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. ================================= 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