| From: | shadowrn@*********.com (shadowrun) |
|---|---|
| Subject: | sniper rifles auto fire (was munchkin) |
| Date: | Sun Oct 14 16:25:01 2001 |
my argument for autofire sniper rifles is one of
functionality
South African troopies ( SADF) had a favourite, in my time
of service , called the R1 , it was a former assault rifle
basically a FN with a couple of mods ) which had been
replaced by the new R4( in .222 calibre) but they continued
to use the old R1 as a sniper rifle, it took to the job very
well , old sights were replaced and it was very robust , and
fully auto capable, (it also had a kick like bruce lee and
big bullets <.303>) , the big plus to having the option of
auto is that when you are discovered you can retaliate more
effectively ( talking in Afrikaans - <autofire> ) also if
you are going to be captured as such , ditch the scope and
you look like a troopie , not an assassin ,
weight is everything in combat situations , if i as a sniper
have to lug around a scoped rifle and a carbine and a
handgun , i carry less ammo for what i should actually be
using , less supplies , and BTW have you seen the weight
specs on "REAL" sniper rifles (barrett and walther), they
are not extended duty/patrol stuff they weigh too much as do
their bullets why kill with a .50 cal when a .303 or a .222
will do ( big bang theory : i killed him more ?) think of
reduced weight more kills per kilogram etc (economists POV)
if i was in squad , sniping off the cuff , i would have
mortar rounds x2, grenades x4, flares x2, medkit x2 ,
rations(1 day), ammo mags x8 ,eating utensils , portable
stove , rain gear , camo kit , water bottles x2, and that is
just combat kit , i exclude the tent , change of clothes ,
cleaning stuff (for rifle and maybe even some for me) ,
sleeping bag , more rations , more first aid stuff another
set of boots etc in full kit, now most reasonable troopies
ditched half the junk at base but certain things are
essential ( tin openers as SADF don't give knives , and the
wire cutter trick our DS showed us just didn't work)
now granted the R1 isn't in the league of the anschutz ,
walther or barrett , but my groupings with my rifle were
adequate enough to hit a target at upto 800 metres almost
everytime SINGLE FIRE , while "talking in afrikaans" i
would be lucky to hit the same target at 200 metres in
controlled burst , but i do have the option of re-joining
the squad without need to re-kit , and fending off the over
keen with auto fire , and not carrying two lots of ammo
you are right on this point though , sniping has become more
about the getaway than the actual shot , but once you have
opened up , that is it for that target they are alert and
unless small in number, or you have backup, you are only
gonna get one shot , two if your fast and like taking
chances , if they find your position you are wormfood
Kanniemeernie Korperaal , military pacifist
" almost everybody has 20/20 hindsight , but sometimes they
forget to look"
