Cut off M1 Carbine? -- Yum! M-14's

[usabaker]

I was flipping through some Vietnam War photographs, mostly looking at M-14, and I happened across this picture of a young man holding what looks to be an M1 Carbine that's been cut down. I always wonder about the story behind these pictures. Hmmm.. my dad had that exact style bowie

[browningautorifle]

Well, if you need to do some shootin' the M14 is sure the one to do it. The carbines being cut down isn't unusual, you even saw examples of them captured from the NVA and Cong. The Bowie looks like a Western example of the Raider bowie. The original Collins model was basically a cut down machete with rather thin stock for a proper bowie knife. During WW2 Western, Kinsfolk & Case made versions. Don't know much about the Case or Kinsfolk versions, but the later Western W49 had the proper blade thickness & became a bit of a classic blade, having been popular with soldiers in Vietnam & produced until Western went under. I'm not sure how many manufacturers there were.

Here's some more info... WWll V-44 Kinfolks Fighting USMC Pilot Survival Knife - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

[usabaker]

he Bowie looks like a Western example of the Raider bowie. The original Collins model was basically a cut-down machete with rather thin stock for a proper bowie knife. During WW2, Western, Kinsfolk & Case made versions.

I guess I should have looked for my Dads after he died. I remember seeing it in his bedroom in in the early 70's, with his KA-BAR. Thanks for the info Jim

[Sapper740]

Well, if you need to do some shootin' the M14 is sure the one to do it.

Jim, did you ever pick up one of the Converted Auto U.S. Rifle M14's when they were Unrestricted and selling for cheap in Canada? I bought an H&R for $550 in the Eighties and shot it in many competitions and even took it hunting upon occasion. We had a 10" square gong at 200 yards and shooting offhand I could whack that gong all day long, never missing. Later, I put a 3X9 Redfield on it and entered some long range events, but never placed. I looked for an ART scope for it for years but never found one in my price range. Best battle rifle ever!

[browningautorifle]

did you ever pick up one of the Converted Auto U.S. Rifle M14's when they were Unrestricted and selling for cheap in Canada

I had a couple over time and one of the originals, which was a TRW serial 434343. I had a low number SA... Last I had was one of the Norincos that had the hardened parts so it was a good example. I liked them as much as our FNs.

[Sapper740]

At least one SF 'A' Team member, John Stryker "Tilt" Meyer carried a cut down M2 as a 'break contact' weapon. He had a custom holster made for it and when they encountered dinks in the jungle he'd pull out his M2 'pistol', do a mag dump, throw a frag and start dropping toe poppers as they beat 6. Some of the chopper pilots, seeing what a handy little weapon his M2 pistol was made their own as they felt naked in the seat of the helicopter. They wanted something with a little more firepower than their revolver or pistol.

[RCS]

I have also seen a few photos of the M60 m/g where the barrel was shortened

[usabaker]

I have also seen a few photos of the M60 m/g where the barrel was shortened

I can't even imagine cutting a pig barrel down, she what I carried when I was in the SEABEES.

[browningautorifle]

I can't even imagine cutting a pig barrel down

I carried one for two months in the Australian jungle and had no problems, cutting it down wouldn't have made any difference to me...

[usabaker]

I carried one for two months in the Australian jungle and had no problems, cutting it down wouldn't have made any difference to me...

I was thinking the muzzle blast would be freeking LOUD, not about the weight of the M60. At 26.6 pounds (unloaded) I feel the same Jim, I don't know what difference hacking off the barrel would make.