The XM16E1 assault rifle are used by the soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division including Lt. Colonel Hal Moore(Mel Gibson). Later on the film during the Ia Drang battle Joe Galloway (Barry Pepper) uses one as well. These were actual XM16E1's used on the film for the heroes.
A Korean war era M1 Carbine is carried by the South Vietnamese (ARVN) advisor dressed in Tigerstripe fatigues. He appears in the scene in which the NVA scout is caught and interrogated. Viet Minh soldiers also use them against the french during the intro.
I read somewhere (I think LMO) that Sam Elliot used an older M1911 not an A1. Gibson on the other hand did use an A1. I'm sure Steve would know something about it, since he worked on the film. - Gunmaster45
Sam Elliot did indeed used a Colt 1911 rebuilt for World War II and Mel Gibson used a Colt 1911A1 pre-war commercial issued to the military during World War II. -Steve
Colt M1911A1 pistol
A Colt M1911A1 is seen in the holster of Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) during a close combat sequence, shooting an NVA soldier attempting to bayonet him while he's on the radio.
The .38 caliber revolver pulled out by Maj. Bruce "Snake S!@#" Crandall (Greg Kinnear) is most likely a Smith & Wesson M-13 Aircrewman, an unsuccessful lightweight aluminium-cylindered revolver designed for US military flyers.
A pair each of GE M134 Miniguns are seen mounted on the gunship Hueys at the climax of the film, and one is also on display on a table in the beginning of the movie.
Two Browning M1919A4s can be seen mounted on French jeeps on the intro sequence.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingA variant of the Browning M1919 developed during World War 2, this model is designated the M37, with the ability to feed from either the left or the right of the weapon - 30-06. This example is shown without a tripod, only the pintle mount. This the MOST likely .30 cal machine gun to be seen firing from armored vehicles.File:Vlcsnap-30185.jpgA french soldier fires the Browning M1919A4 at Viet Minh forces.Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe Browning M1919A4 can be seen mounted on the jeep on the left.
MAT-49
Various French Soldiers use MAT-49 submachine guns during the opening Scene. Various North Vietnam soldiers and Vietcong soldiers use them as well during the Battle of Ia Drang.
