My favorite rifle still lives. The M-14 Wouldn't Surrender
See also this article on the "obsolete" flamethrower.
From 1999 to 2000, the Russians employed flamethrowers against Chechen rebel forces during the battle for Grozny. Russian tacticians concluded that the flamethrower was effective as much for its psychological effect as its ability to flush insurgents or snipers out of enclosed or fortified positions. The Russian use of flamethrowers was also one reason why in 2003 the United Nations declared Grozny the most devastated city on the planet.
Interestingly, there are few restrictions on the design, construction and use of flamethrowers in civilian hands in the United States.
12 comments:
I love my M-14! (actually M-1A)..Wood stock and stainless barrel with a 14x scope is a heavy sucker though. So, I handle it everyday for a half-hour or so just to try and keep used to the weight. I'd love to take it on hikes but I think the collectivist types would crap themselves as I walk past. The only problem I've found (if it's really a problem at all) is staying on target when rapid firing. She does have a "kick", unlike AR's. And the ammo gets a bit heavy if carrying large amounts as opposed to 5.56. Just carry a bit less and hit what you aim at..LOL...
Despite throwing fire from a device held by the arms, flamethrowers are not regulated as firearms. I've always loved that they're perfectly legal and a horrifying deterrent to tyranny.
A large part of my leisure time this past year has been spent in coming up with an easily built, open source model that can be assembled and fabricated from simple instructions by nearly anyone. When it's ready, the design will be freely available to anyone who wants it.
A fire extinguisher can be easily modified into the world's most ironic flamethrower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNu0sR89_BM
Please post your flame thrower design here Anon at 8:18 AM.
We may need it soon. :(
The only thing I don't like about the M14 is that inserting a magazine can be a bit tricky.
I don't know why the army didn't just build a 7.62x51mm version of the M1 Carbine, similar in size to the M1 Garand, and be done with it.
Anon 11:59 Yes the mags are tricky but I've found that by practicing as much as possible they become less tricky. I've also found that the more you insert and remove the mag it takes the slightest bit of coating off the mag, making insertion easier and easier. I also like to keep the parts where the mag inserts just slightly lubed. Not dripping with oil; just enough to make a difference. Yeah they're a little tougher than inserting an AR mag, but I've seen people not check if the AR mag was all the way home and then it fell out when they went to fire. Which was kind of funny (to me anyway). Long story short: practice makes perfect. Anon 5:28 am
I haul the Garand a my #1. That's my Militia Rifle. I actually plan to trade my "AR15" off, as it simply has never given me the sense of security that big M-1 carries. You should reread that article carefully about the hell wand. Flamethrower men had life expectancy shorter than fruit fly's (USMC said 4 Min.) They carried 70Lb.s of weapon and jellied AVGAS Napalm , in a pressurized tank that made them the target of every enemy weapon within sight. The MAXIMUM firing duration of the Mk2 Flame projector is 10 seconds, with a 20 yard MAXIMUM range. Then they got to run to the rear and fill that big green bitch back up with NAPALM. So tell me; How many you guys want to run around an honest to G_D; Folks trying to kill your ass battlefield, with a 70 pound NAPALM bomb strapped on your backs? Men who do that get The CMH and clank when they walk--IF they live.---Ray
The M14 is a decent weapon, but there are better .308 semis out there, like the DSA FAL or, better yet, the LMT MWS. And be advised that an M1A is not an M14. I'm not nitpicking over the lack of the pointless auto switch. I'm talking about the inferiority of the parts used in many M1A's as opposed to the more rugged and reliable GI parts in an M14. It's like the difference between a real AR-15, like a Colt LE6920 or Bravo Company midlength, and any of the cheap copies like those made by Olympic, Rock River, Bushmaster, etc. Run the rifle hard and you'll see the difference sooner or later. Buy quality now, while you can!
As for flamethrowers, the legality isn't an issue if it's to be used against tyranny. Why would someone who's willing to fight against jackboots be concerned about weapons regulations? That's like a guy who steals cars being worried about getting caught driving without insurance during a theft.
Aside from that, a flamethrower wouldn't be my pick for a weapon except in rare cases. The idea of being turned into a human torch because an enemy's bullet hit my fuel tank, or due to a malfunction, just doesn't appeal to me. The weight, short range, and "please shoot me first" vibe it sends out are also major drawbacks. Even so, there could be times when they could be needed.
I enjoy my M1A. About 1.5 MOA out of an old, standard battle platform. Makes me :)
the problems with flamethrowers are the limited range and the nice target the guy carrying one makes.
I'd like to see a small remote-operated flamethrower. could even be single-shot. ambushes, delaying actions, perimeter defense..like a claymore, only with fire.
Allen: sorry, this is the complete article.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flame_fougasse
In a Sipsey Street confrontation, where you know there is no chance you are going to still be standing when all is said and done, a small flamethrower might be just the thing to discourage the next group of JBTs from breaking into another citizen's home. Nomex gloves and balaclavas won't be much protection.
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