What is on this M16?

[Andy in NH]

In this video we can see a Marine radioman dragging a prisoner.

There is something under the handguard of his rifle.

Just a bit later in the video, we can see the item move forward just slightly, and there appears to be a sleeve of some sort on the handguard that moves also.

(Don't mind the pink moonbeam.)




The best screenshot of the item I could capture is in B&W.

 

[AMV]

Looks like the guy is holding a spare mag

 

[Mesatchornug]

Looks like the guy is holding a spare mag

I was thinking a pack of smokes...

I like your read better.

 

[Andy in NH]

Looks like the guy is holding a spare mag

That doesn't account for the sleeve moving on the handguard with the item.

 

[DJBrad]

That doesn't account for the sleeve moving on the handguard with the item.

I think the forward movement is definitely something not attached to the handguard because it moves forward only when he switches hands. So could be a spare 20 rounder or something else but the image and video is too grainy to be sure.

 

[nstassel]

The mix of weapons is interesting. I see am M1 carbine and Greasegun too.

 

[Bodhisattva]

Looks like a smoke grenade that he’s holding.

 

[Andy in NH]

I think the forward movement is definitely something not attached to the handguard because it moves forward only when he switches hands. So could be a spare 20 rounder or something else but the image and video is too grainy to be sure.

Agreed - that's why I asked for help. Thanks for commenting.

Something else I noticed was this Marine wearing his M1916 holster reversed on his left side with a Ka-Bar under it.

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)



The fictitious Sgt Elias does something similar with his 1911 in Platoon (1986).

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)

 

[FalArAk]

He is a radio op so its probably the mic strapped to his hand so he doesn't have to fumble for it when he needs it.

 

[Andy in NH]

He is a radio op so its probably the mic strapped to his hand so he doesn't have to fumble for it when he needs it.

I don't think so.

He appears to only be wearing one radio and the waterproofed handset can be seen loosely attached to his left shoulder strap.

 

[Sweeney]

Don't know what it is but it appears to me to not be attached to the fore end. It's something he's holding in one hand and then transfers it to the other hand when changing grip.

 

[1sern]

What is an M-16 Andy in N-H?

 

[FalArAk]

I don't think so.

He appears to only be wearing one radio and the waterproofed handset can be seen loosely attached to his left shoulder strap.

Only other thing that resembles that is a 203 round, but I don't think those were invented yet...

I give up lol

 

[graphite]

Agreed - that's why I asked for help. Thanks for commenting.

Something else I noticed was this Marine wearing his M1916 holster reversed on his left side with a Ka-Bar under it.

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)

View attachment 961579

The fictitious Sgt Elias does something similar with his 1911 in Platoon (1986).

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)

View attachment 961580

With the cameras around his neck, and the fact he doesn't carry a rifle, I'm thinking he's a combat photographer.

You can see him earlier about 4:34 helping with the wounded Marine, then at the 5:33 mark at the back right, digging around in his right side pockets for something after they pulled down the VC flag. Maybe he keeps spare film and such on his right side and so carries the pistol and knife on his left side??

Maybe he just prefers cross draw. Maybe with knife and pistol on the same side it's easier to draw the knife without the pistol butt getting in the way.

 

[1sern]

Only other thing that resembles that is a 203 round, but I don't think those were invented yet...

I give up lol

M203 was invented during the Vietnam war, besides you never heard of the M79?

 

[LittleCalm]

There were no attachments to the handguard so I agree with others who say it’s some other object that is being held with the hand. Also, note the use of shotguns elsewhere in the video.

 

[Dennis in MA]

Looks like a smoke grenade that he’s holding.

That was my first thought.

Agreed - that's why I asked for help. Thanks for commenting.

Something else I noticed was this Marine wearing his M1916 holster reversed on his left side with a Ka-Bar under it.

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)

View attachment 961579

The fictitious Sgt Elias does something similar with his 1911 in Platoon (1986).

(another grainy video screenshot that looks better while playing the video.)

View attachment 961580

Yeah. Those pesky righties putting things backwards on teh left side of their bodies.

Clearly, something of greater importance was on right (strong) side that precluded a sidearm to be placed there. So it goes crossdraw on the opposing side.

Or he is a lefty and he Wild-Bill's the draw. (Cavalry draw, IIRC)

 

[Andy in NH]

What is an M-16 Andy in N-H?

Thank you. I'll correct the mistake.

 

[Andy in NH]

Looks like a smoke grenade that he’s holding.

Smoke grenades are cylindrical (like a beer can) that object appears more flat.

That object's length and width appear to be different.

 

[Andy in NH]

There were no attachments to the handguard so I agree with others who say it’s some other object that is being held with the hand. Also, note the use of shotguns elsewhere in the video.

To me, at 7:07 it looks like he pulls the object backwards and a sleeve on the handguard moves with it.

Thanks for the comment and participating in the discussion.

 

[SHOCKNAWE]

My father in Vietnam 1969, Marine infantry

His rifle is as basic as they come

 

[FalArAk]

M203 was invented during the Vietnam war, besides you never heard of the M79?

Apparently not, is that a crime?

 

[Cap'n Mike]

Could be a bottle of insect repellant.

 

[Andy in NH]

It would be nice if @Skysoldier or any other Vietnam vets could add their perspective.

 

[Bodhisattva]

Smoke grenades are cylindrical (like a beer can) that object appears more flat.

Think it just may be the shadow of the image. But I can see how one may think it’s more flat. I’m not sure what was used for firearms oil back then, but maybe it’s a bottle of LSA?

 

[AMV]

Think it just may be the shadow of the image. But I can see how one may think it’s more flat. I’m not sure what was used for firearms oil back then, but maybe it’s a bottle of LSA?

View attachment 961831

It looks like whatever it is it was transferred into his right hand at 6:59 in the video, I would be willing to bet given the circumstances, top priority would be the ability to shoot small arms not lubricating them at that time.