Any Vietnam Vets with knowledge on the use of the XM21 and accessories?
As a pretty serious arms historian (I love History!) I think it is important to recover and record as much "living history" info as possible, as soon as possible. With most VN vets in their sixties now, it's time to "get it down" wihat really was used rather than what the manuals say, positive and negative field reports on the gear "in theatre", etc.
If any of our members are Vietnam Veteran Snipers or Armorers, how about sharing your stories - or at least giving us the lowdown on how good or bad the individual pieces of gear worked for you. A few specific questions:
Did the XM-21 with the epoxy treated stocks hold zero in the jungle and monsoon rain? How well did the AR TEL scope work out? Did it's cam track the issue M-118 NM ammo pretty well? Every have to use M80 ball, and how did that work? Did you use the Redfield scope caps when not shooting? Carry the aluminum can or leave it at camp? Use Iron sights at all against the NVA? Was the PVS-2, in your experience, effective - and to what actual range under good (moon light) conditons? Did anyone use the seven round AMTU mags? Some XM21s are reported to have been made with modified E2 stocks and some with full auto switches - anyone ever see one "in country"?
How common was enemy sniper fire - and were you involved in neutralizing them?
Just hoping to add to the historical knowledge base. If you, or anyone you know has first hand knowledge, it would be appreciated, for both the collecting community and posterity. Thanks, CC
Last edited by Col. Colt; 07-29-2012 at 02:13.
Colt, Glock and Remington factory trained LE Armorer
LE Trained Firearms Instructor