Czech tanks with awesome BMG?

[Hexagoner]

Why do relatively modest tanks like the Pz 35(t) and 38(t) have better BMGs (4 FP) than the MG-34 armed PZ III thru Tigers (3 FP)? I apologize if previously asked, but couldn't find it.

Hex

 

[Sparafucil3]

So setting aside the assumption there was ACTUALLY a reason, there is more to MG firepower than just the MG. Range of motion, ease of use, ease of reloading, ease of engagement, tank ergonomics, etc would all play into the "usable" firepower. This is all just a guess. -- jim

 

[Gordon]

Why do relatively modest tanks like the Pz 35(t) and 38(t) have better BMGs (4 FP) than the MG-34 armed PZ III thru Tigers (3 FP)? I apologize if previously asked, but couldn't find it.

Hex

Oh, don't go down the "why does X" rabbit hole of the rules. That way leads to madness.

 

[Sparafucil3]

That way leads to madness.

Not to mention reality arguments <shudder>. -- jim

 

[Yuri0352]

This is a topic which the late, great Paul Weir would have thoroughly addressed. I sure do miss him.

 

[Hutch]

Czechoslovakian Built: Pz 35(t) and 38(t)-7.92 mm (0.3 in) ZB-53 MG 37(t) machine guns, 500-800 rpm, 225 round belt, Gas operated. It was designed to withstand five minutes of constant fire

German MG34: 7.92x57mm Mauser, 800-900 rpm, 50/250 round belt or 75 round drum. Recoil operated.

My guess would be Czech built, and the gas blowback.

 

[kcole4001]

And after watching many Inside the Hatch videos (Chieftan) I'd add that the optics provided, or lack thereof, factor heavily in the effectiveness.
IE: vision slit vs fully articulated periscope, and everything in between.
One tank (at least) even had no way at all for the bow gunner to see outside, the epitome of spray and pray, let the driver steer the bullets.
Some were pretty good, many were pretty bad, most were decent at least.

 

[Actionjick]

This is a topic which the late, great Paul Weir would have thoroughly addressed. I sure do miss him.

Yes he is sorely missed. Tried a couple weeks ago to find Da Paul Challenge but it wouldn't come up.

 

[PresterJohn]

Half a sentence on the Wikipedia page refers to the the radio operator's machine gun having a "spotting telescope". I expect some investigation into these optics may well make the MG more of a MMG than an LMG.

 

[Nineteen Kilo]

This is a topic which the late, great Paul Weir would have thoroughly addressed. I sure do miss him.

It's funny, I though of Paul instantly as well. He was a wellspring of information on subjects such as this.

 

[Actionjick]

It's funny, I though of Paul instantly as well. He was a wellspring of information on subjects such as this.

Yes. I often think of him when these types of questions arise. RIP comrade.

 

[Chas]

Interestingly both tanks could have the CMG coupled to MA or not. If not coupled it is just a ball mount LMG so the counter represents the CMG coupled to the MA.

There is no actual reason for the BMG to have 4FP so I would assume it was simply a design for effect decided on many years ago.

 

[PresterJohn]

If the description of the radio operators MG optics is not being confused with the coaxial MG controls, then I disagree completely.

 

[fenyan]

Yes he is sorely missed. Tried a couple weeks ago to find Da Paul Challenge but it wouldn't come up.

https://www.gamesquad.com/forums/index.php?threads/da-paul-challenge.114213/

 

[PresterJohn]

This video also mentions a 2.6 mag telescopic sight on the ball mount MG in the hull. I'd say that would certainly improve the effectiveness of the weapon compared to using open sights with limited visibility.

 

[Robin Reeve]

Btw PzIIID and F have a whopping 8FP CMG...

 

[PresterJohn]

Those two turrets have a pair of MG34s mounted coaxially in them.

 

[Actionjick]

https://www.gamesquad.com/forums/index.php?threads/da-paul-challenge.114213/

Thanks!

 

[Vic Provost]

This is a topic which the late, great Paul Weir would have thoroughly addressed. I sure do miss him.

Me too! I loved Paul and his side of many debates.

 

[Robert Fabbro]

I've wondered if these tanks should be reclassified as RST since the tank commander was also the gunner, similar to the M13/40 and T-34/76.