OP
BTT with Field and Stream reference.
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1969 Tunnel Gun new Pic
- Thread starter 29-1
- Start date
There was a new show on the "Outdoor Channel" last night called Gun Stories. It was on in another room where I could only hear it. I heard them mention the tunnel rats. I did not get in the room qiick enough to see what they were talking about. May be worth checking out.
Sonny Crocket
US Veteran
That was all 1911, no revolvers pictured or mentioned. Pretty good show if you like the 1911 btw.
OP
I'll have to go find this program. The 1911 was the standard tunnel gun because it was the standard issued side arm. It was just too loud and so the Army went looking for something quieter and more manageable. Too bad the TG and the Quiet Special Purpose Revolver that it evolved into never had the chance to ultimately prove itself.
Thanks for keeping this thread alive folks, because it really speaks to much more than a revolver/special ammunition. The QSPR story really is about the brave young soldiers of my and many of your's generation who fought and died in the tunnels of a country and in a war that they were drafted to fight in, yet they did so because it was their patriotic duty and their upbringing by the Greatest generation of soldiers before them. Think about these young men and women and those stuck in some hole on earth today while you are celebrating the 4th of July with your friends and family.
Chuck
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OP
Here is a Pic Kevin sent of a soldier from the 25th ID wearing what was known as the Tunnel Exploration kit. I'll start another link on this interesting setup. 
Chuck
Chuck
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OP
BTT for a friend.
Chuck
Chuck
DHENRY
SWCA Member
Chuck,
Thanks for the most interesting topic I've seen in years!
You've really fleshed-out a historically mysterious weapons system.
Don
Thanks for the most interesting topic I've seen in years!
You've really fleshed-out a historically mysterious weapons system.
Don
OP
Don, it's been a lot of fun, and I still have a few things more to report about the TG as soon as I get the documentation.
Chuck
ostlund
Member
now this is something you don't see everyday....thank you for sharing
Skeetr57
Member
I saw this gun demonstrated at Ft Bragg in 1971 at a symposium for new developments for Viet Nam. Another interesting item seen there was a silent M79 grenade launcher, or actually a silent round for the M79. It used a cartridge case with an accordion folded part of the case that contained all the propellant gasses when fired. I had already done my tour in VN, so don't know if either was ever used.
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DWalt
Member
Over 20 years ago, I had an employee who was a former tunnel rat (Marine or Army, I don't remember). He was not much for talking about his experiences, but told me once he used a .38 revolver. What kind, I don't know. He bought a ticket home by running over the edge of a cliff while fleeing a VC ambush and breaking his back. He was about what you'd expect as a tunnel rat, a small, wiry guy. The experience definitely had a lasting effect on his (unusual) personality.
ABPOS
Member
Thank you for sharing OP!!!
Not the same revolver but gives an idea of the size of some tunnels they might have been in......
Another interesting revolver for what looks like the same mission / use... However you would say that properly.
Not the same revolver but gives an idea of the size of some tunnels they might have been in......
Another interesting revolver for what looks like the same mission / use... However you would say that properly.
OP
Hi Steve, the original TG barrels were smooth bore and those are illegal to own unless the gun has been declared a C&R by the BATF. And since there are no known examples outside government hands, getting one declared a curio and a relic will be an effort for sure, if even possible.
Thanks for reviving this old post. It is certainly an interesting weapon but more importantly it brings back to mind those brave American soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam.
Chuck
Awesome article !
A question popped up -- If the cartridge was .526, why would a M29 cylinder used instead of a Model 25 cylinder ?
A question popped up -- If the cartridge was .526, why would a M29 cylinder used instead of a Model 25 cylinder ?
S.B.
Member
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OP
I assume it had to do with the case hardening on the 44 Magnum components. Also remember the round itself was the actual weapon and the revolver was designed to accommodate the round. Good question.
Chuck
