Troy GAU-5/A/A
Troy Industries · Carbine · Discontinued · 2016
Overview
The Troy GAU-5/A/A is a faithful semi-automatic reproduction of the U.S. Air Force GAU-5/A/A Commando carbine carried by the Son Tay Raiders during the 1970 raid on a North Vietnamese prison camp. Built to original specifications, it is chambered in 5.56 NATO on a chrome-lined 1:12 twist barrel measuring 12.5 inches, capped with a permanently pinned 4.5-inch flash suppressor that replicates the original moderator and brings the overall barrel length to 16 inches. The upper receiver authentically omits the forward assist and shell deflector found on later M16/M4 patterns, and the carbine features an A1-style front sight post and a fixed carry handle with integral rear sight. Troy produced the GAU-5/A/A as a limited-edition commemorative honoring the 45th anniversary of the Son Tay Commando Raid.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 787 mm (30.98") |
| Barrel Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1671 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 460 m (503 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington, .223 Wylde
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Retro Furniture, Carry Handle, Fixed Front Sight, No Forward Assist, No Shell Deflector, A1 Front Sight Post, Pinned Flash Suppressor, Rotating Bolt, Limited Edition
Variants
- Troy GUU-5/P — Configuration
Production
Production years: 2016-2018
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2018
Notes
Limited-edition commemorative honoring the 45th anniversary of the Son Tay Commando Raid. Introduced at SHOT Show 2016, limited production, since discontinued. The related GUU-5/P configuration replicates the later USAF retro service rifle. 1:12 twist and lack of forward assist are period-correct retro features.
Background
The designation GAU-5/A/A stands for 'Gun, Aircraft, Unit' - the U.S. Air Force nomenclature for what the Army called the XM177/Commando carbine. The original was used by airmen and by the Son Tay Raiders in November 1970, the largest attempted rescue of American POWs of the Vietnam War. Troy's replica was offered as a tribute, faithfully recreating the retro upper, two-position stock, and shortened barrel of the originals.