Chas wrote in message <[log in to unmask]>...

>[log in to unmask] wrote:
>>
>> I am in desperate need for an M-16 gun Vietnam Issue.
>> If anyone can offer us any suggestions I would appreciate it.

>Your alternative is a commercial Colt AR-15. Superficially it looks like
>the M-16 but is not selective fire.

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Attention: [log in to unmask]

The AR-15,  M16 and M16A1 were all used in the Vietnam war I believe. The
USAF were among the first users and issued some AR-15 rifles (with full
auto-feature). Look for the EARLY models of AR-15/M16/M16A1 with the open
prong flash suppressor and the triangular forestock (not round as they are
now). The earliest models also did not have the bolt-assist plunger which
angles out of the right rear of the receiver. This goofy feature was added
during the Vietnam War (I believe) in response to the Vietnam battle reports
of weapons jamming due to lack of training on care and cleaning, lack of
cleaning kits and the fouling caused by the cheap substitute powder the US
Government used in lieu of the AR-15 inventor's cleaner burning propellant.

During the Vietnam War the US Army made some EXACT replicas of the M16 and
AK-47 for training purposes cast in solid black plastic. These were so good
that even the serial number of the original weapon was legible. Another
option is to use a deactivated weapon. Check with your ATF office. You MIGHT
be able to obtain one from your local ATF office, Sheriff etc. as a number
of these weapons have been seized from drug dealers and other criminals. You
could ask for an AR-15/M16/M16A1 to be deactivated for you.  A local Army
base might have some older model AR-15/M16/M16A1s in museums or as wall
hangers in Generals' offices that they might lend under the right
circumstances. Check your VFW posts as well. Japan makes pot metal replicas
of many small arms and you may be able to find one of those through gun
shops and SHOTGUN NEWS. There are also plastic model kits and there might be
one in full size of an M16. Failing any of the above, you could always write
to Vietnam and ask for one back!

By the way, don't call it a gun. Drill Sergeants HATE that! They will make
you run around tha parade square holding your M16 above your head with one
hand and clutching your family jewels with the other hand, chanting
something like: "This is my rifle, this is my gun, this is for shooting,
this is for fun."

By the way, the M16 was not the only type of rifle issued to US troops in
Vietnam. It was a later development and many US servicemen carried the M-14
rifle. It too was selective fire and is subject to the same laws. A
semi-auto version by Springfield Armory was on the civilian market - the M1A
I believe. Some troops also carried W.I.II US rifles, carbines and
submachineguns.

Colin Macgregor Stevens, Captain
Museum Curator