American Rifleman Television: The Men and Guns of The Vietnam War, Part 2

Published on September 21, 2017
Duration: 10:35

This episode delves into the diverse firearms of the Vietnam War, highlighting iconic weapons like the M60 'Pig' machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher. It explores specialized and forgotten arms such as the Stoner 63 and Thompson submachine gun, alongside early carbine development with the XM177. The segment also touches upon the effectiveness and drawbacks of combat shotguns in jungle warfare.

Quick Summary

The M60 machine gun, nicknamed 'The Pig', was the primary machine gun for US ground forces in Vietnam, offering a lighter alternative to the M1919A4. The M79 grenade launcher evolved from rifle grenades, providing greater range and leading to the M203 prototype.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Vietnam War Firearms Overview
  2. 01:24The M60 Machine Gun ('The Pig')
  3. 05:14Grenade Launchers: M79 and M203
  4. 06:49Forgotten and Specialized Weapons
  5. 08:27M16 Carbine Development (XM177)
  6. 09:08Combat Shotguns in Jungle Warfare

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the primary machine guns used by US forces in the Vietnam War?

The M60 machine gun, nicknamed 'The Pig', was the primary machine gun for US ground forces during the Vietnam War. It was significantly lighter than the M1919A4 it replaced and was effective when fired from a tripod or bipod.

How did grenade launchers evolve during the Vietnam War?

The US transitioned from rifle grenades to dedicated launchers like the M79, a 40mm break-action weapon offering increased range. This led to the development of under-barrel systems, such as the M203 prototype, to integrate launchers with service rifles.

Were older firearms still used in the Vietnam War?

Yes, many older designs saw action, including the Thompson submachine gun, M1 Garand, and BAR. Specialized units also employed weapons like the Carl Gustaf M45 'Swedish K' and the modular Stoner 63 system.

What were the advantages and disadvantages of combat shotguns in Vietnam?

Combat shotguns like the Winchester Model 12 and Remington 870 offered immense firepower with buckshot for close-quarters jungle fighting. However, their primary drawback was a slow reload time, which could be fatal in engagements.

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