Poll - Favorite Small Arm

[TiggerCCW UK]

I've seen the match stick trick done, wouldn't fancy firing it full auto though, I reckon you'd be cloud punching

IIRC in the Falklands the Argentinian special forces (Buzo Tactico?) used the FAL Commando which was a shorter barreled version with a folding stock.

Courtesy of wikipedia;

[jester]

Nice, but I am thinking smaller, making it similiar in size to a MP5 in size just with a bigger bullet.

I remember in the 80s they did conversions of HK91s <Civi Model of the G3> where they turned them into what was essentaily an MP5 in 7.62 and I had a NPC who was a excellent gunsmith who made himself one. Just wondering if it had been done with the L1 series.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Originally Posted by jester

Nice, but I am thinking smaller, making it similiar in size to a MP5 in size just with a bigger bullet.

I remember in the 80s they did conversions of HK91s <Civi Model of the G3> where they turned them into what was essentaily an MP5 in 7.62 and I had a NPC who was a excellent gunsmith who made himself one. Just wondering if it had been done with the L1 series.

Not the L1 series but definitely to the FAL in semi-auto and select fire as done by DSA Inc.
http://www.dsarms.com/Mini-SA58-FAL-...fo/SA58OSWNFA/ Select fire
http://www.dsarms.com/Mini-SA58-FAL-...tinfo/SA58OSW/ Semi-auto

Others have done similar work, http://impsec.org/~jhardin/wishlist.html has an image of a short carbine FAL listed as number 6 on his wishlist.
This thread shows a few pics but the interesting one is of the woman firing a shortened FAL - lots of muzzle blast but apparently recoil is okay http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=26519

[Medic]

Depending on the character concept, most characters would probably use an assault rifle, unless the requirements of the group placed them in support weapon duty. A more sniper-style inclined character would most probably use a 7.62 or .338LM sniper rifle as primary with a smg, pdw or a pisto, as a secondary. And should the nation of origin be using M203 or similar system, shotgun can easily be replaced by an APERS round (a canister round, similar but larger than a single shell from a shotgun).

[B.T.]

I'd use a battle rifle, if I could lay my hands on one. The stopping ability of the larger projectile is the main argument.

The G3 is a weapon, I'm familiar with. Some were used as DMRs. A scope was added, that can easily be removed. The rifle is not as accurate as a sniper rifle, but I think it would be a good compromise. The G3/SG1 even has a bipod on it. If you like, you can attach a grenade launcher underneath the barrel.

If I were serving with an armoured unit, I might use a G3 carbine. Never shot one IRL, so I don't know, if the recoil would be problematic.

I had no trouble entering or leaving the M113 with a G3. A shorter version might be handier, but I never had any trouble with the G3, even in build-up areas or in woods. I think, it all depends a lot on the practice, you had with your weapon.

The differences between G3 and FN FAL/SLR are significant, but I'd still pick one up, if I could not get a G3. The SLR would not be my first choice, though - no automatic fire! It is an option, that is not allways so important, but I'd like the possibility, to do bursts, if the need arises!

[Badbru]

Had to go with sniper rifle as the poll asks what is your characters favourite small arm and I prefer to play snipers. Specificly an M21 usually gets my vote.

It was a tough choice though as I've allways felt an RPK (7.62x39) would be ideal. Only a kilo heavier than it's more popular brother the AK. Out ranges it and still has single shot fire but also a higher ROF auto fire, and in Poland in 2000, ammo would be almost, if not the most, common available.

[Cpl. Kalkwarf]

SVD all the way, it may not have more then 10 rds at a time, but its enough. Let some one else on auto fire attract the attention of the enemy.

[B.T.]

Originally Posted by Badbru

... the poll asks what is your characters favourite small arm ...

Darn, I've overread this
But still: If I had a character to play, I'd let him use a battle rifle. In game terms the differences are not that big, so I could easily add the M14 or M21 to my list.

[LBraden]

Originally Posted by B.T.

The differences between G3 and FN FAL/SLR are significant, but I'd still pick one up, if I could not get a G3. The SLR would not be my first choice, though - no automatic fire! It is an option, that is not allways so important, but I'd like the possibility, to do bursts, if the need arises!

I take it you did not learn the "matchstick trick" that practically half the serving squaddies knew to make the gun automatic fire.

[B.T.]

Originally Posted by LBraden

I take it you did not learn the "matchstick trick" that practically half the serving squaddies knew to make the gun automatic fire.

My PC would have learned the trick, if I was ever to portray a Brit (or Aussie or New Zealander)

[Antenna]

SMG - M45 Bertil

Easy to clean some, details is still something youneed to master.
Good up to 100 m, been there. Never tried beyond.
Did the Guard test. They tried me twice. If you wanna know why those who understand so PM me.

Antenna

[Apache6]

My favorite is the M-16A2 with M-203 and advanced combat optical gunsight.

The rifle is light, accurate and lethal enough. The M-203 gives you a huge advantage in many situations.

The advanced combat optical gunsight gives you improved opportunity for target acquistion/identification and improves chances of hitting targets with rapid engagement. The ACOG is 'mostly grunt proof.'

During the 199Os each USMC squad had 3 M-203s, most had an ACOG, though who 'got it' depended a lot on the leaderships decisions. It might be used by the squad leader or the best shot in the squad might be used as the designated marksman.

[CDAT]

When I play I try to play "as real" as I can. Yes the M14 is nice, but carrying one for a long time it gets heavy. But more I just do not have the experience with it that I do the AR. So I would pick the AR, I am not sure why so many want full auto on the battle rifle. For anything less than suppression it is not that effective in real life.

[Sanjuro]

Some of those are stretching the term "small arm"... you didn't have the option of my preferred weapon system, two Redtop missiles and a pair of Aden cannon!

[Raellus]

Based on the new responses on the Favorite APC/IFV thread, I thought a bit of thread necromancy might be in order.

[micromachine]

I would use anything I could get reliably obtain ammo for, be it barter. scrounging, pilferage, or issue. Commonality with the unit would play a part as well.
All things being equal, I would opt for a battle rifle (SKS-M14-FN FAL, in that order) or assault rifle (AK series-M16 series-SA80 series, in that order).

[Ursus Maior]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

I used to drive ROTC cadets crazy using an M-60 as an ad-hoc sniper rifle. Easy to squeeze off single shots using an M-60.

Works great with the MG3 as well. We even were trained in that technique by our instructors.

[Ursus Maior]

For me, this depends on what the group carries. Personally, I'd go with a G3. Know it, good weapon, reliable and hefty punch. If the group is fire-team sized or above, it needs a main support weapon system with high rate of fire. I was good with a MG3, but a small group benefits more from a LMG I thin than a GPMG. I'd go with a RPD over the RPK, because I think it's cooler. In case the group gets about squad-sized, I'd go with a MG3.

If all weapon categories are already covered, I'd go with an assault rifle and probably be the squad leader.

[Nyrond24]

I have done the matchstick trick, it does work but i can say its a very, very bad idea and would never do it again, but I've allowed players to use the trick but with the penalties i dont think anyone ever hit the broad side of a barn.🤣

Battle rifles like the G3, FN-FAL/SLR, and M14 are cannacraftcorner excellent choices, both for personal use and for any PC. As my very first Army range instructor pureplantpleasures used to say, "7.62 f**ks things up."

[Homer]

The AKM is heavy, harder to shoot accurately at range than some western designs, has a weird (to western usage) magazine well, mounts optics poorly, and the safety/selector lever is counterintuitive to anyone trained on western designs, but…

7.62x39 is a pretty good cartridge- pretty similar to the middle of the road .30-30 load- for anything inside 200 yards, which is a pretty good combat distance in all but open or mountain terrain. The rifle runs well with a little TLC, even if you’re lubing it with motor oil and using wire and a hammer to repair it; and ammo is very easy to come by anywhere east of the IGB. Not to mention the mags are commonplace and pretty durable on their own.

For a small group trying to evade major engagements it’s probably just the level of self defense required, while providing enough power to kill a deer or hog for dinner with decent shot placement.

Throw in an RPK and maybe an RPG you’ve got enough firepower for your group to resolve most small encounters or at least break contact. Plus you keep a common round and mags, don’t need to worry about links for belts, and there is even limited commonality in parts and the possibility of resupply from local sources. If you can track down one of the better made ones from the DDR or other satellites even better.

[Red Diamond]

M4A1 SOPMOD was just coming out. I'd go with that for overall versatility. That's my gal!