American Rifleman Television: The Men and Guns of The Vietnam War, Part 3

Published on September 22, 2017
Duration: 10:40

This episode delves into the specialized firearms and tactics of Marine snipers in the Vietnam War, highlighting early reliance on Winchester Model 70s and later the standardized Remington Model 700 (M40) with Redfield optics. It also covers the evolution of enemy weaponry, from French legacy arms to the ubiquitous AK-47 and SKS, and discusses their use by covert units like SOG for deniability and tactical advantage.

Quick Summary

U.S. Marines in Vietnam initially used Winchester Model 70 rifles and later standardized on the Remington Model 700 (M40) with Redfield scopes for ranging. Enemy forces commonly fielded SKS carbines and rugged AK-47 assault rifles, while covert units like SOG utilized foreign arms for deniability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Vietnam Snipers Overview & Legendary Figures
  2. 01:39Early Sniper Hardware: Winchester Model 70
  3. 02:36Standardized Sniper Rifle: Remington Model 700 (M40) & Redfield Optics
  4. 04:18French & Homemade Firearms in Vietnam
  5. 06:00VC & NVA Weaponry: SKS and AK-47
  6. 06:58SOG Operations & Foreign Weapon Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the primary sniper rifles used by U.S. Marines in the Vietnam War?

Initially, Marines used Winchester Model 70 heavy barrel rifles chambered in .30-06 Springfield, paired with Unertl scopes. Later, the Remington Model 700, designated the M40, became the standardized sniper rifle, equipped with a Redfield 3-9x Accu-Range scope.

How did Redfield scopes aid Vietnam War snipers?

The Redfield 3-9x Accu-Range scope featured a unique reticle with stadia lines. These lines allowed snipers to estimate the range to targets by comparing them to a standard 18-inch width, enabling more accurate 'holdover' adjustments.

What enemy firearms were commonly encountered by U.S. forces in Vietnam?

U.S. forces increasingly encountered Soviet-pattern weapons like the SKS carbine and the highly rugged AK-47 assault rifle. French legacy weapons such as the MAT-49 submachine gun and homemade firearms were also present.

Why did covert units like SOG use foreign weapons like the AK-47?

Covert units such as SOG used foreign weapons like the AK-47 to maintain deniability for their missions in Laos and Cambodia. Additionally, the distinct sound of an AK-47 could momentarily confuse enemy troops into thinking it was friendly fire.

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