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Battlefield Ops: My Weapons Of Choice
Sierra Times ^ | 24 September 2003 | Sheriff Mike Cook

Posted on 09/26/2003 1:38:23 PM PDT by 45Auto

I was approached by a person the other day who asked me if I had such a big dislike for the Colt M-16 issued by the military, what weapons did I like? Well after a quick answer and some reflection I believe I have the answer.

First let me say that when the U. S. Navy sent me into combat on the river patrol boats in Vietnam, they issued me what I consider the greatest military rifle ever made. It was the M-14 in 7.62 MM NATO (.308 Caliber) with four magazines and ammo. This rifle had a selector switch that would cause it to fire full automatic if need be, however it controlled much better in the semi-automatic state. I still believe that this rifle is the best ever. I would like to see a down-sized version in the 5.56 MM (.223 Caliber) also built for the military. They could also put the synthetic stocks on it for keeping the weight down. Then our troops would have a great weapon for combat that would work and keep them alive and well defended.

Now let me say as a Gunners Mate most of my patrol time was setting behind the forward twin 50's. These were the .50 Caliber Browning Machine Guns mounted on the bow of the boat with the old air craft mount used in the bombers from WW II. I just can't say enough about this great weapon. From all the reports we are getting from our current conflict this is still one of the greatest weapons used by our military. Mr. John Browning was indeed a genius of weapons design. His military and civilian weapons are still some of the best ones over 100 years after he built them.

Another weapons system that we had favor for during my time in combat was the M-79 40 MM grenade launchers. They worked very well from our delivery vehicles in the water. We also got a Honeywell belt fed grenade launcher for these rounds after we were in country for some time and they were great. At our top speed we could put a grenade about every 40 feet on the land with them. We made good use of these weapons also.

As our job was to stop and search boats during the daylight hours we were also issued side arms and shotguns. Some had Smith & Wesson model 10's in .38 caliber and some had the 1911A1 .45 caliber semi-automatic sidearm's. I liked the 1911A1's the best. The shotguns were the old military pump action Ithica's in 12 Gauge. They were great shotguns and held up real well.

The other weapon we had on board that everyone liked was the M-60 Machine gun. What a great weapon. We learned that if you put a C-Ration Can on the belt feed side so the belt would feed over the can that this weapon would just keep working and working. It punched out those 7.62 MM NATO rounds with no problem, and was very devastating to the enemy. This weapon could be held like a rifle or fired from a mount and was very versatile for use on the boat. We all agreed it was one of the best we had.

Now I should say that we were also issued three Colt M-16 rifles with each boat. They were there and we used them for warning shots more than anything. They were kept real clean and worked most of the time. We learned that you could only put about 17 or 18 rounds in the 20 round magazines to keep them working good. Most others and I were not impressed with them.

So that kind of gives you a run down of why I still have strong feelings about what we are sending out troops into combat with. I know that some people got upset when I run down the M-16's and they have that right. My opinion is not just mine and is shared by many people today. I feel that our military made a mistake when they were forced into accepting this as the primary weapons system for our troops. Perhaps in the future we can get something that will be much better. Like I said I think the M-14 down sized to handle the .233 round something like the Ruger Mini-14 with a better barrel would be just the ticket.

God Bless America. God Bless our Troops still in Harms Way.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: arms; bang; banglist; m14
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1 posted on 09/26/2003 1:38:23 PM PDT by 45Auto
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To: 45Auto
I agree on the M-14. I think it is the best ever!
2 posted on 09/26/2003 1:44:05 PM PDT by Chapita
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To: 45Auto
The M14 E2 was even better. It came equipted with a pistol grip and bipod. It more than doubled the effective firing range from 300 to 720 meters as I recall, without a scope.
3 posted on 09/26/2003 1:46:10 PM PDT by LoneRangerMassachusetts
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To: 45Auto
I also agree on the M-14. I think it is the best Rifle ever made!
4 posted on 09/26/2003 1:49:21 PM PDT by Southron Patriot
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To: 45Auto
He would like to see a downsized M-14 in 5.56? That would be the Ruger AC-556.
5 posted on 09/26/2003 1:49:32 PM PDT by Sender
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To: 45Auto
Ditto that on the M14. Mine probably still has the fingernail scratches on from when they took mine away to give me the M16.
6 posted on 09/26/2003 1:51:25 PM PDT by GingisK
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To: Southron Patriot
I believe the Germans have a 7.62 version of the G-36. If so, then that is the best rifle ever made. The M-14 is up there with the best, that's for sure. Now if HK would make a .260 Remington version (6.5/08)of the G-36 with a flattop like the M16A4 then that would be the best assault rifle ever made.
7 posted on 09/26/2003 1:58:57 PM PDT by Tailback
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To: 45Auto
I loved my M14 more than any weapon I carried there. If an improvement could be made, downsize it to handle a 7mm round and lighten it up a bit.
8 posted on 09/26/2003 2:00:27 PM PDT by x1stcav ( HOOAHH!)
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To: 45Auto
I can't pass this subject without seeing that the M-1 Garande gets at least honorable mention-I have two. However, the only reason I don't have an M-1A is the cost.
The 30 caliber bullet was ideal, whether it came out of a Krag, 1903A3, M1917, M-14, M-60, BAR or whatever. Even with its respectable muzzle velocity, the .223 can't compete with the effectiveness of the 30 cal.
9 posted on 09/26/2003 2:10:16 PM PDT by Spok
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To: 45Auto
something like the Ruger Mini-14 with a better barrel would be just the ticket

I must not be living right, because when I say the same thing, people laugh at me. I always hear how no Mini will hit a pie tin at 50 yards, or that they are the "Amish Gun," or whatever other great putdown is current. The ones I have owned were every bit as good (or bad, I guess) as any M-1 Carbine I ever fooled with, which is all I ask of them. I have owned Minis and ARs, and if I had to head to the hills without much in the way of cleaning supplies, etc., I'd prefer a stainless Mini-14 from about every aspect except accuracy.

The aftermarket 20 and 30 round magazines for them do generally suck, though.

10 posted on 09/26/2003 2:24:37 PM PDT by niteowl77 (If you haven't prayed for our troops, please start; if you stopped, then do some catching up.)
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To: Spok
I have an M1 Garand from the CMP. It's a Danish return with a brand new Danish VAR barrel. I just had it reparkerized and had a fancy grade Bastogne Hybrid Walnut stock put on it. She's drop dead gorgeaus and she's my most loved rifle. That said, the M14 was a big improvement over the Garand. The G-36 IMHO is an improvement on all gas operated rifles currently out there.
11 posted on 09/26/2003 2:26:51 PM PDT by Tailback
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To: 45Auto
I was shooting my M-14 clone, the M1A (with national match barrel) the other day and the sucker jammed with new ammo on the first shot... bad ammo. The rim broke off the cartridge which had expanded tightly in the chamber and was unextractable. The clear the rifle, I needed to ram rod the cartridge out. Bummer.

The firearm is still one of the greatest to have been made. I have shot the M-16, which I think is a fine weapon, the FN-FAL which is far better, and the M-1A which is right up there with the FAL. With a cartridge jam, the FAL is superior to the M1A in the ease of extracting the jam as it opens so easily.

Fun, fun, fun!


12 posted on 09/26/2003 2:42:15 PM PDT by J. Semper Paratus
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To: 45Auto
THe author doesn't give one much to argue with, does he? I think that if he used more modern versions of the M-16 he might be more friendly towards them.
13 posted on 09/26/2003 2:48:55 PM PDT by Eagle Eye (There ought to be a law against excessive legislation.)
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To: J. Semper Paratus
I prefer the FN to the Garand - probably because we just got our M-1 from the CMP (it's a retread Dane also - all matched numbers so we're keeping it "stock") and I'm not as familiar with it yet.

But the FN is really my husband's rifle. My pet is my Lee-Enfield No.4 Long Branch sniper rifle in .303. The original scope is a little foggy, but it's still got MOA accuracy out to 200 yards (haven't done any serious shooting beyond that). It's a heavy rascal, but the bolt is very slick with a short throw, and I can fire it almost as fast as a semi-auto. And with ammo in stripper clips it's very convenient to reload.

14 posted on 09/26/2003 2:49:25 PM PDT by AnAmericanMother (. . . Nihil sub sole novum. . .)
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To: J. Semper Paratus
The AR15 fills the gap between pistol and rifle nicely: A good carbine. But if you want a *rifle* rather than a poodle shooter, the FN-FAL is hard to beat. Get one today before the RINOs ban them.
15 posted on 09/26/2003 2:52:30 PM PDT by AdamSelene235 (I always shoot for the moon......sometimes I hit London.- Von Braun)
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To: 45Auto
Goofy opinions, Sheriff.

Next.

16 posted on 09/26/2003 2:55:06 PM PDT by The KG9 Kid (Semper Fi)
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To: 45Auto
. Perhaps in the future we can get something that will be much better. Like I said I think the M-14 down sized to handle the .233 round something like the Ruger Mini-14 with a better barrel would be just the ticket.

A lightweight FN-FAL chambered in 6.5 mm would be sweet.

17 posted on 09/26/2003 2:58:15 PM PDT by AdamSelene235 (I always shoot for the moon......sometimes I hit London.- Von Braun)
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To: 45Auto
Bloopers..loved 'em... w/beehive rounds...oh wait...beehives are banned. I didn't say beehive ...I meant WP, yeah that's the ticket.
Qual'd with an M14, but had M-16's down south.
18 posted on 09/26/2003 3:01:53 PM PDT by stylin19a (is it vietnam yet ?)
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To: Sender
Ruger AC 556


19 posted on 09/26/2003 3:04:21 PM PDT by 45Auto (Big holes are (almost) always better.)
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To: Tailback; 45Auto; glock rocks
I believe the Germans have a 7.62 version of the G-36. If so, then that is the best rifle ever made.

Word is HK is opening a manufacturing plant in Georgia for domestic U.S. sales. Not just a distribution and customer service center like Glock in Smyrna GA, but manufacturing as well.

Could it be that HK has an inside track when bids come up to replace the M16 with a new and improved weapons system for the U.S. military?

20 posted on 09/26/2003 3:05:11 PM PDT by Euro-American Scum
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