The BAR was designed (supposedly) for this pull the trigger and give a burst everytime your left foot hits the ground. I guess the M14 was the same thing but half the weight.
"In addition to shoulder-fired operation, BAR gunners were issued a belt with magazine pouches for the BAR and sidearm along with a "cup" to support the stock of the rifle when held at the hip. In theory, this allowed the soldier to lay suppressive fire while walking forward, keeping the enemy's head down, a practice known as "marching fire". The idea would resurface in the submachine gun and ultimately the assault rifle."
I can't imagine carrying that kind of weight around now, all day. 20 pounds OR 10 pounds. I'm too old and soft and fat. I guess I better pace myself when the zombies come until I get used to it.
What an exercise program. Get up in full battle rattle and patrol the neighborhood for an hour every day. Might upset some neighbors.
I would wave and offer you coffee.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting in 1960 the M14 was going to replace the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine (M2 Carbine shown in the film), M1918 BAR and M3 SMG.
ReplyDeleteIn 1987 when I started basic, the M14 was gone and we still had M3A1 SMG's in the tanks.