On Sat, 24 Feb 2018 17:50:26 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:

wrote:

I guess you never went to Ye Olde Hunter in Alexandria. They
specialized in old military rifles. Granted most were bolt action
because that was what most militaries had but you could also buy an M1
carbine with 20 and 30 round magazines if you had the money or any
number of SA pistols, pretty cheap. I was 19 when I bought my 34
Barretta for $40 and I walked out the door with it. Same with a .38
super 1911.


AR was around. 50 years ago. Basic we used M1 carbine in Air Force.
Probably first time I fired M16 was yearly qualifying in about 1967. We
were not allowed autofire.

I never saw an M16 until the absolute last day I was in the CG. I was
at Yorktown processing out and went to see my old chief who was
"gunner" there. He asked if I wanted to go to the range with him and I
did. We shot some .45 for old times sake (he taught me to shoot) then
he asked if I wanted to try an M16. I fired about 10 in semi and did
the rest in bursts. I am not even sure if this was the A1 or A2 that
only fires 3 at a time but short bursts was how I learned to shoot
anyway ... on a M2.

We had M1s on the ship. I hear they got M14s later but I never saw
one. On the reserve cruises we were not gunners mates like the FTs on
active duty. It was pretty much just a boat ride.