hybrid called “The Pig.” The Pig was the L2A1 select fire automatic rifle cut down and lightened. Some rifles were fitted with the Colt XM148 40mm grenade launcher — predecessor to the current M203 fitted to U.S. M16s and M4s. The L2A1 used a 30-round 7.62 NATO magazine while the standard L1A1 used a 20-round.
Thanks. I had heard of the L1A1 variant.
I never heard of “The Pig.” Essentially a shortened FN-FAL with 30 rounds of 7.62 versus 20 rounds and selective fire? I want one. Three words “rock and roll.”
Meanwhile, McNamara was handing out M-16s that would jam at the worst possible time in the hands of kids who just got off the plane. Very sad.
I am sure LBJ got a piece of that contract.