During the war in Vietnam, what were the basic weapons issued to American infantryman.?

Question

We see movies with soldiers in Vietnam carrying all sorts of elaborate weapons. What was the basic issue? Were soldiers able to get other weapons or could they use their personal weapons?

Answer 1

I was an American infantryman in Nam in '66 and '67. During my time, while there were still M-14s in use, the basic infantry weapon was the M-16. In addition every infantry squad had a grenadier, who carried either an M-79 grenade launcher or what we called an "over & under" (don't recall the designation), which was an M-16 with a M-79 barrel beneath it ( a two for one, you might say)
Other weapons the infantry used on a regular basis when I was there include the M-60 machine gun, the 12 gauge shotgun, the LAWS rocket ( a kind of disposable bazooka ), the AR-15 carbine.
The standard issue sidearm was the .45 caliber automatic first used in WW I. Some guys carried other weaponry, just on their own, but what I've told you is what was "oficial"

Answer 2

Basic issue at the start of the war was the M-14 rifle(7.62X51),the 9mm grease gun and the 30 carbine.Later on the M-16 was introduced,it had alot of teathing problems,and some soldiers of the day went back to the 14's.Its interesting that today some members of the USMC still use the 14.(if it wasn't broke ,why fix it?as Chesty would say)In some instances some of the troops in nam brought some iron's from home but I don't think they got approval from HQ(....why ask em?)

Answer 3

In the early 1960's it was the M-14 rifle. Later on the M-16 became more widespread and eventually the whole US military had them. In the field, some soldiers were known to take enemy AK-47s, but was not recomended because of the distinct sound it made.

Answer 4

M14...until they started issuing the faulty M16 (now known as M16A1) however many soldiers picked up what was 'lying around' from deceased persons. better to have a back up than to be caught without a weapon or one that has jammed up into a solid piece of metal.

Answer 5

Pistols: Browning P35 High Power, Colt M1911A1, Tokarev TT-33, S&W .38, S&W Model 39

Submachine guns: S&W M76, M3A1 Grease Gun, MP40, Thompson M1A1, PPSh-41, Walther MPL

Rifles: Arisaka Type 38, Arisaka Type 99, G3, Kar 98k, M1 Garand, Springfield M1903, M14, SKS

Assault rifles & carbines: AK47, Colt CAR-15 Model 607 Commando, M1 Carbine, M16, M16E1, M16A1, M653, M655, XM177E1, XM177E2, GAU-5/A_M630

Shotguns: Ithaca M37

Sniper rifles: XM21/M21, SVD

General-purpose machine guns: MG34, M60, Stoner Mk63

Light machine guns: BAR, RPD, Type 96

Grenade Launchers: M79, M203

Hand grenades: MkII Pineapple, M26

Anti-tank weapons: RPG-7, M72A2 LAW

Mines: M18 Claymore

Answer 6

M-16 semi-automatic assault rifle was the main combat weapon. Also hand grenades and boot knives. Specialists would have various mortars and rockets. Movies that show elaborate weapons in regular units are not accurate.

Answer 7

Most soldiers carried an M16. Many had a side arm as well. Sometimes they had to purchase their side arms. It was illegal to use a shotgun on enemy troops. Some MP's carried shotguns for use on their own troops or animals.

Answer 8

officers could use their personal weapons. infantrymen were issued m-16 rifles, hand grenades, claymore mines. m-60 machine guns, m-79 grenade launchers and probably other stuff, but these are the basic weapons.

Answer 9

M-16 was the issue. It was junk. Complicated. Too many moving parts. Russian AK 47 was simple and preferred.

Answer 10

M79 grenade launcher, aka, 'Thumper'

M16 rifle (is a .223 caliber)

I know .38 Specials were issued, but not sure to whom.