Vintage work crew photos

[12bolts]

Unlikely, as the phrase predates the war.

Supposedly, expending the entire belt on a target gave rise to expression "the whole nine yards". ....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_whole_nine_yards

[Toolmaker51]

Unlikely, as the phrase predates the war.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_whole_nine_yards

Interesting, and logical dissemination of the phrase. Aware of other connected usage [whole enchilada, shooting match, ball of wax, shebang, even lock, stock & barrel] etc, emphasizing completeness. I use them all, not very interchangeably.

Personally, none convey the image as well. Even one projectile capable perforating 0.875 inches (22.2 mm) of face-hardened armor steel plate at 100 yards (91 m), and 0.75 inches (19 mm) at 547 yards (500 m).