One for the gun boys

[Otter]

Otter: Never was issued an '03. Used M-1, M-14 and M-16 (1st iteration. Issued in "Nam). Detested it. It was bad to jam even when scrupulously kept clean. Bad feeling in combat.

Never a good feeling ! My issue L1a1 at Sandhurst had the same problem, unreliable pos due to overcleaning and general wear. My unit issued one was totally reliable. The new SA80 was coming into service as I left and my initial thought was, at last a sight, but that rifle is crappy, the top cover will never last.

 

[tda003]

The M-16 has gone through many iterations. It's now something like M-16Z∞ and is now a reliable firearm. However, I don't think you'll find anyone who used the original M-16 in combat who liked it.

 

[ausreenactor]

I paid out on the F-88 when it replaced the SLR L1A1. Power etc....

The new EF-88 with the ELCAN Specter is very impressive. I am a Combat Marksmanship Continuum Trainer and our drills now are first rate. They basically opened up all the SF learning gleaned form coalition SF, the Glock and HK Academies and rolled it into what we do now. The recruit today will be a more effective shooter than his Sergeant Major or CO in most cases.

And I have NEVER had a stoppage in an F-88 or EF-88 that was not ammunition related. So I find other things to be cynical about these days. Like our old ARH and MRH platforms that will be Apache and Black Hawk IAW my wishes as a TPR in 2004.

 

[Chandler]

However, I don't think you'll find anyone who used the original M-16 in combat who liked it.

So many accounts of what a PITA the M-16 was when first issued.

I have a copy of the Operation & Preventive Maintenance booklet (actually a comic book) that was handed out to troops in the field -- so many possible malfunction preventative steps they go over.

 

[ausreenactor]

Scored a third .30-06. 1917 Eddystone made in Oct 1918.

Better condition than i expected. Bore is mint!
Over 110 years old!

 

[Pa12]

Had an m1 carbine. Nice little rifle but I sold it. Half inch under legal length here so it’s restricted like a hand gun. Gun club only.

 

[STEVE S.]

Scored a third .30-06. 1917 Eddystone made in Oct 1918.

Better condition than i expected. Bore is mint!
Over 110 years old!

I have a Remington, although not original anymore. Picked it up cheap a few yrs back as the owner said it was broken & wouldn’t fire. ( have a total of $75 in it, minus the optics)
Turns out, he just didn’t understand how they work. He was trying to drop a round in the chamber, close the bolt & fire. Rounds have to be charged into the magazine & allow the bolt to capture it on closing or the firing pin won’t strike the primer enough to fire. It’s been rebarreled & chambered in 30.06 Ackley Improved.

 

[STEVE S.]

Had an m1 carbine. Nice little rifle but I sold it. Half inch under legal length here so it’s restricted like a hand gun. Gun club only.

Have a Rockola, one of my most prized pieces.

 

[ausreenactor]

Have a Rockola, one of my most prized pieces. View attachment 76499

So... You rock a Rockola?

 

[STEVE S.]

So... You rock a Rockola?

Yes, even had the matching jukebox for a few yrs!

My three favorite are the Rockola (manufacturer with low production numbers), my 1916 Colt (1916 was yr with lowest production number) and my 1915 DWM P.08 (all matching numbers except mag.)

 

[ausreenactor]

It would have the sexy, early script on the slide of your 1911 too... Awesome...

 

[tda003]

Congratulations. That's a nice looking '17. FWIW, MOH recipient Alvin York used a "17 and a 1911 for his actions during WWI. The movie showed him w/ an 'os and a luger.

For years, I've been looking for a low number '03 Springfield w/ USMC provenance. They're tough to come by and there are lot's of fakes. The low number '03's were single heat treated (the later once had double heat treatment) and considered unsafe to shoot and were given to the Marines, who figured out how to make them seafe ("Hatcher hole", etc). Most were rebarreled at some point using pipe wrenches which left telltale teeth marks on the barrel. This has been faked, so it takes an expert to correctly ID the real ones. The Corps used these thru Guadacanal. Of course, being Marines, they "midnight requisitioned" Garands from the Army once the "doggies" arrived

 

[Spitfireace]

Heres a Russian gun when it was cool to be Russian 1945.

 

[Pa12]

Would

Heres a Russian gun when it was cool to be Russian 1945.View attachment 76547

go with my sks

 

[ausreenactor]

The Three Amigos....

 

[ausreenactor]

Dropped another $2.5K on a US made 'Freedom Dispenser'...

Got to throw a few down range to fire form some brass on the weekend. The M1917 Eddystone (top) is as she left the factory in Oct 1918... Hayden was able to put all his rounds into the black at 100m. For a 13 year old I was impressed. I am more impressed with the craftsmanship... which we all embrace here. Built for a need... not a price...

The M1903A4 is a James Armory rebuild with a Criterion Barrel... When I figure the clicks at 4MOA out I will be happier... 4 inches per click at 100 yards? Who does that?

Very happy...

 

[B-Man2]

Nice collection Trevor !

 

[Chandler]

Is that a Kerr sling on the Enfield?

 

[ausreenactor]

Is that a Kerr sling on the Enfield?

Yes Sir!

 

[ausreenactor]

Nice collection Trevor !

Thank you...

I love the .30 (.308) cal projectile versatility... 130gr up to 210gr and beyond...

Probably won't have to buy ammo again in my lifetime now. 16lbs of propellant for the .30-06 and .308 rifles...

Thinking Hayden needs a .223 for us now...