Gun cleaning figure? (1 Viewer)

[Rutledge]

I am an owner of several guns which I enjoy shooting. My policy is to clean thoroughly after each use. Dont most militaries stress this as well - especially in rough situations where the weapon's consistent operaton can mean the difference between life and death?

So, my question is, why have I never seen a figure in the process of clearning their rifle (or other weapon)? Dont soldiers in combat siutations spend a lot of time doing this?

Would it be seen as a boring activity and thus unpopular pose? Have there been some and Ive missed them? Just curious.

 

[Mister Dave]

I tend to like figures in non-fighting poses, so these would be of interest to me. I am hoping the WWI range will include some such figures once the action moves to the trench war phase as most of the time was passed simply dwelling below ground level.

MD

 

[4th Hussar]

Unless the military has changed you take care of your weapon ( never referred to as a gun) before you take care of yourself. Soldiers spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning weapons. I do recall seeing a set of 54 mm Victorian troops cleaning a field piece. I believe it was a Dorset or similar manufacturers set but nothing more modern.

I am an owner of several guns which I enjoy shooting. My policy is to clean thoroughly after each use. Dont most militaries stress this as well - especially in rough situations where the weapon's consistent operaton can mean the difference between life and death?

So, my question is, why have I never seen a figure in the process of clearning their rifle (or other weapon)? Dont soldiers in combat siutations spend a lot of time doing this?

Would it be seen as a boring activity and thus unpopular pose? Have there been some and Ive missed them? Just curious.

 

[1879fanatic]

I would agree that it is an essential and integral part of a groundpounder's life, in almost an era! I could even envision Romans polishing weapons, gear and sharpening spears. Of course I can see AWI, Napoleonic, ACW, Victorian WWI &II soldiers on down time cleaning both weapons and polishing gear and reading/writing letters, anything downtime, even mess.
A good idea-"Downtime at the Front"
Mike

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

I wouldn't mind a G.I. shining a souvenir (i.e. Luger, silver plate, etc.) or a G.I. shining his M1.

Vick

 

[theBaron]

Along similar lines, Tradition has several figures in its Model Soldier range, in the series, "The Prussian Army of the 18th Century", depicting soldiers preparing for parade or guard mounting. Unforturnately for this thread, they do not include any of them cleaning their weapons.

As to the popularity of the subject, I suspect that in the classic age of toy soldiers, it probably wasn't something that boys cared to include. But in our time, it probably would find a broader acceptance among collectors. As Mister Dave noted, he likes to collect soldiers in non-combat poses, and I think others do, too.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Rutledge]

Unless the military has changed you take care of your weapon ( never referred to as a gun) before you take care of yourself.

Yes I belive this to be true. I seem to recall a scene from "The Naked and the Dead" where a marine made this mistake (calling his rifle a gun). Among "other" punishments, not fit to be described on a family website, the sergeant required he sleep with his rifle for some time.

 

[theBaron]

I think that figures in the dialog in "Full Metal Jacket", too.

"This is my rifle, this is my gun
This for fighting, this is for fun"

 

[Spitfrnd]

I think that figures in the dialog in "Full Metal Jacket", too.

"This is my rifle, this is my gun
This for fighting, this is for fun"

Or the more classic mantra
"This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my rifle and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of our enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen."

 

[Rutledge]

Or the more classic mantra
"This is my rifle. There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my rifle and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of our enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen."

Nice job finding the "long version".

I think I prefer the shorter one, though. It makes the point without going over the top.

 

[Saber]

Soldiers cleaning their muskets or bayonets would be great. Perhaps something similar to the French Napoleonic set with the officers sitting around the table? MD, couldn't agree more about the WWI suggestions. How about some rear echelon types, maybe some signal guys with runners or a field kitchen set?

 

[Mister Dave]

Soldiers cleaning their muskets or bayonets would be great. Perhaps something similar to the French Napoleonic set with the officers sitting around the table? MD, couldn't agree more about the WWI suggestions. How about some rear echelon types, maybe some signal guys with runners or a field kitchen set?

Yes, indeed, how about some tommies sitting around a trench cooker brewing something up, an officer guarding the SRD jug, fatigue parties bringing up rations, barbed wire, etc.....

MD