Viet Cong booby traps were treacherous devices that destroyed and took countless lives. Read up on their history and impact on warfare.
During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong (VC), a communist guerrilla force in South Vietnam, employed a variety of booby traps to counter the technological superiority of American and South Vietnamese forces.
These traps inflicted maximum damage on unsuspecting soldiers, leaving a lasting impact on the battlefield. In this layman’s history, we will explore the development, types, and impact of Viet Cong booby traps.
THE ORIGIN STORY OF VIET CONG BOOBY TRAPS
The origins of Viet Cong booby traps go back to guerrilla warfare, where a weaker force strategically targets and disrupts a stronger opponent. With limited resources and firepower, the Viet Cong needed alternative means to counter the American and South Vietnamese forces’ advanced technology and overwhelming military strength.
Necessity Breeds Innovation
The Viet Cong’s resourcefulness and adaptability were crucial in developing booby traps. Unable to match the firepower of their adversaries, they relied on inventive and low-cost methods to inflict damage and instill terror.
The need to defend their territory, disrupt enemy movements, and demoralize opposing forces fueled the innovation behind these traps.
A Viet Cong booby trap was about utilizing readily available local materials. Derived from bamboo, wooden stakes, and basic explosives, guerillas had easy access to materials. This approach allowed them to maximize their limited resources and create deadly devices without relying on external support.
Learning From Historical Precedents
The Viet Cong drew inspiration from historical precedents and existing knowledge of warfare, adapting and refining techniques used in previous conflicts. They incorporated elements of traditional booby traps employed in earlier conflicts, such as their war against the French, and from indigenous methods used in the region.
TYPES OF VIET CONG BOOBY TRAPS
Numerous types of Viet Cong booby traps were in circulation during the Vietnam War. While it is difficult to provide an exact count, given the vast range and variations, here are some of the most prominent types:
- Punji Pit Traps: These traps involved camouflaged pits dug into the ground, often with sharpened bamboo stakes or other spikes at the bottom, intended to impale or injure soldiers who fell into them.
- Tripwire Explosives: Tripwire-based traps utilized thin wires connected to explosives hidden nearby. When a soldier unknowingly triggered the wire by tripping over it, it would detonate the explosive, causing severe injuries or death.
- Bouncing Betty Mines: These mines were pressure-activated and launched into the air before detonating. Buried in the ground, they targeted the lower body of soldiers, causing devastating injuries and reducing the chances of survival.
- Toe-Popper Mines: These small, pressure-activated mines were typically buried just below the surface, designed to injure or disable soldiers. Stepping on them would trigger an explosion, inflicting severe damage to the victim’s foot or leg.
- Bamboo Whip Traps: Bamboo stakes, often tipped with poison, were bent and secured under tension. When triggered, the stakes would whip out, causing deep puncture wounds and potential infection due to the poison.
- Snake Traps: Containers or bamboo tubes were the primary tools to hold venomous snakes, each strategically placed to surprise and attack soldiers, causing panic and distraction.
- Grenade Traps: Hand grenades came with tripwires or other triggering mechanisms designed to explode when disturbed, injuring or killing anyone nearby.
- Punji Stick Traps: Similar to Punji pit traps, Punji stick traps involved concealed stakes or spikes, often coated with toxic substances, hidden in foliage or along trails to injure or infect soldiers.
- Rolling Log Traps: Guerillas positioned large logs to roll down hills or slopes upon triggering, aiming to crush or injure soldiers caught in their path.
- Booby-Trapped Ammo and Supplies: Viet Cong forces sometimes rig ammunition or other supplies to explode when picked up or used by enemy forces, causing unexpected casualties.
THE MENACING DAMAGE CAUSED BY VIET CONG BOOBY TRAPS
Soldiers caught in booby traps often suffered severe injuries, including loss of limbs, shrapnel wounds, and internal damage. The injuries inflicted by these traps could be debilitating, sometimes leading to long-term disabilities or even death.
Beyond the physical harm, Viet Cong booby traps had a significant psychological impact on soldiers. The constant fear of hidden dangers, the tension of moving through unfamiliar terrain, and the unpredictability of these traps created a pervasive sense of anxiety and vulnerability among troops.
Viet Cong booby traps profoundly impacted the course of the Vietnam War and left a lasting mark on military history. For one, they forced the American and South Vietnamese forces to adapt their strategies and tactics.
The hidden nature and widespread use of these traps necessitated changes in how troops moved through the terrain, increasing caution and the need for specialized training in identifying and neutralizing booby traps.
Viet Cong Booby Traps and Their Impact on Modern Warfare
Viet Cong booby traps also significantly influenced the evolution of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The lessons learned from the Vietnam War, including the effectiveness of concealed explosive devices, shaped the development of IEDs in subsequent conflicts. It profoundly impacted modern warfare, as IEDs became a significant threat in armed conflicts worldwide.
Ultimately, Viet Cong booby traps changed history by reshaping military strategies, highlighting the importance of psychological warfare, affecting civilian populations, influencing military training, and contributing to the evolution of explosive devices.
These traps left an indelible mark on the Vietnam War and influenced subsequent conflicts, emphasizing the need for adaptive and comprehensive approaches to unconventional warfare.
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8 Smallest Handguns You Can Own
If the need for something little is a high priority, then take a look at these petite pistols.
by
- B. GIL HORMAN
One of the very first handguns that I ever saw up close was my dad’s Belgian Baby Browning chambered in .25 ACP. I was fascinated by the fact that it was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand, and yet it was still a fully functional pistol. Once I was old enough to start buying handguns of my own, my enthusiasm for the smallest-of-the-small didn’t waver.
In pursing this littlest handgun hobby of mine, I’ve enjoyed opportunities to evaluate a variety petite pistols ranging from 9 mm defensive-carry models to unique, rimfire “utility” guns. Whether you are looking for a more compact daily-carry pistol or something spiffy to add to your collection, here are a few of the smallest handguns currently on the market:
8. Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O.: Double-Stack Micro Nine
Although sub-subcompact, double-stack magazine 9 mm pistols have been available since 1995, it was the launch of the SIG Sauer P365 in 2018 that triggered the latest concealed-carry trend colloquially known as “micro nine pistols.” These handguns are intended to fill the niche between the double-stack subcompact and single-stack 9 mm pocket pistols. Over the last few years, these semi-automatic guns have become a new standard in the concealed-carry market. In addition to their slim frames and 10- to 13-round magazine capacities, the micro nines are about as small as you can get while still retaining the option to configure the slide for a red-dot optic.
The GX4 sports useful upgrades often reserved for more expensive pistols, including metallic sights, front and rear cocking serrations and interchangeable grip backstraps.Several micro nines are the right size for this slot, but I opted for a Taurus USA model that I’ve worked with more than some other guns. The Taurus GX4 is shown here with the T.O.R.O. optics-ready slide. While the SIG P365 set the standard for this category, the GX4 is sized to match, accepts 11-round flush-fit, or 13-round extended magazine, and it provides a useful set of features at a lower price point than most of its competition. MSRP starts at $399. TaurusUSA.com
7. Diamondback DB9: Single-Stack 9 mm Pocket Pistol
No matter how you slice it, modern single-stack 9 mm pistols designed for pocket carry are slimmer and lighter than the micro nines. Diamondback Firearms offers one of the smallest currently available. When I worked with the DB9 for the first time more than a decade ago, I was surprised to handle a 9 mm semi-auto pistol that was dimensionally similar to subcompact pistols chambered for the more diminutive .380 ACP cartridge. The fact that the DB9 could handle the more potent 9 mm cartridge in such a small package meant that had to purchase it when the evaluation timeframe was complete.
The DB9’s small size makes it easy to carry but more challenging to master.Today, single-stack 9 mm pocket pistols are fairly common in a variety of configurations and price points, but the DB9 remains as one of the smallest available. The pistol I have on hand tips the scale at 12.8 ozs., and that includes an empty magazine. The tradeoff for DB9’s feathery effect is a stiff level of recoil when using standard-pressure 9 mm ammunition. It is manageable, though not exactly enjoyable. Recently, Diamondback released the Gen 4 version of the DB9 with updates to the slide’s cosmetics and the grip’s texturing. MSRP is $305. DiamondbackFirearms.com
6. Bond Arms Stinger Series: Double-Barrel Pocket Protection
Bond Arms’ claim to fame is offering some of the smallest and most powerful handguns available. The company’s stainless-steel, standard-frame guns live up to this boast with dual barrels chambered for cartridges including .357 Mag., 10 mm Auto, .44 Spl., .45 Colt and .410 bore shotshells. As small and potent as they are, the all-steel construction and big-bore, swing-up barrels can make these pistols a bit chunky for pocket carry.
The Stingers were developed in answer to customer requests for a slimmer, lighter pistol.The company has answered customer requests for a slimmer, lighter version of these tough little guns, 12 ozs., with the double-barrel Stinger series. Shown here are the new Stinger RS (Top) and the original aluminum-frame Stinger (Bottom) released in 2021. Fitted with a 3” barrel assembly, the Stinger RS, which stands for Rough Series, features stainless-steel construction but at about half the frame width of the standard version. This shaves the weight down to 16 ozs. Barrels are interchangeable, too, and Bond Arms offers versions in .380 ACP, 9 mm Luger and .38 Spl., and apparently a .327 Fed. Mag. option is coming. The pistols ship with a set of rubber grips, as well as ultra-thin polymer grips. MSRP starts at $279. BondArms.com
5. Ruger LCP Max: Double-Stack .380 ACP
In 2008, the launch of Ruger’s Light Carry Pistol, or LCP, sparked an American sub-compact arms race, which set the standard for .380 ACP pocket pistols for years to come. But with a single-stack magazine and a capacity of six or seven rounds, some folks wanted a boost in performance. In 2011, the company launched the LC9, an upsized version of its LCP chambered for 9 mm Luger with more capacity. Though it was slightly larger and heavier, the LC9 retained a slim and trim profile for everyday carry. That wasn’t enough, as folks always want more if they can get it. So, in 2021, Ruger presented the Max-9, a micro nine that accepts double-stack magazines.
This version of the LCP can hold nearly double the rounds of the original version.The company could have left off there, but it made sure that the LCP would not be left behind in the trend of double-stack upgrades. As such, 2021 also marked the arrival of the LCP Max chambered for .380 ACP. Just like its micro-nine compatriot, the most noteworthy change to the new LCP came in the form of a new frame for increased ammunition capacity with only a nominal change to the grip’s width. It accepts a 10-round flush-fit, or 12-round extended magazine, which makes for a significant increase. The LCP Max sports a night sight with tritium and has a smooth and light trigger pull. MSRP is $479. Ruger.com
4. KelTec P32: Single-Stack .32 ACP Micro
Prior to the .380 ACP pocket-pistol rush of the late 2000s, there was the petite .32 ACP dust-up of the late 1990s. The .32-cal. contenders for American holster space at the time included the Seecamp LWS-32, Berretta 3032 Tomcat, North American Arms Guardian and the KelTec P32. At the time, the P32 was the odd man out. It had one of those “newfangled” lightweight, injection-molded polymer frames with an internal aluminum chassis instead of an all-stainless-steel or aluminum frame. With an unloaded weight of 6.6 ozs., it was the lightest and least-expensive model in the running.
The P32 may be part of a dying breed, but it still offers a balance of size and performance that’s tough to beat.Still in production more than two decades later, the P32 fits right in with the today’s defensive semi-automatic pistols with polymer frames. There’s no question that the .380s are more powerful, but the P32 is surprisingly comfortable to shoot for its size. And when compared to the Ruger LCP II chambered in .22 LR, the P32 is slightly shorter, a bit thinner and weighs a noticeable, 4.2 ozs. lighter while also packing centerfire cartridges. Although the .32 ACP is no longer a hot topic, the P32 still comfortably fills a niche between the .380s and .22s. Who knows? The cartridge just might make a comeback. MSRP is $360. Keltec.com
3. Trailblazer Lifecard: Folding Single-Shot .22 WMR
Trailblazer Firearms offers what I would consider one of the smallest guns available today. The single-action LifeCard is a folding, single-shot utility pistol. Its unusual form factor makes it one of the easiest pistols to carry that I’ve worked with so far. The flat, squared-off folded profile is comparable in size to a tin of mints or a credit card holder. It can be tucked into just about any pocket, including the watch pocket of a pair of jeans.
When folded, the Lifecard will fit comfortably in just about any pocket.
The .22 WMR (magnum) version of the Lifecard, with its steel and aluminum construction, weighs in at just 6.4 ozs., features a simple trench-sight system, a three-round ammunition compartment in the grip and is available in a variety of colors. The company also offers a .22 LR version with a polymer grip, which reduces the pistol’s weight and cost. MSRP starts at $299. TrailblazerFirearms.com
2. Ruger LCP II: Single-Stack .22 LR
A few years ago, I penned a respectful eulogy for the small-caliber pocket pistols sometimes referred to as ‘mouse guns’. However, in 2021, Ruger chose to breathe new life into the rimfire pocket pistol market. The LCP II Lite Rack chambered in .22 LR is based on the popular LCP II chambered in .380 ACP. It has the same external dimensions and trigger pull. But the slide is configured for ease of use. The magazine holds 10 rounds of .22 LR ,and this version of the LCP has a thumb safety lever on the left side.
The LCP II is a modern, polymer-framed take on the classic ‘mouse gun’ pocket pistol.A close contender for this slot is the Beretta 21A Bobcat, which is a well-made and reliable rimfire pocket pistol. The LCP is about 0.25″ taller and 0.25″ longer than the Beretta. However, the LCP weighs less, 10.9 ozs., has a thinner grip, 0.92″ at the widest point, and holds up to 11 rounds of ammunition instead of 7+1. The LCP II also has a suggested retail price that is $40 less than the 21A Bobcat. For those who wish to shoot this pistol with a sound suppressor, Ruger offers a drop-in threaded barrel and recoil spring kit on the shopruger.com website. MSRP is $439. Ruger.com
1. North American Arms Mini Short: Single-Action .22 Short Revolver
North American Arms’ (NAA) diverse series of mini single-action revolvers has represented the smallest multi-shot handguns available for quite some time. These delightfully tiny, stainless-steel revolvers are well-made with an attention to detail that shows this is a company that takes its products seriously. I’ve seen these revolvers put together at the factory in Provo, Utah, and I have to say, the process seems more like watchmaking than gun assembly.
The Trailblazer Lifecard may be the size of a tin of mints, but the NAA Short can almost fit inside that tin.The NAAs are available in three frame sizes, with the version chambered in .22 Short (NAA-22S) being the smallest of all. This revolver weighs in at 4.2 ozs. and has a profile that comfortably fits on top of a Trailblazer Lifecard. With its small grip, tiny controls and the mild recoil produced by the pill-sized .22 Short cartridges, this diminutive revolver provides an utterly unique shooting experience. However, the .22 Short-chambered Mini should be respected for what it is, a proof-of-concept handgun of which pushes the limits of size and shootability right to the edge of practicality. MSRP is $255. NorthAmericanArms.com
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The History and FUTURE of Glock
In this week’s episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history of the early Colt revolvers and the exploits of the company’s founder, Samuel Colt. Reviewed this week is the Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020, a rifle incorporating carbon fiber to both the stock and the barrel as well as being the company’s first bolt-action hunting rifle.
In the 1855, the Calisher and Terry carbine breech loading rifle was patented in Britain by William Terry and shortly thereafter adopted into military service. The Terry carbine was not only involved in the U.S. Civil War, but was also one of the earliest bolt-action firearms.
The founder of Colt, and initially failed businessman, Samuel Colt.
Prior to his revolver designs catching on in 1836, Samuel Colt was an interesting individual who had several schemes as a failed business man. Some of these ventures included a failed attempt to design an underwater mine and selling exhibitions of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” as it was nicknamed. Using the money that he accumulated from his nitrous business, Colt paid Baltimore, Md., gunsmiths to craft some of the firearms designs that he had worked out in his head. Colt never partook in the actual crafting of his design ideas, and simply thought up the designs.
Shooting the lightweight Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020.
Springfield Armory released its first ever purpose-built bolt-action hunting rifle platform this past year, the Waypoint 2020. The Waypoint 2020 features a carbon-fiber stock made by AG Composites that weighs in at only 2 lbs. This contributes to the overall reduced weight of the platform, which is under 7 lbs. Two versions of the stock are available, with either a fixed or adjustable cheek piece. The Waypoint 2020’s barrel is made by BSF and features a carbon-fiber liner along most of its length to save weight and help dissipate heat. A nut at the front of the barrel provides tension against the carbon-fiber liner and keep it in place.
Shooting the Calisher and Terry breech-loading carbine.
In the mid 1800s, there were a number of early breech-loading rifle and musket designs that were developed in Britain. One of those designs was the Calisher and Terry carbine, patented in 1855 by its inventory William Terry. The design is unique in that it is also arguably one of the earliest bolt-action rifle designs to be accepted into military service. The Terry carbine, as it is popularly known, uses a lever to uncover the breech area, unlock and to pull back a bolt like block, which seals the chamber when fired. The Terry carbine still used an external hammer and percussion cap to fire, but also incorporated a forward thinking feature of pre-loaded nitrided paper cartridges that would be loaded into the breech.