Battlefield Ops: My Weapons Of Choice

Sierra Times ^ | 24 September 2003 | Sheriff Mike Cook

[xsrdx]

Define "successful".

Longest period of (US) military service - the M16 has been "in uniform" longer than any previously issued rifle.

[yarddog]

I don't know the exact dates of service but I would guess the 1903 Springfield saw longer service. From around 1903 to somewhere around the late 60's. I have heard they were still being used for precision shooting in VietNam, at least, early on.

[xsrdx]

the 1903 Springfield saw longer service.

The M16 has been the STANDARD ISSUE SERVICE RIFLE longer than any other rifle.

Certainly, there may be incidents of special purpose rifles remaining in service for long periods - M21 and M1C/D sniper rifles, and the aforementioned '03 perhaps - but no other rifle in US history has served for a longer period as the STANDARD ISSUE INDIVIDUAL RIFLE than the M16 series.

[xsrdx]

Navy Times M16 Article

"According to David Isby, an author and defense analyst, the M16 already is the longest-serving rifle in the Army’s history."

[yarddog]

That question got me to thinking about what was the longest serving weapon of any type in the U.S. Army?

At first I thought of the 1911, but the 50 cal. has probably beat it now, at least as far as being as you said, being standard issue.

There are probably some 1911's still being used. I think the 50 caliber dates from around 1920.

[Lurker]

John Moses Brownings M-2 Heavy Machine Gun is the longest serving weapon in the inventory.

L

[xsrdx]

That question got me to thinking about what was the longest serving weapon of any type in the U.S. Army?

My first guess would be the Browning M2 .50cal, introduced to US military service in 1921 IIRC and still in widespread use.