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HOW DID THEY GET HERE?

by Phillip Peterson

Most of the firearms contained in this book were made for military use in another country. Yet there are millions of these weapons in the hands of American shooters and collectors. It really would be impossible to get an accurate number. How did they get here? Well, that becomes an interesting bit of history.

Veteran Bring-backs

The big prize! Weapons have been desirable war booty throughout history. Veterans from any foreign war in which the United States has participated carted home untold numbers of firearms in their duffle bags, foot lockers or pockets. The most common would have to be handguns because of their size and ease of transportation. Rifles present a slight problem due to their length. Examples will be encountered in which the stock is “duffle cut.” This means the rifle was taken apart and the stock was cut in two pieces so they would fit in a duffle bag, foot locker or mailing carton. If the soldier was smart, he made the cut under a barrel band so the cut could be hidden when the rifle was reassembled. However he got it home, the soldier still had to carry the item with him for days or months before it could be sent home.