Just asking

[Bloodknight]

Ive always wondered about this.I was with Marines. HQ 2-11 ,an artillery battalion in 66&67. We were in support of 5th Marines , an infantry Battalion. We were issued M-14s.It was that way when I went home.It's my understanding that somewhere down the line.M-16s were unceremoniously issued to the Marines.Gimme your M-14,Heres you M-16.I find this hard to believe.I know if I went from the 762 to the 223.I would have been in shock.No training or familiarization. I know we used to get all the hand me downs.But doing that in a combat sounds strange.Well,it was all strange I guess.Any grunts out there know anything ?

 

[Recusant]

M16 - A1 /A2 /A3 /A4 - Modern Firearms

The introduction of the M16 rifle is one of the most turbulent episodes in the history of US small arms. After the Korean War, new solutions were sought.

modernfirearms.net

 

[Bassbob]

Thank you for your service sir.

 

[Bloodknight]

M16 - A1 /A2 /A3 /A4 - Modern Firearms

The introduction of the M16 rifle is one of the most turbulent episodes in the history of US small arms. After the Korean War, new solutions were sought.

modernfirearms.net

Thanks for the info. This opened up a whole wealth of info.Much appreciated. I remember always having "lots" of luberplate handy for the M-14. So long ago.In advanced infantry training we used M-1s and fired everything else they had.Including the famous BAR.Which was quite impressive

 

[Recusant]

Thanks for the info. This opened up a whole wealth of info.Much appreciated. I remember always having "lots" of luberplate handy for the M-14. So long ago.In advanced infantry training we used M-1s and fired everything else they had.Including the famous BAR.Which was quite impressive

I have a good friend that's about 5 years older than I am and he was drafted into the army and trained with the M-14. He was shipped to Vietnam in 1967. Among arrival the troops were issued the M16 which they had no training with. He experienced many of the problems addressed in the article. On a side note, he was injured when the helicopter he was riding came under fire and crash landed. His position was almost over-run before help arrived. He fired all of his ammo up and when rescued he left his rifle behind as he was being evacuated to a field hospital. He spent several months recuperating from his injuries before he was discharged. A year or so later he received a bill from the gov't for the rifle he never turned in. He contacted his Senator who took care of the matter.

 

[Bloodknight]

I have a good friend that's about 5 years older than I am and he was drafted into the army and trained with the M-14. He was shipped to Vietnam in 1967. Among arrival the troops were issued the M16 which they had no training with. He experienced many of the problems addressed in the article. On a side note, he was injured when the helicopter he was riding came under fire and crash landed. His position was almost over-run before help arrived. He fired all of his ammo up and when rescued he left his rifle behind as he was being evacuated to a field hospital. He spent several months recuperating from his injuries before he was discharged. A year or so later he received a bill from the gov't for the rifle he never turned in. He contacted his Senator who took care of the matter.

Yes,Ive heard this from others.Its been difficult to bury all this stuff and forget it.Off subject topic.My best friend Phil Cooney(you can google this) Was drafted in 68.He had a head injury from an auto accident & could have gotten out of being drafted.back then we didnt do that.He spent his time in country.( about a few miles from where I had served,a year prior).He extended his tour so he could get out early.one day before wjile on patrol.Him & about 4 or 5 other guys set off a large mine.It was the day before his 21st birthday.It still haunts me.its been almost 53 years.Now they got us in this Ukraine thing.

 

[KillerFord1977]

My father served USMC ‘58-‘62 as Battalion Armorer/Heavy Weapons Specialist.
Used M1 and BAR , .30/.50 cal MG and 105/155 howitzers.

Never touched an AR till he shot mine a few years ago.
He shot the full mag open sight at 50 yrds
In the size of a quarter.
Handed me my rilfe. Said “once a Marine, always a Marine” and walked off grinning ear to ear.
He is 83

 

[javbike]

My father served USMC ‘58-‘62 as Battalion Armorer/Heavy Weapons Specialist.
Used M1 and BAR , .30/.50 cal MG and 105/155 howitzers.

Never touched an AR till he shot mine a few years ago.
He shot the full mag open sight at 50 yrds
In the size of a quarter.
Handed me my rilfe. Said “once a Marine, always a Marine” and walked off grinning ear to ear.
He is 83

Now that’s super cool !!!