During a break in the Cu Chi Tunnel tour you have the option (for a price) to shoot guns at a firing range. Steve and I shared 10 rounds each on an AK-47 and M16 (so we each had 5 shots on each gun). I don't think either of us hit any of the targets, but it was interesting to feel what firing a gun is actually like. The guns are bolted in (for safety) so you have a limited range of motion, but it was still a cool experience.
The range was REALLY loud though. I wouldn't be surprised if most soldiers with long deployments come home hard of hearing (or if they wear earplugs in the battlefield... although I imagine you wouldn't want to dampen any of your senses in a battle).
One wonders where the guns and ammunition come from. I think it's safe to say the guns come from the Vietnam War. Not as sure about the ammunition. This may be naive of me, but I'm hoping all the munitions are also surplus stock from the Vietnam war, and not lining the pockets of some arms dealer.
Firing a gun must be scary. Could you feel the recoil?
ReplyDeleteThere was more recoil than I expected. I was kind of worried the gun was going to hit me in the face, but I guess that's why you rest your shoulder against it...
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