Super rare M16 Rifleman Vest of the Vietnam War, originally developed by Natick Laboratory in Massachusetts for the U.S. Army. The vest was made to carry 20 of the 20rd. M16 rifle magazines and was received by the 4th & 25th Infantry Divisions in 1969 and fielded in Vietnam (January 1970). In use for several years, but not adopted further as the newer 30 rd. magazines eclipsed use of the 20 rd. mag. In combat. Although it had favorable testing results in the fields of Vietnam, follow up modifications with 'D rings' for grenades & some reinforcements only were prepared is small numbers until the Vest was dropped for widespread adoption by the U.S. Army. Regardless, the Vests were also tried by 5th Special Forces and by MAC-SOG with mixed reviews due to the bulk of carrying 400 rds of ammo along the chest in 20 rd. Mags., adverse to the mission of special operators in small stealthy units. The Vest was meant for large unit sustained fire & manuever action.
This item is of new manufacture , in two sizes, ( Large & X-Large) your choice..., complete with two standard canteen pouches on the reverse side along with a cinching cord in the middle of the back for tightening the Vest if needed. Four D-rings for grenades have been added as per the modification requested by the Army. Comes with a reproduction 'period' label. First time we have ever offered this item and it is in Very Limited Quantities ! Vest assembly only. ( no mags or canteens)
