[pct-l] Admin Note: Cabin fever, dogs, alcohol stoves, guns and Reinhold

[Barry Teschlog]

Brick, Brick, Brick......actually, the Vulcan isn't the "mini" gun.  


You're thinking of the M-134 (which fires the 7.62 NATO cartridge, latter versions go by different designations, one being GAU-17/A.)  They weigh in at 60 something pounds - ultra light by Gatling gun standards.  The 20mm version, the Vulcan, is the M-61, and typically mounted on aircraft and some ground vehicles - it would be a bit heavy (~250 lbs), even if you used an old school external frame pack to haul it.  Specifically on the vehicle mounts, there was an anti aircraft version of the M113 armored personnel carrier that mounted one in a powered turret (which would also be highly effective on ground targets).  


That would sure be nice to take one of those combos up the trail (M113 w. a 20mm Vulcan) - you wouldn't need to worry about bears - ripping a quick 50 round burst over their heads ought to scare 'em away - just THINK of the weight savings of not having to use a bear can.  Sleeping in the infantry compartment eliminates the need for a shelter - yet more weight savings.  And imagine of what you could do to those scofflaw mountain bikers and folks with dogs in the National Parks....something, shovel and shut up ought to take care of those problems.  :-)  And if Switchback or Reinhold told you a dirty joke on the trail you didn't much care for, you could grind up their packs under your tracks by way of showing your displeasure at their sense of humor.  And if you ran across some irresponsible person with an alcohol stove, a quick 360 spin ought to stamp out the flames in a hurry.


Since the basic M113 is amphibious, crossing the streams in the High Sierra would be a snap - you wouldn't even get your feet wet.  And just think - no hitch hiking to town is necessary - come to the road crossing and just turn toward town. 


Yes......an M113 with a 20mm Vulcan would be the ULTIMATE PCT thru hike machine - takes care of every problem a thru hiker could ever encounter.


Tongue firmly in cheek.


"tote a 20mm Vulcan mini-gun"

"One more thing, Brick. 20mm mini-guns are definitely illegal in California for civilian use. :-)"