Thread: Field modifying service weapons

I’ve just finished reading a thread about how twigs/branches can throw off a shot, the post touches on how the Aussies often preferred to use the L1A1 over the M16 in Vietnam for the reason that the heavier bullet performed better in the jungle. The L1A1 had a lot of disadvantages compared to the M16 which reminded me about the Aussie SASR modifying their SLRs in theatre.

The SLR was long, heavy and didn’t fire in full-auto. This was obviously an issue for the SASR as they operated covertly in dense jungle for long periods of time and regularly got into heavy engagements, so many picked up the M16. The alternate option was to modify the SLR, which many did as they preferred the .762 cartridge. A common modification was dubbed “The bitch” and consisted of shortening the barrel and gas system, removing the flash hider and front wood, adding an underslung grenade launcher and new sights, modifying the sear in order to fire full auto and using the larger 30rd mags from the L2A1 LMG.




This ugly contraption was shorter, lighter and could throw devastating .762 full auto fire, meaning it was a much more effective weapon in close range engagements. It was also said to add ‘shock factor’ to the enemy, who would have been somewhat used to being engaged by M16s. The short barrel and no flash hider, coupled with the larger cartridge and full-auto fire created an enormous racket which could initially stun the enemy and lead them to believe they were being engaged by a much larger force.

People may argue that the accuracy of the weapon was reduced my undertaking these modifications, and they are most probably correct. The reality is an SAS trooper isn’t going to be worried about his rifle being accurate out to long distances if he is only engaging the enemy at 10-30 meters (as was most common).

Many people (myself included) scowl at folks modifying old service weapons at home and removing their historical significance and accuracy. In the field, such modifications would have been close to a necessity and I can imagine the “it ain’t stupid if it works” attitude was taken in many special operations units. Such firearms are now extremely revered in collectors circles and have even more historical significance.

My question to you is what are some other notable examples of troops modifying their service weapons in theatre? How far back does this go? I’m particularly interested in New Zealand examples.

Hamish