Posted on Sep 10, 2022
What is the OLDEST model weapon that you used in the Military?
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For many of us, this will probably be dominated by the .45 Cal. Model 1911 Pistol (in service since 1911) and the .50 Cal. M2 Machinegun (Manufactured since 1921). For me, it was the above 2 weapons, plus the Smith & Wesson Model 1905 .38 Special Revolver. Please make this weapons that you actually used, carried, or operated as a service member. (The Navy guys will probably win. They never throw anything away.)
Rifles
Handguns and Pistols
Artillery
Machine Gun Basic
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 239
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My Guard unit went to Iraq with Ma-Deuces that saw action at the Hurtgen Forest & the Battle of the Bulge. Our one cracked a barrel extension during an engagement. It was made in 1939. The Army would not give us the part we needed but the Marines took good care of us. Handed us a recently manufactured part which fit perfectly. When we were working with the Marine Raiders for a bit in 2004, I was surprised to see them still carrying the M-72 LAW & the M-79 grenade launcher. The odd weapon that I got issued at my first duty assignment was a XM-16E1. It was an M-16A1 prototype. The last original M-16 I saw still in service was in 1986. Thinner, non-chromed barrel & no forward assist.
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Suspended Profile
M2 mortar, manufacture date 1942
M3 Submachine gun aka grease gun
Both older than the GM Frigidar M16 I used or the pre-A1versions we fired at BNOC in 1990 at Ft. Huachuca. No idea where those came from.
M3 Submachine gun aka grease gun
Both older than the GM Frigidar M16 I used or the pre-A1versions we fired at BNOC in 1990 at Ft. Huachuca. No idea where those came from.
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Oldest was a Remington Model 1897 12-gauge w/ the exposed hammer. Not as heavy as was thought, even with a full load of either OO Buck or # 4, but when it roared there was nothing else like it. Only gripe was the lack of a trigger disconnect, that did make 'fan fire' possible, but required you to be braced when you held the trigger down, and you fan-fired the '97 by simply racking the pump.
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CPL Mike Kiernan
I have had the '97 in-hand and yes, it's an awesome weapon. One of the more not considered tactics with it is the 'racking' the action, when in an empty room covering a doorway or structure. The '97, when 'racked', sounds like God dropping his zipper and declaring, in no uncertain terms, what's next is ready to go.
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To clarify. The oldest model “Firearm” I ever used while in service was the “M3” SMG. Cheaply made, simple, easy to work on. Only moderately temperamental in harsh conditions and dirty environments. No accuracy to speak of beyond 40 meters as that was not what it was designed for. For what it was designed for, it did that very well. And for a $15.00 Sub-Machine Gun who could really complain. The US military tried multiple times to oust the “Greaser” but the old girl hung in there until the Gulf War where it served as an Armored crews back up dismounted SMG. Wish I had one in my collection.
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SPC James McCullough
Thanks for the upvote Master Sargent. Glad too see you agree. And for what it’s worth the “Old Greaser” is still in use today in many of foreign militaries. Sadly to report one of those is the Red Chinese. That pisses me off. Anyway on a more positive note: The Philippine Army is still very faithful to the old girl and released her for distribution in her latest string of upgrades as recently as 2007. So the “HOMELY OLD PIG” may not see her last dance for some time to come.
Oh and now that I have calmed down from the whole Red Chinese using our girl. We may take some comfort in knowing that the Communist bastards are still using our 80 year old weapons tech. The Phillipines is understandable, the “Old Greaser” is cheap to produce, so for a poor Nation such as our friends over there in the Little Archipelago I foundly refer to my 2nd favorite Nation on the planet, understandable. But Communist China? I think it’s more of a testament as to what they’re really actually capable of. It ain’t much in my opinion, great at spreading untruths, great at flexing there muscle infront of their smaller less powerful neighbors. But in reality their like a man that beats on women, children and dogs. And we know what happens to those guys when they face off agains a man with real fitting skills. Do we not. Forgive my digression from your posting subject matter Master Sargent. I had no right to do that. Well, except I hate those communist bullying bastards, and I am pissed that I am too old to go engage them when we finally are going to get another shot. Damn it.
Oh and now that I have calmed down from the whole Red Chinese using our girl. We may take some comfort in knowing that the Communist bastards are still using our 80 year old weapons tech. The Phillipines is understandable, the “Old Greaser” is cheap to produce, so for a poor Nation such as our friends over there in the Little Archipelago I foundly refer to my 2nd favorite Nation on the planet, understandable. But Communist China? I think it’s more of a testament as to what they’re really actually capable of. It ain’t much in my opinion, great at spreading untruths, great at flexing there muscle infront of their smaller less powerful neighbors. But in reality their like a man that beats on women, children and dogs. And we know what happens to those guys when they face off agains a man with real fitting skills. Do we not. Forgive my digression from your posting subject matter Master Sargent. I had no right to do that. Well, except I hate those communist bullying bastards, and I am pissed that I am too old to go engage them when we finally are going to get another shot. Damn it.
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MSG Lonnie Averkamp
SPC James McCullough - Yeah, I'm right there with you. After 20 years in the Infantry, Paratroops and Special Forces, my knees are worn out to the point that I can no longer carry a ruck for 10 miles and be fit to fight. However, I could still be one hell of a supply sergeant to a light weapons squad (wink, wink).
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SPC James McCullough
MSG Lonnie Averkamp
Roger that! Impressive career Msgt. You know, I think that if perched high atop a strategic vantage point, with a bit of rations, a load of ammo, an M110-SASS, an M82A2 and a TAC-338 old dogs like ourselves and countless of thousands like us could still contribute. And hell, can’t and won’t speak for anyone else but I would offer my services free of charge for a chance at the Chi-Com bastards.
I know these young soldiers of today could whoop my behind in every aspect of soldiering, except for one. Its hard to beat a man that has spent decades perfecting his skills, and sent 10’s of 1000’s of hot ones spinning down range.
We could petition the ARMY to create an entirely new unit. The “1/1 GSD”..
(Geriatric Sniper Division)
Roger that! Impressive career Msgt. You know, I think that if perched high atop a strategic vantage point, with a bit of rations, a load of ammo, an M110-SASS, an M82A2 and a TAC-338 old dogs like ourselves and countless of thousands like us could still contribute. And hell, can’t and won’t speak for anyone else but I would offer my services free of charge for a chance at the Chi-Com bastards.
I know these young soldiers of today could whoop my behind in every aspect of soldiering, except for one. Its hard to beat a man that has spent decades perfecting his skills, and sent 10’s of 1000’s of hot ones spinning down range.
We could petition the ARMY to create an entirely new unit. The “1/1 GSD”..
(Geriatric Sniper Division)
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MSG Lonnie Averkamp
SPC James McCullough - Going through Drill Sergeant School at 34 years of age was about my "Last Hoorah" (they kicked my butt, but I still made Class Honor Graduate).
I like that unit: "GSD". I need to find a spot to sneak that into my resume.
I like that unit: "GSD". I need to find a spot to sneak that into my resume.
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A rock and a stick, seriously. However I am not certain which one of those two can claim the title of oldest over the other.
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CW2 Donald Loughrey
Didn't Cain use a rock? But I think they want stuff in the US inventory. I never signed for a rock or stick from the arms room.....but I moved and carried a few in Basic and AIT.....
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When I was a SP/4, I was an M60 Gunner, my assigned sidearm was a Remington-Rand 1911, made during WWII. I have little experience with the M2 Browning, since I served in an Airborne unit and several Light Infantry units later. The M2 wasn't part of the TO&E of such units I served in, might be different now.
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MSG Lonnie Averkamp
You know, I was with Airborne units for most of my career, and I never thought about us not having 50-cals around.............
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While on a patrol with a Vietnamese Ranger unit I carried an M3 Greasegun.
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