plan_D, my regards to your Dad, he was an astute man ! - SLR's are my absolutely favourite weapon; we were trained to strip, clean re-assemble them in total darkness, and although I was never in combat, all the exercises we did etc., we came to love it's durability, realiability and firepower. They are still in use in some countries, and far superior to AK47's- I've used both the Russian Chinese AK's and they're heavier and they fire a lighter round...7.62 x 39 - SLR's use 7.62 x 51, alot gruntier... The AK's only advantage was it could fire auto, but it's not how many you fire, it's where you place 'em...- I liked the American M1 and Thompsons too, from WWII...AND, I do sincerely believe the American's entry into WWII was what swung it, and altho' we give 'em a hard-time, it's a friendly thing...They did a great job, friendly-fire and all....