This Is a Literal Shot in the Dark, I Suppose...

[mabfan]

Has anyone out there reading my blog ever fired a rifle in a combat situation? If so, I'd like to ask a few questions for a story I'm writing...

Comments

[shsilver.livejournal.com]

I haven't, but I imagine you could contact Lee Allred, who has done, I believe, two tours in Iraq, or Joe Haldeman. If you like, I can put you in touch with a major who just contacted me who is still in Iraq and took part in the Battle of Fallujah.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

I don't know Lee Allred, and I don't want to bother Joe with this question. The major might be most helpful. What I'm basically looking for is a description of the kind of rifle he used, and what it feels like physically to hold it and fire it. If he'd actually be willing to share his thoughts with me, I'd be appreciative.

[arib.livejournal.com]

Not in combat, but I've handled a .22 caliber rifle, and an M-1.

[arib.livejournal.com]

My housemate recently went shooting at a target range, you may want to consider heading over to one and trying it out for yourself.

[cogitationitis.livejournal.com]

There's actually a range in Manchester NH where you can try out various guns, including a machine gun. My husband found it.

[clauclauclaudia]

I'm guessing you're going for emotions rather than physical sensations? Because I've shot an AR15 (the civilian version of an M-16), but only in a very peaceful recreational firing range. http://www.livejournal.com/users/claudia_/13028.html

I'm betting srakkt, who commented on that post, wouldn't mind being pinged on the subject. He's a former (or inactive?) Marine.

[clauclauclaudia]

And the range was in Worcester, if you want to check it out for yourself.

[nightwolfwriter.livejournal.com]

I spent 15.5 years in the Army and was in Desert Shield/Storm.

Never fired an actual bullet at another human being, but certainly shot up my share of "paper commies" as well as firing tons of blanks at people wearing MILES gear. I've used the M-16, M-60, M-203, and M-9 Baretta.

See, the good part about the last paragraph is no one was firing back at me with live ammo either. ;)

I'd be happy to help out with any questions you have that I can.

[eugie.livejournal.com]

If you weren't familiar with it, there's a nice little community, little_details, whose purpose it to provide writers a place to ask factual questions as per research for their tales. It's got a shiny "weapons" category this question would fit into.

[fontosaurus.livejournal.com]

Yes. Feel free to drop an email.

[weasel2000.livejournal.com]

Combat situation...yes...seborn has my e-mail

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

Feel free to email me. penguin_boy (at) mindspring.com

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Could you ask him? I don't want to ping him without an introduction first.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

One of these days, I plan to do so.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Email is coming your way.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

I hadn't known about it. Thanks!

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Email coming your way.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Email coming your way.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Email coming your way.

[magid.livejournal.com]

I found it surprisingly fun, the one or two times I tried it.

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

Another emotions rather than tactile query: My friend Knightchik was never in combat, but she was in the Airborne at Fort Bragg.

Hiya! I am pinged!

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

I've fired every weapon organic to a Marine Rifle Platoon in a combat situation, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability. You can, if you like, e-mail me at my LiveJournal username, followed by gmail.com

Happy to help!

[nightwolfwriter.livejournal.com]

Answered the E-mail. Hope it helps!