Quote:
Originally Posted by HorseSoldier
...See previous comment about weapons losing effectiveness when opponents start actually using cover and concealment rather than advancing in open order skirmish lines asking to be shot.
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These weren't cases of people just walking in open order towards the enemy, the warfare during the Boer Wars was closer to combat in WW2 than in WW1 but often involving spotting and engaging the enemy at far greater distances. There were a number of reports of Boer sharpshooters engaging British forces at 800-1200 yards. The Boers would typically place their forces on hilltops, watch for British troops and then engage them at maximum distance so that they could inflict some casualties and then escape from any follow up.
I'm not saying that all combat takes place at 500+ metres, it's been shown time and again that many, if not most, engagements take place under 300m. And I'm not saying that everyone can identify and hit the enemy at 500+ metres. There are however, still circumstances were you can see the enemy at distances greater than the effective range of assault rifles (Afghanistan has furnished a few examples). In these cases a 7.62mmN/7.62mmL/.338 DMR and/or a Medium MG is a definite asset.