New Irons in the Army’s Small Arms Fire

By G&A Staff

The article republished below, “New Irons in the Army’s Small Arms Fire”, shows the interest in maintaining firepower superiority after World War II and the Korean War led to advancements in manufacturing processes and the use of lightweight materials that changed small arms. “AR-10 automatic rifle. Army is very interested in this gun,” Guns & Ammo reported in 1958. “Weighs only 7 pounds.”

*Originally published in Guns & Ammo, Winter 1958, Volume 1, Issue 3

New Irons in the Army’s Small Arms Fire

By Robert W. and John P. Forsyth

Since the end of World War II, a revolution has taken place in the United States Army. Today the results are ap­parent in every quarter of America’s ”senior service.” The venerable, three­ regiment, triangular division has been replaced by the pentomic division. The traditional regiment has given way to the hard-hitting battle group. My commanders move troops, equipment, and supplies by air. The howitzers and guns of the artillery have been supple­mented, and may eventually be re­placed, by rockets and atomic missiles. Radar is employed for battlefield sur­veillance and the detection and location of hostile mortars and fieldpieces. Field commanders view television screens to keep pace with a battle and ”fight” their troops. …Read the Rest

Source:: Guns and Ammo