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The Vietnam Sniper (M14)

3659 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Bushmaster Recon
Two things that always cross my mind when thinking of successful sniper operations are that of the Vietnam Conflict Sniper and the Modern-Day High Tech Sniper Team.

They both generally catch my attention in opposite ways, Vietnam being a more secluded sniper, using the skills he was taught, and land navigation. Of course the Present Day Sniper relying basically on technology to make that perfect shot. Currently, I lean more towards the side of the more technical based Sniper, and not the technology based Sniper.

I also have a few questions while on the subject of Vietnam Snipers. I am wanting to run a Kit (Loadout) off a U.S Navy SEAL Sniper, with an M14. Now I was wondering what Night Vision Scope they used? (Thanks Bushmaster)

As for the rest I have heard the hardly ever ran full Ghillie's. Mainly just the blouse.

What other things should I get for this kit?
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I dont know what bipods they used but I do know that they used Starlight night optic sights. It was a large, bulky, early attempt at night vision equipment that was mounted onto rifles such as the M14.
THANK YOU!!! I was watching Weaponology and it showed that. I like the look of it being huge, adds to the authenticity.

I am currently going to be running a Faux Wood WE M14, then going to use the camouflage makeup kit, and streak it on there since its easily removable. (Heard this from a veteran I talk to a lot). Although not authentic, I would love to just use a Harris Bipod.
Hope this helps:
Kit:
Vietnam-era ALICE Webbing rig
Vietnam-era camo uniform and boonie hat(EDRL, Tiger Stripe, plain green etc.)
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I don't think they ever used any bipods, but that huge night vision scope would look cool; I've always wanted it. How would you get a hold of one? I'd imagine them to either be hard to find, very pricey, or both.
FYI....

The Starlight Scope was pretty much exclusively used on M14/XM21s, they were also fitted the good old M16 as well, but this was only done by the Army not the Navy.

They didn't use bi-pods that often, if at all, but you could use the period general issue spring clip-on bi-pod.

The early war years sniper and recon teams used Tiger Stripe and Duck Hunter, but by mid war on they could be found wearing Tigers, ERDL, Mitchell, Duck Hunter and theres another with similar accronim to ERDL that I cant remember now, and I think that there might be an Air Force issue camo aswell if memory serves :doh:

SEALs did indeed use a hood and shoulder Ghillie, but wostly they used natural foliage to do thier camo with as generally it was to damned hot to be wearing a Ghillie.
FYI....

The Starlight Scope was pretty much exclusively used on M14/XM21s, they were also fitted the good old M16 as well, but this was only done by the Army not the Navy.
I presume by Army you also mean USMC because the video above is of marine sniper Chuck Mawhinney using a starlight/M14.
I presume by Army you also mean USMC because the video above is of marine sniper Chuck Mawhinney using a starlight/M14.
Nope, I ment the Army only fitted the Starlight to the M16, it was used in their field tests for a replacement sniper rifle for the war, along with the M14/XM21, the FAL and some others. In the end they chose the XM21, but they still issued the M16 for FOB night defence. And they still used the the Winchester and Rem 700s that were previously in use for day time operations.

The Navy and Marines just went straight for the M14 Match, along side the Wincester and Rem 700 that, again were already in circulation.

And just for completeness of my previous post.....

When using and M14/XM21 with a Starlight in night operations most were fitted with a f**k-off gert suppressor to hide flash and muffle noise :tup:
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