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[MedicmanV2]

Gear:

M1 Helmet w/ Mitchell cover
3rd Pattern Jungle Fatigues Jacket
3rd Pattern Jungle Fatigues Trousers
M-56 Field Suspenders
M-56 Pistol Belt
2x M-56 Universal Ammo Pouch
1x M1961 Buttpack
1x M-56 E-Tool Cover
1x M-56 First Aid/Compass Pouch
OD Jungle Boots

Guns:

Classic Army M16A1

What else would I need/need to change? Thanks.

[MetallicaFatCat]

AFAIK, the M16A1 isn't the same thing as the VN version, though I could be wrong, which, I probably am.

[Buckshot]

You might want to get a flak/PASGT jacket. Other than that, it all sounds good.

[MedicmanV2]

AFAIK, the M16A1 isn't the same thing as the VN version, though I could be wrong, which, I probably am.

What VN version?

You might want to get a flak/PASGT jacket. Other than that, it all sounds good.

The PASGT was introduced post Vietnam. And did the US Army Infantry ever use flak jackets in Vietnam? In photos, I only see Marines wearing them.

[Sverak]

Might I suggest looking into the G&P M16s? I know a few overseas sites have them, not sure about stateside though. G&P from what I hear makes some of the best externals and internals on the market. Plus they are extremely accurate with great attention to detail.

Edit: Here it is, this is off ehobbyasia. The G&P M16 without Forward assist and 3 prong flash hider, as accurate as it can get (I think)

http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/gandp-m16vn-airsoft-aeg.html

[MedicmanV2]

Might I suggest looking into the G&P M16s? I know a few overseas sites have them, not sure about stateside though. G&P from what I hear makes some of the best externals and internals on the market. Plus they are extremely accurate with great attention to detail.

Hmm, never handled a G&P, so I can't speak on their behalf. I had my heart set on the Classic Army M16A1 (or VN, whatever) X Series because I heard good things about 'em. I just can't find a place that has it in stock.

[Sgt. Kinn]

The PASGT was introduced post Vietnam. And did the US Army Infantry ever use flak jackets in Vietnam? In photos, I only see Marines wearing them.

The Army sometimes did, but not nearly as often as Marines.

Id suggest getting a Lightweight or tropical rucksack, and putting several 2 qt canteens on it, machete, smoke grenades, claymore bag on it, and remove the buttpack from the webbing.

[rankross1]

and get a shovel so you can dig yourself a ditch while under fire

[MedicmanV2]

and get a shovel so you can dig yourself a ditch while under fire

An E-tool?

The Army sometimes did, but not nearly as often as Marines.

Id suggest getting a Lightweight or tropical rucksack, and putting several 2 qt canteens on it, machete, smoke grenades, claymore bag on it, and remove the buttpack from the webbing.

I'll probably get one after I get the basics covered.

[Crimson_Phoenix]

The original M16 is different from the M16A1. Furniture is mostly the same, but the forward assist and brass deflector were absent on the original M16s used in Vietnam. The A1 was an improved version based upon soldier feedback after the conflict. I'd suggest adding an M16 ammo bandoleer (used to carry softpack rounds on stripper clips with cardboard inserts or additional mags). As far as the buttpack is concerned, didn't the soldier live out of those when a ruck was either impractical or otherwise unavailable? Big items were foot powder, poncho, and extra changes of socks if I remember right.

One thing I'll tell you right now though is screw authenticity, be sure to get MODERN, new, clean 1 and 2 quart USGI canteens. Save the M1 NBC caps which aren't on all canteens sold, there have been virtually no cosmetic changes to these things in nearly 40 years. I'd say two of the 1 quart ones are about minimum, and from photos I've seen, it wasn't unusual to see upwards of three or more on a single belt.

These sites may be of help to you:

http://www.vietnamgear.com/
This one has tons of reference photos near the bottom intended for reenactors:
http://david.brubakers.us/Vietnam/index.html
http://david.brubakers.us/Vietnam/Vietnam_Equipment_page_2.htm
http://david.brubakers.us/Vietnam/Vietnam_Equipment_page_3.htm

[bzager1]

I haven't ever heard that the rifle was introduced post-war, but hey, it was a bit before my time in the service as well...

It is perfectly acceptable for an M16A1 to be used in a Vietnam impression. I'm unsure where you heard that the A1 was standardized after Vietnam, but it is MY understanding that the M16A1 was introduced in 1967 and saw service for the remaining years of the Vietnam conflict. I believe that the A1 improvements were made after the rifle's initial fiasco due to General Westmoreland threatening to exercise his right as theater commander and have them all withdrawn from service unless the problems were addressed...

[Crimson_Phoenix]

This may be right then. I was born in '87, even after the A2 was introduced. Never had access to either, so this may be in error. I had understood the A1 as being formalized around '72 or so, after action in Vietnam had already wound down under Nixon.

[the roob]

we were in nam until 75.


For a good vietnam loadout, resist the urge to collect and wear every piece of kit you can get your hands on.  the more veteran you were in nam, the less crap you would be carrying around with you from your issued gear. lots of stuff you don't need on patrols and ambushes.  your list looks good to go, like CP said, I would add some canteens and a combat knife, K-bars were sought after, but the issue bayonet would be legit for army loadout.

[MedicmanV2]

Alright, thanks guys. This is the AEG I wanted for my loadout, just to clarify:

http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=139_24_91&products_id=5817

Seems accurate enough to me. Problem is, I can't find a place that has it in stock. If anyone knows of a reliable, good website that has it, please let me know. Thanks again.

[the roob]

good luck I had been looking for a CA xm-177  some time ago and could find neither of these models in stock effing ANYWHERE. you might want to check out the G&Ps anyway, alot of people have been saying good things about them (I cant comment- never saw one up close).

[Silent Wolfe]

The Army sometimes did, but not nearly as often as Marines.

(Notice the rifle? It's not an M16A1....)
Only those who could get their hands on them had them. Most didn't wear them anyway because they were bulky and heavy, limiting how quiet and how much movement you could do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_vest#1950s.E2.80.931970s
Do some homework...

[MedicmanV2]

(Notice the rifle? It's not an M16A1....)
Only those who could get their hands on them had them. Most didn't wear them anyway because they were bulky and heavy, limiting how quiet and how much movement you could do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_vest#1950s.E2.80.931970s
Do some homework...

The only noticeable difference is the birdcage flash hider.

[MG42Madness]

Those boots are far too clean for him to be fighting, anyhow.

[MedicmanV2]

What is the best website for Vietnam era stuff on the cheap? I was looking at Moore Militaria, I need some original 3rd pat jungle fatigues to start my 'Nam loadout, but they don't have any in my size only repro, and the reproductions are expensive kinda

[MG42Madness]

Moore Militaria is very good.  I've ordered a few things from them for my hiking needs, and all of it has come in tip-top shape.  Reproductions are well-stitched and high quality.  Just be sure to reinforce the buttons with extra thread.

They're the best.  Period.

[MedicmanV2]

Moore Militaria is very good.  I've ordered a few things from them for my hiking needs, and all of it has come in tip-top shape.  Reproductions are well-stitched and high quality.  Just be sure to reinforce the buttons with extra thread.

They're the best.  Period.

Are the 3rd pattern reproduction uniforms the correct color? They look different from the originals. Also, how are the Rothco repro 3rd pats? They are much cheaper.

[MG42Madness]

I have no idea.  I haven't purchased everything in his catalog.  I own a set of sateens that I purchased from him.  Like I said, I didn't buy it because it looked realistic, I bought it for the comfort value. 

[Burke]

Wasnt aware Rotcho had 3rd pattern repos, link?

Ive got a CA xm177 loves it.

[Crimson_Phoenix]

We were in country until '75, yes, but from what I understood, drawdowns began under Nixon earlier than that and most major fighting ceased before '75. I'm going by memory here, and not quoting any historical source.

[Silent Wolfe]

Those boots are far too clean for him to be fighting, anyhow.

This is true.