Weapons Timelines for the Twilight War

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by B.T.

Although this would not be the official policy or standard, I can see German units trying to get hands on weapons of foreign countries. This is especially true for the SAW (M249/Minimi). All German units used the MG3, which is for itself a very convincing and reliable MG. But it is heavy and cumbersome. German units, working side by side with US forces, would try to trade some of the SAWs in.
Reason: The RPKs are the only "light" MGs in German service. And these would only be in service with former Eastgerman units. Or in units, that had scrounged them from defeated enemies. In the tactical role, the SAW was intended for, there was no similar weapon in German inventories!

Thanks for the support, BT.

Here's a thought for you all based on the points raised by BT in the above excerpt:

Do you think the Twilight timeline would have sped up the development and production of the German army's current SAW, the H&K MG43? Or, as an alternative, do you think the Germans would have acquired FN Minimis? I've seen references to a long-barrelled LSW version of the G11 but I don't know if it was really ever seriously considered for large-scale production. I think it's innability to take belted ammo would be a serious weakness. Also, I don't know how easily one could change a barrel on the G11.

Bottom line, should the MG43 take part in the Twilight War? If not, what would the [West] German army have done for an LSW/SAW?