In my first-ever 'newbie' post, I misspoke when I said my recently acquired 15-3 was "the first in my possession".
In truth, I did previously possess a 15-3, although just a 'loaner'. Flying combat missions in Vietnam and Laos, we turned in our ground-carry M-16s at the armory before each mission, and got issued S&W 15-3s. Reversed the process, traded 15-3 for M-16, when we recovered from each mission. This was my motivation in recently acquiring my 15-3; I wanted it in order to complete my Vietnam personal weapons collection. Over the past several years I was able to nearly-exactly duplicate my M-16, based on the Colt SP1 in the photo. I had to replace the flash-hider, buttstock, pistol grip, and magazine to approximate my 'Nam rifle (but without select fire). And now, with my 1969 S&W 15-3, my work is done. Except my Vietnam pistol rode in my survival vest (with 12 more rounds), not in the nice repro leather shoulder holster shown here.

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AF Recon "Above All, Accuracy"

I know a vet who's trying to collect the weapons he used in the war. Trouble is he was on a 155 crew...

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No life story has happy end.

Love the Revolver and as a Vietnam veteran I love the M-16 look alike.

26 years in and Uncle forgot to send me to a war zone so thanks for your service. And I cannot collect 8" self propelled howitzers or aircraft carriers.

So, fill in a gap - what did you fly in?

USAF (tactical) RC-130 Cam Ranh Bay, (strategic) RC-135 U-Tapao.
USN P-3 ASW Panama. Two carrier landings (rotary wing): JFK and Nimitz, both in Pireaus.

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AF Recon "Above All, Accuracy"

Alamo, thank you for your service. Nice looking collection you've put together.

Thanks Alamo for the service and you did an outstanding job on that riffle.

Thanks, fyimo. Note this a very early Vietnam version M-16/SP-1:

• no forward assist
• no brass deflector
• no 'fence' around the mag release button
• 'waffle' design magazine

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AF Recon "Above All, Accuracy"

Again, Alamo, thanks for your service. A world of difference between your duty and mine.

Funny thing about your M-16 lookalike. My Army time was spend behind an M-14 and I never could wrap my head around the M-16/AR-15 platform until they added some of the newfangled stuff you didn't see in the Nam. It still took me awhile but I went for a number of non-mil-spec (for the time) additions when I finally broke down and bought an AR. All the newer whistles and bells were what I wanted but I admire your keeping that rifle in Southeast Asia Tea Party condition.

Welcome.

Nice collection.

I was an intel guy in a RF-4C outfit in Germany following Vietnam. Worked with the training squadrons at the 67TRWg in Mt Home before Vietnam. Loved my time in recce. Went to SAC in the late 70's and learned it was Reconnaissance not recce.

Thank you for your service! Great recreation of period weaponry!

I should add here, that with both the S&W 15-3 and the M-16, I managed to earn the AF Expert Marksman Ribbon, which meant I could add the bronze star device to the basic ribbon.

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AF Recon "Above All, Accuracy"