[Sticky] The 2nd Battalion South Staffords

We actually have two proper Brens chap!

Barry and Anne have one, so does Pete 59.

Ressie bag is about £3/£4 (war/postwar) from sabre sales or militaria fairs.

As a group we have between us at last count.

at least...

3 stens
7 no4 rifles
2 brens
5 thompsons
6 mp40s
1 vickers mmg (majors)

Thats what i *know* we have in he way of correct weapons, obviously other wwii guns and close look alikes are fine too (generic wood stock bolt actions, m14s etc)

Warren of Shoot and Scoot sells respirator bags as well.

Thanks for the info. Isn't the respirator worn on the back over the entrenching tool cover?

I bought an M14 with the idea to initially make a G43 and then another dress up kit (stock disguise and barrel end) as a No4 or SMLE. Problem is that the M14 mags when cut down need the insides machining out and a new bb track making to get enough bbs in for the G43 and as time is pressing I might just keep one for looks and use M14 mags for playing until I get time to make more.

The SMLE mag is more difficult using the M14 as a donor rifle as a flat bb slide needs to be made connecting the dummy fixed mag to the M14 magwell which I might need to get something special made up for. Also, I wanted to concentrate on the Sten mk2/3 project first. The Bren idea is a quick way of getting the M249 'Bren like' so it is a bit of a blow you already have so many.

I had a chat with Warren and I can't justify spending out for one of his at the moment but it was encouraging that the next versions of both Bren and sten will have removable box magazines.

What was the weapons issue to South Staffs?

Thanks for the info. Isn't the respirator worn on the back over the entrenching tool cover?

Attached to the belt... or slung over the shoulder.

I bought an M14 with the idea to initially make a G43 and then another dress up kit (stock disguise and barrel end) as a No4 or SMLE. Problem is that the M14 mags when cut down need the insides machining out and a new bb track making to get enough bbs in for the G43 and as time is pressing I might just keep one for looks and use M14 mags for playing until I get time to make more.

The SMLE mag is more difficult using the M14 as a donor rifle as a flat bb slide needs to be made connecting the dummy fixed mag to the M14 magwell which I might need to get something special made up for. Also, I wanted to concentrate on the Sten mk2/3 project first. The Bren idea is a quick way of getting the M249 'Bren like' so it is a bit of a blow you already have so many.

I had a chat with Warren and I can't justify spending out for one of his at the moment but it was encouraging that the next versions of both Bren and sten will have removable box magazines.

What was the weapons issue to South Staffs?

Personal weapons should really be from this lot: Sten MkV, Sten MkII, No4, Bren, 1911A1, Webley/Enfield revolver

There are a couple of other possibles, but they're very rare.

Personally give the choice a Sten MkII is the best to get.

We're quite happy with people using Thompsons or MP40s though... etc...

Yep until cheapr alternatives become available any wwii gun is more or less ok.

Thompson is ideal to do cheaply and quickly.

Hi, I chanced across an earlier discussion on the PBI trying to get a large number of bolt action (ideally No4s) so you could field proper rifle groups. Gadge, I totally get what you were saying about having sufficient Brens now. I have given up on trying to use the M14 as a donor for a Lee Enfield as it is a bit pointless as they were non detacheable mag and bolt action, just use it for the G43. I checked out Shootnscoot but I can't pay that so I will buy something suitable in the next couple of months. What are people using in lieu of (i.e. lokalike) or as a donor and what fps range is required?

Lee Enfield as it is a bit pointless as they were non detacheable mag and bolt action

I'm pretty sure the mag was detachable, but was loaded by stripper clips anyway. It's always going to be difficult basing a bolty on an AEG box, why not go for an MP001/VSR? The manufacturing is bound to be easier, too.

Yes the mag is detachable, but would probably only be removed for cleaning.

Hi, I got a VSR in the January sales but I have had it upped to 328 as that seems to be the limit for all types at F&O. Should I have asked the shop to make it higher and if so, what limit is generally used so I can play any game? Aiming to use it as PBI and will dress it up as a SMLE in the future.

F&O allow up to 500fps for bolt action rifles... but with a minimum engagement distance of about 30m (ish) Its best to aim for 450fps though.

It varies at all other sites though.

Will do cap badges for our berets but would feel very awkward about anything like rank pips/stripes or medals and the like.

It's funny how quickly some people's principles evaporate when it's a choice between shooting a big gun wearing a stripe, or not shooting a big gun.......

Hi

With Husky on the horizon I had been looking around at info and found this site with the War Diary for the operation. Thought it may be of interest.

http://www.pegasusarchive.org/sicily/frames.htm

nice one...

Were cap badges ever "subdued" prior to combat (like webbing brass) or always shiny sparkly?

To my knowledge keep clean, officers ones are dark bronze.

I would have thought if that was an issue they'd have just worn a helmet...

The berets stand out enough on their own anyway... unless fighting amongst the red-weed in war of the worlds... (soz I was watching it last night. )

working on it lads, just need webbing boots and helmet.

i have bought all the rest of my stuff should arive soon, all i need then is a gas mask bag from webby and some ammo boots and authentic BD to replace mt 49pat's

Were FS caps ever worn by the South Staffs or was it strictly berets?

Probably before they were changed to airborne troops, but not after.