The Kit Pic Thread

Ok so fair enough, we've established that it wasn't really used in WW2 but also,

okay alex, when you get a bar, and you can ask doug to back me up on this, the carry handle is seriously not useless. But now we've established its a post war item, it doesn't matter.

I've handled a real BAR and still found the carry handle to be useless, say hypothetically that the carry handle was introduced earlier on in WW2 and that it was widely supplied to troops across the ETO, you still wouldn't yomp across France carrying your BAR like a shopping bag. You can't shoot a rifle carrying it by the carry handle...also why fit a leather sling if it's got a carry handle as well. It's a lot less punishment slinging something on your shoulder (spreads the weight over your body) than carrying it at the end of your arm (puts stress on every joint in your arm and shoulder)...just not practical at all.

HOWEVER...as with everything else...I've come to the conclusion that as it was then it is now, if you like it like that you carry it like that. When I get a BAR (imminent!) I'll be removing the carry handle immediately but if you prefer it with then you keep it as it is. Carry your kit how you find it most comfortable...

Funnily enough, seen pics of the Brit army in Afghan carrying their GPMGs by the carry handle like a shopping bag! hehe... still... wouldnt like to be on the receiving end of one

It would be interesting to get the experience of those who used minimi's/gimpys professionally. I'd be willing to bet a sling would be largely used for non-active relocation and a carry handle for active relocation - much easier to scoot around keeping low with a heavy, awkward bit of kit using a handle than wrest the thing onto your back with a sling when being shot at!

The minimi carry handle is also used for changing out the barrel, so you don't have to touch it when this happens -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeFM5iJIu0Q

haha yeah, unless you're John J, you're not going to be carrying that much link around with you

The M60e4 something successfully passed the 1000 round sustained fire test, had some sort of composite barrel, bet it was still warm tho.

The minimi carry handle is also used for changing out the barrel

So does the GPMG. Push the barrel release catch and whack the carry handle across.

Personally, I found the carry handle useful. When you're down and firing and then have to get up and move quickly to your next firing position, throw yourself down and start firing again quickly, a handle is a godsend. It also saves you burning your hand from touching anywhere in front of the receiver. They get very hot, in fact, on a night time sustained fire shoot, I've seen barrels glow white hot and you can see the bullets going through them! You definitely would NOT want to touch a barrel that hot, trust me.

Edit - Oh yes, slings are the tool of a lazy soldier as well. They are for aiding shooting and for assisting when crossing obstacles, not to turn your weapon into a fecking handbag.

Same with the brens carry handle, its there for barrel changes... its also one of the two 'taught' ways to move the bren when crawling as part of a two man team.

Very handy things if you have to pick up a weapon thats had a few dozen rounds through it recently.
I once made the mistake of grabbing my rifle too quickly and burning my hand when i missed the front hand guard,.

Edit: Pete beat me to it there...

My first kit pic, and first ww2 loadout of any kind

I know my belt is all over the place but it needs adjusted. No helmet as I just put a coat of OD on it. Is it looking ok so far? Pointers welcome!

Just adjust your webbing properly as loose if you carry any weight its going to either rub you raw or your belt will unclip.

TBH do you need the suspenders if you're only carrying a carlisle pouch? With the belt done properly up its surely going to be enough on its own.

Hmm for some reason it didn't upload the back picture and you can't see much from the front. Here's the webbing setup -

AH that makes much more sense.

Yeah I'm no expert on US airborne but it looks fine to me (once you've got it adjusted anyways)

Unless you're dead set on being 101st, you'll find unbadging your kit more than doubles the ammount of scenarios you can participate in that specify historically correct units.

Any airborne set up is pretty limiting given their nature but its easier with germans (you cant usally see the cuff title) and Brits (only need to change cap badge).

Yeah it came through with 101st insignia already on it but I have another with 82nd. I also have a US overcoat for GI use I'll strip the suspenders off the webbing, pop the para chincup and helmet net off my M1 and say I "found" the corcorans

Oh and if you're starting out this thread might be useful as in

'what not to buy or do'

http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/v ... =5&t=13587

Thanks, it's a prety handy thread. I'll probably be adding more equipment bit by bit and I want to grab a basic German uniform pretty soon. First stop is to get myself to some games at POW and then think about getting myself a period weapon.

i'd invest in getting an Enlisted man's shirt. it adds alot to the loadout and can be used for anything from GI to wearing it with the class A etc. jackets.

EDIT: oh, and a tie aswell

EDIT: oh, and a tie aswell

I want a tie for Bushy!

Thanks, it's a prety handy thread. I'll probably be adding more equipment bit by bit and I want to grab a basic German uniform pretty soon. First stop is to get myself to some games at POW and then think about getting myself a period weapon.

A very interesting (and funny) read is the At The Front site.

They probably make the best US kit i''ve seen and there site is pretty informative - if a little brusque.

http://www.atthefront.com/khaki.htm

I know my belt is all over the place but it needs adjusted. No helmet as I just put a coat of OD on it. Is it looking ok so far? Pointers welcome!

Eat more pies, then it'll fit fine.

It's the pies that made my 82nd one not fit!

But it's looking good matey, will get a better look on Sunday. I'll prob be in my Brit kit as I was yankee last time.