Viet Nam combat photo

[RCS]

I do not recall if I ever posted here or not, anyway it was posted on another forum and a discussion came about - some veterans state these rifles were never fired with the trigger guard folded back while other state it was used that way, even with tape around the grip.

I can not really see the trigger guard, but it could be there ?

Does it really matter if the trigger guard is folded back or not ?Attachment 120511

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[Singer B]

The soldier appears to be carrying a XM-177. The trigger guard on that rifle appears to have been removed, not folded forward or back. I have never seen that in all of my LE experience and never heard of it either. I recently built a commemorative XM-177 for my friend's father who carried one in Vietnam and when it was presented to him and while shooting it, he never indicated that they removed the trigger guard. Maybe they removed it to make it easier to use with gloves? I will ask him he had seen or heard of it during his service.

[browningautorifle]

The whole idea of that style of trigger guard was for arctic use with big mitts. I don't think with the way he's holding it you can tell if it's there but they would move if they weren't taped. I can't see why a guy in the jungle would want it open. Yes, we taught that use of them but only for arctic warfare.

[ssgross]

The whole idea of that style of trigger guard was for arctic use with big mitts

Yes. "Mittens" were issued for cold weather training. Impossible to stuff 4 fingers in the trigger gaurd.
Maybe the pin was loose on his and he got tired of it flopping around. It is captured by a spring detent. you just poke it with the tip of a round and it swings down against the pistol grip - if I remember right a roll pin forms the hinge on the other side. maybe that was loose.

[RCS]

the pin to release the trigger guard so you can fold it back is on on the right side, using a bullet tip is about the best way to depress the pinAttachment 120512Attachment 120513

[browningautorifle]

a roll pin forms the hinge on the other side.

Some got loose but usually they would sit where they were left. None flopped like a hinge.