Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc
Thanks for your quick answers, guys.
BTW: Any idea to produce a generic "House Rule" to establish when the barrel of an MG would must be changed and about the consecuences not to do it?
|
The consequences are that you will "shoot out" your barrel -- the barrel is weakened so that it is warped and the rifling screwed up and the weapon can no longer produce accurate fire. The bore will also foul quicker, and the breech can also be damaged leading to an increasing amount of stoppages. If the barrel is warped enough, it can literally burst, possibly injuring and even killing the gunner. If it gets hot enough, you may not have to even hold the trigger down anymore -- it's hot enough that the gun fires until it the belt is gone, then jams tight, and even 3rd-echelon maintenance will throw it away as unsalvageable.
As an aside, I was taught in Basic that when firing an FPL (Final Protective Line -- a continuous stream of fire across the front of your position to prevent being overrun), you
will shoot out your barrel, because you don't stop firing until the enemy withdraws, you are ordered to stop or withdraw, or your weapon is mechanically unable to fire any more. In such a circumstance, having to take the time to change a barrel is hazardous to your health.