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

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[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]

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

[CINDERS]

Those chaps RCS look like MACSOG which explains their firepower requirements, however I did also see that they went out with VC weapons as well to confuse them (the VC) into thinking they were in a blue on blue contact!
My brother inlaw a VN vet who passed away in 2022 said you never forget the sound of an AK being wracked or the sound of them firing.
Pic of him in the back of a truck whilst as he said on his "Asian Holiday".

[Sapper740]

Those chaps RCS look like MACSOG which explains their firepower requirements, however I did also see that they went out with VC weapons as well to confuse them (the VC) into thinking they were in a blue on blue contact!

Here's a pic for you Cinders of what I believe is the second ST Idaho which had to be rebuilt after the first strike team Idaho disappeared and was never heard from again. The trooper on the left is holding an AK and a cut down M79 grenade launcher. The trooper on the right wearing the custom made "Operator's vest" is the famous Lynne Black, I believe with an XM148 grenade launcher. For many of the "Over the fence" missions into Laos and Cambodia SF troopers went 'sterile' with CISO made equipment, Indig rucksacks and quite often with Swedish K guns, a 9mm SMG. This was done to give the U.S. government plausible deniability if the A team members were captured or killed.

[RCS]

Also there was the Australian field mod of the SLR during Viet Nam. The SLR barrel was cut back to the front sight and modified to fire full auto. Sometimes the
L2A1 thirty round magazine was used plus other attachments. Called the "the bitch"

[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.