What S&W revolvers were used in Viet Nam?

[JP@AK]

USAF, 24 months in the South; 1970, 1971.
The Model 15 (dash 2 and dash 3) were commonly issued to at least the following personnel:
Air crews (not just pilots)
Security Police (previously called Air Police)
Ammo troops, when on convoy or other situations when they might come under enemy fire.
EOD

I believe the one I carried the most was a Model 15-2. I got my Expert Marksmanship qualification with it. Before my enlistment, I had poured several thousand rounds through one just like it. When I took my target to the range master, he couldn't count the hits. There was nothing left of the middle of the target. And this was with an issued revolver. They held up well, even if the ammo supplied was not what I would have chosen.

I never had a personal weapon in VN, but I knew other air crew members who did. I knew one ammo sergeant who had his own 1911A1 with him.

 

[JP@AK]

I remember about a M-29 44 magnum that was invented for tunnel clearing. It fired a shot load and the wad/plug thing never left the casing and this was to reduce noise and flash while clearing the sneaky little VC out of their tunnels.

For those of you who are SWCA members, there is an excellent write-up on this gun in the most recent issue of the Journal, written by Chuck Odom. It includes some great photos, including a couple of the special, unique ammunition.
According to the article, the modified M-29 was never actually issued for the Tunnel Rat program because by the time development was complete those activities had come to an end or were being wrapped up. It says about 10 copies of the early version were sent Down South in 1969 for field testing and the problems were identified, which were then conveyed to Aircraft Armaments, Inc., the contractor doing the development on the QSPR (as it was later called).
I know from my own experience that by 1971, in the ground struggle in the Delta region southwest of Saigon, where a lot of the tunnel warfare had been conducted, the Army's role was being reduced, as it was in the rest of the country. Vietnamization was in full swing and the war was increasingly becoming an Air Force (and Navy) show. So I'm not surprised to learn that the Tunnel Rat program was pretty much discontinued by 1972.
I did meet one or two of those guys when I was over there. Gutsy SOBs! The one I remember who had a sidearm with him, showed me a Model 10. He said he hated to shoot it underground. It hurt his ears and eyes, even though it was equipped with a suppressor of some sort.

For those of you who are not yet members of the SWCA - this is another reason to join up! Great articles in the Journal.

 

[JP@AK]

This may interest you:Smith & Wesson/AAI 44 Magnum Vietnam Tunnel Gun - Smith & Wesson Forum

I just looked at this link. This was written by the same fellow who penned the article I mentioned in my previous post. At the link you can see most of the photos published with the Journal article, and some that were not.

 

[29-1]

Tunnel Gun

This one but only for about 90 days in 1969. 29-2 converted to a Quiet Special Purpose Revolver for use in tunnel warfare.
Chuck

 

[Mr. K]

Gentlemen, thank you for your service. America is truly grateful for your sacrifice.

 

[Retired W4]

This one but only for about 90 days in 1969. 29-2 converted to a Quiet Special Purpose Revolver for use in tunnel warfare.
Chuck

Wow, that is an amazing gun and photo of the gun. With our Bn. HQ being Cu Chi, and our AO being what it was, there was a lot of tunnel activity. We (my crew and I) got the DFC for a smoke ship Op North of Cu Chi involving a unit that stumbled into the middle of a tunnel complex in a heavily deforested area. it was a mess. It was 1969. The Butcher said it was to be.

 

[J35]

This is not revolver related but I found this a while back on a Yahoo list and saved it, Thought some of you might find it interesting.

-----J

"When I assembled loads for interchangeable use on pythons and VC by SF tunnel rats attached to MACV they requested 28 pellets of copper plated No. 2 shot capped with a single pellet of copper plated 00 buckshot formed into the end of the casing closure. No. 2 shot penetrated 3/4 inch marine plywood at 20 ft. and the 00 buckshot would penetrate two layers of 3/4 inch plywood.

Shape and overall length of the loaded rounds were identical to M1911 Ball and the rounds would function full auto through a suppressed M3A1, as well as in the M1911 pistol."

__________________
In Home Mix We Trust
From the Home of "Ed's Red"
73 de KE4SKY
Regards, Ed

 

[dsbock]

"When I assembled loads for interchangeable use on pythons and VC by SF tunnel rats attached to MACV they requested 28 pellets of copper plated No. 2 shot capped with a single pellet of copper plated 00 buckshot formed into the end of the casing closure. No. 2 shot penetrated 3/4 inch marine plywood at 20 ft. and the 00 buckshot would penetrate two layers of 3/4 inch plywood.

Shape and overall length of the loaded rounds were identical to M1911 Ball and the rounds would function full auto through a suppressed M3A1, as well as in the M1911 pistol."

Of all the interesting information in this thread, this one caught my attention the most. I'd be interested in the details of that load. It would be interesting to replicate.

As said above, thank you to all who served.

David

 

[AirForceShooter]

Knew an O-1 pilot that carries a Ruger .44 Mag in stainless.

He could have traded that for people.

AFS

 

[ElmerKeith]

In addition to my other topics on firearms used in Vietnam, this one is for whether or not Model 1917 Revolvers were used? - M1909 AND M1917 COLT AND S&W REVOLVERS [REF] - U.S. Militaria Forum

Corporal Charles Patchin of the 173rd AB working his way through a VC tunnel during Operation Cedar Falls. Patchin survived the war and later related that the S&W M1917 revolver was personally owned and not an issue weapon.

 

[P&R Fan]

Thanks to everybody for the info.
I think this time I will bring my 4" M&P that was made just after WWII, my 2" M12 4 screw and my 4" Combat Masterpiece. After I'm done I'll post a full report on here.

I would also like to say a word of appreciation to all the members here who served in Viet Nam. You were treated horribly when you returned, and you certainly didn't deserve that. Thank you for your service.
Jim

 

[P&R Fan]

Just had another thought. I also have a Winchester M12 Riot Gun. I know the Trench Guns were used in WWII and beyond, but did they issue the Riot Guns too?
Jim

 

[jinx]

I ran across 2 different fellas that had winchester model 1897 trench guns. Where they got them, I do not know. I would think they were issued because where else would they get them? Can't imagine a soldier bringing his dad's or grandads trench gun with him from home.

 

[BE Mike]

Model 10, brand new in the blue cardboard box. IIRC was a round butt, 4" tapered barrel.

 

[BillyMagg]

Model 10 4"
I was aircrew on CH47C Chinooks in RVN, 1969-1970. We were given the choice of well used 1911's or S&W M10's, I chose the M10-5 as they were in decent condition as compared to the "rattletrap" 1911's. Other than shooting up the country side a few times, I never needed it.

Donn - III Corps was my AO as well. I was at Phu Loi with the 213th ASHC BlackCats, 1st Aviation Brigade. I knew well Quan Loi, Tay Ninh, Lai Khe, Song Be, An Loc areas. Quan Loi (think red dirt) especially as that was one of the main base camps used for the Cambodia Incursion.

Here's a pic of a M10-5 the same as the one issued.


And a pic of the Black Virgin Mtn. (Nuibadin) just outside Tay Ninh.

My Dad was a major at the time, flew "occasionally" on the Combat Talon 1, and was assigned to the embassy in Saigon, but lived out in the "burbs". During TET the hotel across the street was hit by a rocket, so they moved downtown to the embassy for about 2 weeks. He went back to the hotel in the burbs, but for their little about town jaunts and the fun ride to Than-san-Nhut he had a 2" Colt Cobra, and an M2 carbine that was full auto. On one mission in the 130, they were hauling a couple of cases of FN Hi-Powers, beautifull pistols, but "clean", the young fellers told my Dad, take a couple of those Major, we use em, drop em and run like heck. He regretted not taking a couple and bought his own Browning, and set me to find him a Colt Cobra, which I did.

 

[CH47gunner]

Just had another thought. I also have a Winchester M12 Riot Gun. I know the Trench Guns were used in WWII and beyond, but did they issue the Riot Guns too?
Jim

Yes - kinda.
Doorgunners (ya, me) were the only members of Flight Platoon that were required to pull guard duty. This was usually either on our own flight line or on the perimeter bunker line.
Bunker guards were required to bring their own M16's, one M79, and one of the three persons on each bunker also checked out an M60. Claymores, detonators, M60, & M79 ammo were kept in a footlocker in each bunker.
Flight line guards were issued a Mossberg 12ga. riot-gun (don't remember model). This was so the 00 buckshot wouldn't carry too far & blow-up another bird.

Bruce

 

[ordnanceguy]

Model 10, brand new in the blue cardboard box. IIRC was a round butt, 4" tapered barrel.

BEMike:

That is a great photo. I noticed the brown shoulder holster carrying the Model 10. It does not appear to be USGI. Can you tell us anything about it (maker, model, source, etc.)? Thanks.

 

[Kitgun]

Well I can't get the picture to post, but google "General Loan" to see pic of S&W in action against NVA up close & personal.

 

[MTS Cop]

A guy I work with was Army and he carried a M-15 in Vietnam. Said he got ammo from the Air Force guys on base. He said he used it frequently after his M16 jammed. He sold to another guy when he rotated out.

 

[BE Mike]

BEMike:

That is a great photo. I noticed the brown shoulder holster carrying the Model 10. It does not appear to be USGI. Can you tell us anything about it (maker, model, source, etc.)? Thanks.

I got a back problem wearing the cowboy style belt and holster with belt loops for ammo in the back that I purchased on the local economy. One of the supply guys dug up this holster for me. I recon it was a George Lawrence design, but I'm not sure. I wish I had one like it, but haven't found anything just like it with the all leather straps. Oh yeah, I solved the extra ammo problem by keeping a box of 50 rounds in the front (chest) pocket of my "chicken plate".