1969 Tunnel Gun new Pic

[mc5aw]

Chuck ... Wouldn't it be possible to have this pistol classified as AOW, similar to short-barreled shotguns born with pistol grips, thereby making it entirely legal to own by BATF standards, but with only a required $5 tax stamp?

 

[ar15ed]

how interesting! you have done some great research! thanks for the info!!!

 

[29-1]

Chuck ... Wouldn't it be possible to have this pistol classified as AOW, similar to short-barreled shotguns born with pistol grips, thereby making it entirely legal to own by BATF standards, but with only a required $5 tax stamp?

Don't know. I'll have to check on this. It'd be convenient if I could do this.
Chuck

 

[wheelgun28]

Great thread!!

I have a friend that was a tunnel rat, not by choice. He is about 5'4" at most. He wont talk about it my other than he had a flash light and a 1911 and it was AWFUL. He wont go into small spaces even today.

 

[photoman]

Very informative. It's easy to forget what some men have done for our country...

 

[29-1]

Very informative. It's easy to forget what some men have done for our country...

PM44, from one Texan to another, amen brother.
Chuck

 

[29aholic]

Very nice job Chuck. You dont post enough, because I always enjoy your presentations.

PS S315946 shipped July 1969

 

[29-1]

Very nice job Chuck. You dont post enough, because I always enjoy your presentations.

PS S315946 shipped July 1969

Curtis, thanks for the serial number. The late 60's guns seem to have shipped in some simblance of order. Yeah, I know I don't post enough but try to make up for it in quality.
Chuck

 

[29-1]

Chuck, interestingly the holster rig shown as worn by the gutzy troop with the TG pretty clearly at 1:02 of Gunny's clip looks to be a Brauer Brothers shoulder rig.... complete with undyed leather and elastic straps... Or given that brief glimpse, it's also possible that this holster is a Heiser No. 22....

Drew, I've replayed the clip slow-mo a few times now and it very well could be either actually, but I'm leaning toward Heiser. By the way, the video clip is probably as rare as the gun. History.com won
t sell any of their clips and I'm afraid this one will go away some day. I wish I had a way to find out who the TR was in the clip holding what I believe to be one of the 10 test guns that went to Vietnam for scarcely 90 days in the Summer/Fall of 1969. After they came home, though one didn't as it was lost in a tunnel after being dropped hence the request for a lanyard loop, none ever returned to Vietnam and the program was shut down. In the article I plan to pull out several Army test reports on the TG. They tell a whole different side to the story. The gun wasn't only tested in the tunnels, it was also used in a few ambushes above ground and the results were surprising. More later
Chuck

 

[moosedog]

A great post and research Chuck. You really do your home work.
Thank you.

 

[kwill1911]

I think this is a QSPR. Is it the same guy in the video clip?

 

[Sebago Son]

".... More later "
Chuck

I really look forward to it Sir!

 

[lawandorder]

Thank you very much for sharing this.

One of the most historical Smiths I have read about in a long time. Simply Excellent post & thread.

 

[29-1]

I think this is a QSPR. Is it the same guy in the video clip?

Kevin, you are my hero! The History Channel folks will not sell their clips and my fear is that the clip I posted may be the only one still in existence that shows a QSPR and that it will be lost in cyberspace some day. Yes it is the same guy! Is there a link to the source for this picture?
regards
Chuck

 

[kwill1911]

Chuck,

I just sent you an email with a couple of links that may help you.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[5Wire]

Great post!

Here's the best I could do on a screen shot:

 

[29-1]

Great post!

Here's the best I could do on a screen shot:

Bob, thanks very much. That is exactly the angle I was looking for.

Chuck

 

[beagleye]

Obviously the gun is a very rare piece. But the project seems ludicrous to me. All that expense and bother? I'd rather stick in some ear plugs and take a 1911 into a tunnel.

Thanks for volunteering, we'll be right here when you get back.

 

[dsink]

I really look forward to it Sir!

AMEN. I cant wait. Dont make us wait to long.....

 

[29-1]

Thanks again to the many folks on this forum who provided info on this rare Model S&W. You know who you are and it is most appreciated. This will be ressurected in a more detailed article complete with original Army reports and soldier's accounts of using the TG in combat. Quite a story still to be told about the 44 Magnum that had such a short life.
Regards
Chuck