Army wants old guns back from cemetery rifle squad | The Republic
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this is being contested strenuously here , those on the squad are addement they want to retain their bolt rifles , i think they should be allowed to make the call - wait a few more years till the 'old ones' are gone before they force change , its the last rights of service after all ,
Nobody squawked when hundreds of other similar 03s were ordered returned. Where do you think the recent CMP batch came from?
First of all, its Army property. No one has told these guys they can't go out and BUY an M1903. Secondly, piles of these rifles have vanished and guys regard them as their personal property. I actually heard a story of a VFW Post Commander being buried with 2 M1903's as he cherished them to much to part with them! No, sorry, turn them in.
Respectfully disagree. The reasons put forth for keeping the bolt actions make sense. If any one has earned a right to retain these rifles it's the veterans who turn out to bury their comrades.Quote:
Originally Posted by Calif-Steve
Regards,
Jim
The fellows aren't saying they want to keep the rifles and take them home, they are just saying that they are the Men who perform the Honor Guard Services, they prefer to use the rifles they are used to, and would like them to remain in the armory's inventory. I understand their point and wish it wasn't so hard to get simple things done when it comes to Military matters(the rifles do belong to the Army). The Men mentioned here do a great service to the Veterans of our Country and I hope they get to use the rifles they prefer.
Lots of VFW's wanted to keep their bolt guns. All were turned in. The guys could go out and purchase private rifles. They are due to receive Garands in return for their bolt guns. I suspect the trouble isn't worth the effort and they will be allowed to keep their bolt guns. Mind you some of the VFW's turned in Krags!
I still remember the sound of the Veterans working the bolt between shots at my Dad's funeral. As much as I like the Garand, it's not the best tool for this job.
All right here we go again, this is an argument that is shameful. These rifles are for the most part being used by guys to give their comrades a final send off in a manner they deem as proper. I seriously doubt that anyone in the big Green Machine is ever going to miss these rifles nor should they have reason to. If theft is a concern wouldn't or couldn't the replacement Garands have the same issues? It isn't like "Army Property" hasn't been lost, cut up, demilled, dumped over board or otherwise misplaced and no one gave a damn, but because some jerk sitting behind a desk decided we have to have these rifles back then by God we are going to get them back. B******t!
These vets are doing a service for the Army as it should really be the Army's responsibility to give each and every vet a burial service, not some old vet standing in the rain or snow. More often than not these ceremonies are held in less than ideal weather conditions and if these honorable vets feel the 03's are best suited for their needs than leave them have the damn rifles. Contrary to what has been said, these guys really did pay to use these rifles, no not out of their checkbooks but out of the service to our country. If it's one thing that irritates me is some "story" like the one about some individual being buried with 2 rifles. Really? Is there proof of this happening? Or is it just someones made up B.S. to impress his buddies at a tavern...it's yarns like this that make people think yep, those rifles should be taken back. If it is true then it should be investigated as a rightful crime and taken care of through legal channels. Someone other than the deceased had to put those two rifles in the casket and that person should be dealt with as a thief........IF the story has merit.
My guess is that somewhere in the background this whole forced return of these rifles deals with money that the Army thinks they can get for these rifles. I can't prove it but that's my educated guess and if it is true than shame on the whole damn bunch!
Rick
The Army wants all of the older bolts guns turned in. They are issuing Garands, which they have a small parts float. There are no spare Krag bolts or '03 bolts around. I understand CMP is now supporting this program and they are very good about helping out Vet organizations. I am not so sure what is shameful, but if you say so, then I'll agree. Mind you, I served in Viet Nam and am rather pro-vet.