The Big Five (Guns that is)

[Panther Al]

I was fooling about with the various books making a stereotypical "oldtimer" type character, one who felt if a gun had plastic on it, it was too new. It got me thinking a bit, what would you list as the big five weapons: Ones that has already stood the test of time, and will still be found in the worlds battlefields 50, 75, even a 100 years from now?

My list:

AK47 Family (Big Surprise), The Colt M1911 Family, Browning's M2HB, The Classic Mauser, and the Bofors 40mm Family.

Which ones do you think make the cut?

[James Langham]

I agree with the AK series, as for the others I would have:

* L7A2 GPMG (M240/MAG)

* Pungi spiked pit

* Molotov cocktail

* Claymore mine

Of these I suspect that the GPMG is the least likely to be around. What is depressing is considering how many weapons I think of as modern are now 50+ years old...

[HorseSoldier]

That will still be around 50-100 from now, in military service with someone?

AKM
MAG-58
Glock 17
M16/M4
PKM

[Raellus]

Good list to start, Panther Al. I agree with James on the GPMG MAG/M240 and Horse on the PKM and Glock 17/19- all solid choices. I would add the H&K MP5 series to that list as well. And, although it's not a gun, I would say that the RPG-7 is going to be around for a very long time.

The M16/M4/AR-15 series, love it or loathe it, will probably still be around in 50 years if for no other reason than the shear volume that have been produced over the last 50 years.

EDIT: Just saw that this is my 1000th post here.

[Legbreaker]

L1A1 SLR
G3
Bayonet
Hand grenade (home made if necessary)
Combat boot

Originally Posted by Raellus

EDIT: Just saw that this is my 1000th post here.

Got you doubled on that

[Panther Al]

Valid point on the M16 Family: Absolutely correct that there is so many of the things that they will never go all the way away. Might replace the 1911 with the 16 series then. I still stand behind the list though: keeping it to items that are systems, basic knives and boots - though meeting the definition, are not quite what I was thinking of. And the hand grenade of today won't be the one of tomorrow, too much difference I think will be found in the time span. But the basic, unaltered (except in minor ways - still has to be able to be handed to a person who fielded it when it was new to figure out how to use it with little to no instruction) form, I stand by mine. Though as I said, didn't think of the 16. Big one to miss there.

But there are so many good systems out there, might be better off to say top 10 - The PKM is also up there as well.

[Raellus]

How 'bout the Mossberg 500 and/or Remington 870? There are lots out there in U.S. military and law-enforcement use and quite a few more in civilian hands as well (at least here in the states). Both are simple, rugged designs and 12-gauge ammo is plentiful pretty much worldwide.

@Leg: That's impressive. IIRC, I was active here at least a year before you started posting.

[Legbreaker]

I was tempted to put in a shotgun as well, but not so sure about a specific one. There's soooo many to choose from and as a class they're a very good weapon to have on hand - once the factory made ammo is all gone, the shotgun / blunderbuss types are almost certain to gain a huge following.

Not all that impressive Rae, you only beat me here by about 3 months. Mind you, there was that enforced and rather unnecessary period last year...

[mikeo80]

This is my VERY humble opinion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16%22/5...ber_Mark_7_gun

Now THAT is heavy metal!!!

Mike

[LAW0306]

Horse is correct. That is my vote also.