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Post by 326thvgd on Oct 10, 2008 12:19:19 GMT -5
I am wondering how folks would react to the following:
In the book entitled "Infantry Tactics of the Second World War" by Stephen Bull and Gordon Rottman, it says on p. 38:
"Volksgrenadier Divisions of late 1944 were effectively ordinary infantry divisions following rebuilding and re-organization. In these, although there were still nine men to a squad, these were either 'rifle' or 'submachinegun' squads. In the rifle squads the armament remained the same as previously (1 LMG, 2 submachine guns, 4 rifles), while the SMG squads were supposed to be armed entirely with that wepaon."
Given that is the case, how would folks react to a squad of Heer troops doing a Volksgrenadier SMG squad impression?
Seems to me, given the constraints currently in the airsoft world regarding the lack of LMG's, the fact that the Dboyz K-98 seems to have many issues, and that MP-40's are both cheap and readily available, it looks to be a good work around. And is historically accurate, according to the text.
I am considering putting together a Volksgrenadier unit based on the above information, but am curious to hear what others have to say regarding their feelings towards seeing an entire squad or so armed with MP-40's or (hopefully, someday) Sturmgewher 44's?
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JazzyJ
Private
Verdammt! Die Suchfuktion zeigt mir nichts!
Posts: 64
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Post by JazzyJ on Oct 10, 2008 13:16:38 GMT -5
I don't see a problem with that! Count me in!   |
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Gerry
Master sergeant 
Wilkommen zu Italien!
Posts: 819
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Post by Gerry on Oct 16, 2008 16:05:38 GMT -5
When The Fallschirmjager invaded Crete in '41 they to had SMG squads.
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Post by mischief on Oct 16, 2008 18:02:40 GMT -5
Isn't that what guys do anyway... mostly in winter.
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Post by 326thvgd on Oct 17, 2008 6:34:03 GMT -5
When The Fallschirmjager invaded Crete in '41 they to had SMG squads. Really? Is that a fact? I had not heard of that before, but I admit, I am not one that has studied the FJ's or the battle of Crete with any degree of seriousness. |
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Post by 326thvgd on Oct 17, 2008 6:37:09 GMT -5
Isn't that what guys do anyway... mostly in winter. What's that? All run around in great coats with MP-40's? While I would like to do the historically accurate squad with a mix of an MG-34/42, a single MP-40 and the rest K-98's, for skirmishing, it just does not seem practical, especially with the preponderance of Thompsons out there in Allied hands. |
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Relish
Private
PICMDEEP
Posts: 261
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Post by Relish on Oct 17, 2008 7:29:25 GMT -5
A lot of guys have M1A1's, and (S)AEG Garands. But you might as well get as many full autos on your side as possible.
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KRaddatz
Private 1st Class
505th
Posts: 589
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Post by KRaddatz on Oct 17, 2008 7:56:54 GMT -5
i'd much rather have a spring k98 than a Thompson.
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Post by 326thvgd on Oct 17, 2008 9:26:45 GMT -5
Oh, I would much prefer a more traditional setup, but everyone seems to indicate that the K-98's are impractical for skirmishing, especially when advancing, as you need to keep collecting your spent shells.
Also, if there were more M1 Garands out there in Allied-land, I think it would even things up more. However, until a cheap, reliable version exists and starts supplanting all of those Thompsons, I am afraid to match up, firepower wise, a heavy amount of MP-40's seems to be the only way to go.
Besides, on a more personal note, looking at the composition of Volksgrenadier units, it seems that they were staffed with many of the "bottom of the barrel" type recruits-Older guys, younger kids, physically unfit for previous duty, etc. Since I am 40, I am kinda old to be playing a regular soldaten. Additionally, my 2 kids want to get into this asap, and they are 11 and 10. So, in a few years, they would look the part as well. Finally, in an attempt to held redress the force balance of Heer vs. Waffen SS, it would be some more guys on the Heer side of things. Not that I have anything against the Waffen SS guys, but it seems like at times there are more of them then regular army types out and about.
So, it looks like I am going to start a 326th VolksGrenadier unit in the near future.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Oct 17, 2008 10:42:26 GMT -5
It depends on what group you play with. You could buy a Tanaka K98 and that is much more skirmish ready no shells to find there. they cost a little more. 300-400 normally is what they go to. You could start with a BAR-10 while you save money for a Tanaka. My conversions are available but are pricey at this time. You could try the conversion yourself. Shouldn't be very hard if you married a DBoys K98 to a BAR-10. Only cost you around 200.00 for the parts. I would do 1 MP40 with spring rifles for your boys. You could also go with an MG group there is a conversion on these boards in the technical section for an AK to MG36 that is not bad and should be easy to do yourself. HAve one of those with you being the directing officer with an MP40 one of your sons is the gunner the other is the ammo bearer and if he had the Dboys k98 or a Luger pistol than that would work pretty well also. Just some ideas for you to mull over you may have already considered this.
The other part of the equation is the rules on who you play. If there is a semi only rule and limited slots for FA guns in the ruleset like I use at my games it makes it much more period.
Allies with M14's are allowed to use semi only with 1 hicap or many locaps. Those with Thompsons must use midcaps or they are relegated to semi only as well and 1 hicap. A very limited number of MG and LMG are allowed as well along with assistant gunners. This gives a better feel to the whole game I feel. Some will say it is over complicated but I have used it very successfully for a few years now and we have been play testing it and refining it all along the way.
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