What type of gun did they use in the Vietnam war?

Answer 1

Colt model 1911, 45 caliber, semi auto pistol, which was heavy, not very accurate and prone to jams if not cleaned EVERY day. Issued to those who were in a vehicle, such as a APC or a helicopter. You know that you are in BIG trouble if all you have to shoot back with is a dinky little pistol, and the other guys have AK 47's, or 12mm heavy machine guns. The sidearm for the Air Force was the Smith-Wesson .38 caliber revolver. These were issued to pilots.

Answer 2

The Vietnam War was the last war involving the US, in which war souvenirs could be brought home, nearly un-restricted (fully automatic exempted), by returning GI's. The two most sought after communist weapons were the SKS carbine (semi-automatic rifle) & the K-54 semi-automatic pistol. AK-47's could NOT be brought home. US Airmen (Navy, Air Force, & Marines) often carried, usually in shoulder holsters, a .38 caliber revolver, often snub nosed (Government Issued). US Army/Marines were issued the model 1911 semi-automatic .45 Colt pistol (Vietnam was the last US war with the .45 auto). For the US Army, the following were issued (authorized) .45's: Armor Crewmen (tank crewmen), machingunners, RTO's (Radio Telephone Operators), Medics, helicopter crewmen, military policemen, and all officers.

Answer 3

Communist troops were initially armed with the SKS, then later the AK-47. US troops were inially armed with the M14 rifle and the ARVN (South Viet Army) was armed with the WW2 M1 Carbine. By the late 60's, both ARVN & US infantrymen were equipped with M-16 Assault Rifles. Note-in the US Military; "Gun" means Artillery (cannons). Small arms means rifles, machine guns, pistols.