aussalt rifles

[on:]

In war is the H-Word fry reloads his rifle which looks just like a toy.

I cant help myself but it reminds me of the old   urban legend saying that the m-16 the us army used during vietnam war were manufactured by mattel.

[Reply #1 on:]

I briefly looked over Google and I think the M16 was nicknamed the Mattel Gun due to just its appearance. I take it many soldiers thought it looked like a toy, so I suppose the similiarity with Fry's rifle is even more close.
Personally I think the hand-crank seemed a great piss-take on the complexity and macho-ness of military weapons today, either that or just to make it all look silly 

[Reply #2 on:]

Yeah, the use of plastics and composits in a time era when rifles where mostly comprised of metal and wood gave it a toy-like feel, at least for battle-seasoned soldiers, I'm sure the NVA soldiers on the receiving end saw nothing toy-like about it.

I opt for the silly theory, I mean the idea that soldiers in the middle of a battle have to operate a handcrank to recharge their guns all while playing a piece of music for children is ... well, silly. Besides it's not a very effecient tactic.

[Reply #3 on:]

Whatever the source of the M16 nickname,
Whatever the tactical shortcomings of the positron rifles,
I think we can all agree that the pop-goes-the-weasel positron rifles were really funny.

...And kinda cool.

[Reply #4 on:]

More on "the Mattel gun": http://www.snopes.com/military/m16.htm

[Reply #5 on:]

While we're on the subject of Snopes/Futurama:
 http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/hotsprng.htm

Is anyone else reminded of Jurrasic Bark?

[Reply #6 on:]

Yes, Lava AND water hot. Apparently, he didnt listen to the professor.