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

Published on September 21, 2017
Duration: 10:35

This entry details firearms from the Vietnam War, focusing on iconic weapons like the M60 'The Pig' machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher. It covers their operational context, technical specifications, and historical significance, including specialized weapons and early carbine development. The information is presented with an authoritative tone, drawing from military and historical expertise.

Quick Summary

The Vietnam War featured a diverse array of firearms, including the M60 'The Pig' machine gun (7.62x51mm NATO), the M79 40mm grenade launcher, and early M16 carbine variants like the XM177. Combat shotguns were also utilized for close-quarters engagements, despite their slow reload times.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Vietnam War Firearms Overview
  2. 01:24The M60 Machine Gun
  3. 05:14Grenade Launchers
  4. 06:49Forgotten and Specialized Weapons
  5. 08:27M16 Carbine Development
  6. 09:08Combat Shotguns

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ground forces primarily utilized the M60 machine gun, nicknamed 'The Pig,' known for its 7.62x51mm NATO caliber and significant weight. Older models like the M1919A4 and M2 also provided heavy support, with some M1919s modified for 7.62 NATO.

How did the M79 grenade launcher differ from rifle grenades?

The M79 was a dedicated break-action 40mm launcher, offering significantly more range and dedicated capability compared to older rifle grenade systems. It eventually led to the development of under-barrel launchers like the M203.

What role did shotguns play in Vietnam combat?

Shotguns like the Winchester Model 12, Remington 870, and Winchester 1897 were used for close-quarters jungle fighting, delivering immense firepower with buckshot, though their slow reload time was a notable drawback.

What were the early developments in carbine platforms during the Vietnam War?

The war saw the first experiments with shortening the M16/AR-15 platform, resulting in the XM177 carbine. This lineage directly influenced the development of the modern M4 carbine.

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