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Posted: 9/24/2006 9:15:48 AM EDT
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OK, I've built my M-16A1 Clone, now what's the appropriate "Retro" Gun case for it? Suspect OD or early Camo Nylon or Cordura type fabric. Is there such a thing as a Viet Nam era gun case...and if there is..where can I find one? Should it have exterior mag pouches and all sort of accessory mountings..of just a straight guncase? Was there a USGI M -16 Case back then? |
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That's not surprising. I suspect the real thing got muddy, rained on, submerged, dinged, banged and dropped all the time. It musta've been a simpler time without designer drag bags, "discrete" cases and hermetically-sealed, hi-tech plastic boxes that can withstand virtually any attack. No wonder they had such a bad initial rep: No cases, no cleaning tools, wrong powder. |
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For a full length 20" gun, there really aren't too many "issue" retro choices. I have, however, seen what appeared to be a trombone case with the interior modified to accept a separated SP-1 upper and lower, with an area for 5 20 rounders and a colt 3x. The individual told me he had it made in the 70's when he purchased the gun. It was very cool in a sort of way......almost looked like something an assassin would have carried in an Italian "B" movie from the 70's.....kinda like a Thompson hard case, but longer. For 10.5 and 11.5 guns, an M-60 spare bbl. carrying case might work... The zippered pouch will take a few 20's or 30's, and some ammo. They can be had for less than 15-20 dollars, but they are not padded inside at all.... |
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drshame, The only authentic/appropriate option for a "issue" gun case are the padded OD cases used by Airborne troops. They will accommodate 20" rifles and can be adjusted for shorter versions as well. They have been around forever, so they are usually easy to find surplus at reasonable prices. Wpns Man |
| The M1950 weaponscase would be the only thing I could think of, but even then it is only used in jumps. If you are talking military weapons cases there just are none used. Drag bags are a sniper thing, not a regular Joe thing even still today. At least I have never been issued one in 13 years of service. |
actually, there was a version that was padded, made by eastern canvas products, same overall size and shape, but padded, and it has the sling for the bag sewn on one end, witha hook on the other, (ETA, i was told this was an early version, ) FWIW, a 10.5 with an A1 fixed stock will not fit, but i do believe a collapsable will, |
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In 1971 my Dad had an aluminum rifle case made in the RVN, by a Vietnamese aircraft mechanic IIRC. It was padded with styrofoam and held a captured VC weapon, a JP Sauer manufactured 98K Mauser in 8mm. I have the case, rifle, and all documentation of provenance. How retro is that?! From the quality, I would imagine quite a few aluminum cases were built over there. Paladin |
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