I have just returned from a combat shooting skills exchange with the Vietnam Peoples Army. The VPA are currently using an array of M16A1 that I believe were manufactured between 1968 and 1971, judging by the serial numbers:
1613546
1819075
3087575
1120983
1648407
2131080
1555699
1348398
Can anyone plase point me in the right direction to track down the history of these rifles. If indeed this is possible at all.
Thanks
Well, pretty broad subject. The US provided the South Vietnamese military with almost 3/4 quarters of a million M16 rifles of all versions up to and including the M16A1. Which were left in Vietnam after its fall to the North. From your list of serial numbers most are Colt produced rifles with one (3087575) manufactured by GM Hydromatic Products Div and one (2131080) manufactured by Harrington & Richardson. This number represents just a small number of the small arms provided to the South over the period of US involvement in Vietnam not to mention, M1 Garand rifles, .30 Carbines of all types, M60 GPMG, .30 and .50 cal Brownings MG of all types, etc. etc.
VIETNAM has to be a treasure trove of MILSRUP. -wishing--
Veteran US Navy Seabees - US Army Corps of Engineers - American Legion Post 0867
" Only two defining forces have offered to die for me. 1.) Jesus Christ 2.) The American G.I. "One died for your soul, the other for your freedom! "
Thank you for your reply, I appreciate the information.
Turner,
My question is simple...................did you win?
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Posting Permissions
PM
