for today I observed the death and destruction of a double barrel "Manton" rifle. I was able to only handle it for a moment and could make out the name only due to the poor condition of the weapon.

I do not know the calibre however the bbls were rifled and in suprisingly good condition considering the exterior.

It was taken from bombed out structure which I think previously housed a high-ranking Iraqi officer of the old regime. I wanted it badly but sadly it was placed on the pile with the munitions and disposed of.

It had what was once a very nice canvas sling with leather tabs. I would really like to get a sling like it.

I wonder how many other fine rifles and shotguns are in this country and how many have been destroyed. War trophies are much more difficult to obtain now than when I was in Vietnam. Sad day.

Just wanted to share my sorrow...thanks for listening.
SFC E7

This story makes me cry!

I can relate.

About 8 years ago I was at the USAF Gunsmith shop at Lackland (Medina).

They were demilling (i.e. cutting in half, through the receivers) a bunch of turned in honor guard (or somebody) M1 Garands.

We watched them cut serial number 2,000,000 in half. We were BEGGING them to save at least that particular rifle (unique serial number). But, "orders are orders", even though it was a civilian that ran the shop.

We talked about that for a long time....

Iraq was a British colony and it came lots of fine sporting rifles there aswell as in India, and Pakistan and Afghanistan and other places aswell.

to bad about the woodward, it could have been a nice war trophy to bring back, and it is moments like that a eagle on the shoulder would have been handy to have.

Stay safe and take care of your men, Sergeant First Class.

What a shame to lose beautiful rifles like this.

I still owe one of the few M1 garands left in RSA