Video—The Men and Guns of The Vietnam War, Part 2

by
posted on September 21, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In Part 2 of "The Men and Guns of Vietnam,” American Rifleman Television examines the guns used “in country” by Americans earlier in the conflict, as well as the forgotten guns. Early in the war in Vietnam, the standard infantry rifle was the “U.S. Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14,” John Garand’s last legacy, rendered in steel and walnut, and the M14 served well until replaced by the U.S. M16. American Rifleman Field Editor—then-Marine Capt.—Wiley Clapp thinks we should never have switched.

For American soldiers, Marines and sailors in Vietnam, the issued machine gun was the U.S. M60, called "the pig" by the young Americans who carried it, and we show the gun and discuss it’s effectiveness with two combat veterans who carried it. 

There were other guns used in the conflict, guns many don't think about right away when they think of Vietnam, including the guns that fought World War II in the hands of our Vietnamese allies. They include the Thompson SMG, the M1918A2 BAR and the Browning M1919 machine gun. There were other guns used by Special Forces soldiers, men like then Sgt. John L Plaster, including the Carl Gustav or Swedish K submachine gun—arguably the best such gun of its era. The U.S. military also made extensive use of combat shotguns, ranging from familiar Winchester Model 12 and 97s, as well as guns from Stevens and even Remington. Watch the entire Part 2 episode here.

Additional Viewing
The Men and Guns of the Vietnam War, Part 1

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.