May have varied with the command? I was in the USAF about then-1967, and sometimes saw naval aircrews at our bases. I think I recall seeing normal ball ammo in the loops.

Author Stephen Coonts was an A-6 pilot, and his writing suggests normal ball ammo, and that some pilots could carry personal arms. I think he had a S&W M-19. A gun writer with an Italian last name (first name Gene; can't recall the last name) was naval aircrew, and carried his own P-38.

By the way, have you guys seen, "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" lately? Some good footage of Wm. Holden and others with Victory models. The knives on their vests look like commercial items from Case or Western. Good movie.

In the book on which the film was based, author James Michener said that pilots fired only six shots in training! Sounds like it might be true. Gad...

T-Star