Infantry Discussion Thread 6: True Korea Edition

[The Great Nation of Dan]

I was just struck by the idea of carrying a grenade atlatl. One stick for all your grenade-throwing purposes!

I like that idea except mine was and still is a 2-6 foot long rope sling.

For the road:
http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek072.html

[Yukonastan]

I found a thing. Is a German patent for a 4mm solid iron projectile. Apparently, despite being comprised entirely of soft iron, it was able to penetrate 6mm steel at 50m and 30cm (I think) of pine at 100m.

I roughed it out for you.

Edit: Pixel measured it this time.

[Radicchio]

OK, Here is a tree i put together as an example of platoon structure for my infantry.

I will preface it by saying that I do not expect every single Platoon to have this exact structure or number of these specific kinds of "specialists, but as a basic structure i think this works. Let me know what you folks think.

[Nirvash Type TheEND]

Warrant officers in the army? It's like the last days of Caligula I tell ya.

Don't worry I do it too.

[Radicchio]

Warrant officers in the army? It's like the last days of Caligula I tell ya.

Don't worry I do it too.

I have already gotten a ton of flack from people i my region about using non-standard (US/NATO) terms for NCOs. If i was playing a NATO type nation, i would probably use something more standard but since i am not (and since it is my choice damnit) This is what you get.

[Fordorsia]

Taking a risk and rummaging through our dark past, it seems my sword spam started over a year ago.

And Anemos called it a phase. Someone make me a cake.

Also I rediscovered this gladius with a basket hilt. You're welcome.

[Puzikas]

Warrant officers in the army? It's like the last days of Caligula I tell ya.

Don't worry I do it too.

I have already gotten a ton of flack from people i my region about using non-standard (US/NATO) terms for NCOs. If i was playing a NATO type nation, i would probably use something more standard but since i am not (and since it is my choice damnit) This is what you get.

You should see the ranks I use if you think your non-NATO ranks are bad

[Nirvash Type TheEND]

Warrant officers in the army? It's like the last days of Caligula I tell ya.

Don't worry I do it too.

I have already gotten a ton of flack from people i my region about using non-standard (US/NATO) terms for NCOs. If i was playing a NATO type nation, i would probably use something more standard but since i am not (and since it is my choice damnit) This is what you get.

Warrant ranks are great for MOS requiring a college degree without having too many full fledged officers strutting about base, driving your lance cpls up the walls.

[Radicchio]

I have already gotten a ton of flack from people i my region about using non-standard (US/NATO) terms for NCOs. If i was playing a NATO type nation, i would probably use something more standard but since i am not (and since it is my choice damnit) This is what you get.

Warrant ranks are great for MOS requiring a college degree without having too many full fledged officers strutting about base, driving your lance cpls up the walls.

I played with the idea of a "Senior Class" Corporal and "Junior Class" Corporal but i thought it would be just too many ranks for a platoon. Keep it simple, keep it grunty...

[Doppio Giudici]

Does the trigger, stock, and iron-sight contribute a lot to round groupings?

If so, what can I do with a standard AK-10 when it comes to the above three parts?

[Yukonastan]

Does the trigger, stock, and iron-sight contribute a lot to round groupings?

If so, what can I do with a standard AK-10 when it comes to the above three parts?

Assuming you mean the AK-10x, which is a derivative of the venerable AK74, you can do quite a lot.

Trigger: Tighten up the break, lighten the trigger spring, file all mating surfaces to a mirror finish, et cetera. Alternatively install an aftermarket trigger pack built to inherently higher tolerances. Timney is working on that, although you might need to modify your AK to get it to fit.

Stock, there isn't really a lot you can do in that regard, simply because of how the stock fits into the rear trunnion. The best thing is a solid steel custom trunnion to which you attach a solid oak or maple stock (over a steel tube or something else to rigidly mount it), or maybe even fancy laminate if you want to go all the way.

As for sights, you'd be looking at a good (preferably barrel slash trunnion mounted) red dot or similar sight, or if you're going for irons, go with an HK-style drum and post, with the post being a National Match style post.

Even then, the AK has loose tolerances by design (this is what allows it to shoot while full of sand, mud, the blood of your enemies, or twinkie) and you can build a far better one if you tighten up the bolt, bolt carrier, trunnion, barrel, and chamber tolerances. It won't be a sub-MOA at a kilometre piece, but it'll be far more than adequate for a designated marksman.

[Doppio Giudici]

Does the trigger, stock, and iron-sight contribute a lot to round groupings?

If so, what can I do with a standard AK-10 when it comes to the above three parts?

Assuming you mean the AK-10x, which is a derivative of the venerable AK74, you can do quite a lot.

Trigger: Tighten up the break, lighten the trigger spring, file all mating surfaces to a mirror finish, et cetera. Alternatively install an aftermarket trigger pack built to inherently higher tolerances. Timney is working on that, although you might need to modify your AK to get it to fit.

Stock, there isn't really a lot you can do in that regard, simply because of how the stock fits into the rear trunnion. The best thing is a solid steel custom trunnion to which you attach a solid oak or maple stock (over a steel tube or something else to rigidly mount it), or maybe even fancy laminate if you want to go all the way.

As for sights, you'd be looking at a good (preferably barrel slash trunnion mounted) red dot or similar sight, or if you're going for irons, go with an HK-style drum and post, with the post being a National Match style post.

Even then, the AK has loose tolerances by design (this is what allows it to shoot while full of sand, mud, the blood of your enemies, or twinkie) and you can build a far better one if you tighten up the bolt, bolt carrier, trunnion, barrel, and chamber tolerances. It won't be a sub-MOA at a kilometre piece, but it'll be far more than adequate for a designated marksman.

I meant to say AK-103....Oh well.

What do you mean when you say "tighten up the break"? How do I lighten the trigger spring? When you say "file all the mating surfaces" you mean grind the parts that rub against each other so that there is less friction?

What is a "trunnion"? I specialize in using M-16ish stocks, because I think it's a better shape (Yes, it folds). Does the plastic the M16 use behave any differently from the fiberglass the AK-100 series uses?

About the sights, I understand to a degree what "drum and post sights are"; because I have seen the sights to the HK small arms. My high end AKs use "SCARish" sights, but I have been thinking of having lower ones that are more affordable to fit the model. I never found the G-3 sights comfortable to look down, is there a reason why you picked them?

Can I have a vague idea how to "tighten up the bolt, bolt carrier, trunnion, barrel, and chamber tolerances"?

On the same note, would making the bolt out of a lighter but just as strong alloy speed up the rifle that much or would that require fiddling with the piston-action?

[Dostanuot Loj]

OK guys, insanity time.

First, I have been playing a lot of KSP after work lately. Second, Puzikas gave me this idea inadvertently.

Carl Gustav for MT space marines, y/n?

My thinking is this:
- 4-man "squad" including 2-man CG team.
- Programmable munitions for Charlie G.
- Fancy sighting system.

I need you to ignore the impracticality of space marines of course, but it's fun!

[Vancon]

OK guys, insanity time.

First, I have been playing a lot of KSP after work lately. Second, Puzikas gave me this idea inadvertently.

Carl Gustav for MT space marines, y/n?

My thinking is this:
- 4-man "squad" including 2-man CG team.
- Programmable munitions for Charlie G.
- Fancy sighting system.

I need you to ignore the impracticality of space marines of course, but it's fun!

Isn't the CG a recoilless gun? It could do wonders in space then. I think this is a great idea.

[Korva]

OK guys, insanity time.

First, I have been playing a lot of KSP after work lately. Second, Puzikas gave me this idea inadvertently.

Carl Gustav for MT space marines, y/n?

My thinking is this:
- 4-man "squad" including 2-man CG team.
- Programmable munitions for Charlie G.
- Fancy sighting system.

I need you to ignore the impracticality of space marines of course, but it's fun!

Isn't the CG a recoilless gun? It could do wonders in space then. I think this is a great idea.

recoilless rifles aren't
my spess soldiers get gyrojets

[Tule]

OK guys, insanity time.

First, I have been playing a lot of KSP after work lately. Second, Puzikas gave me this idea inadvertently.

Carl Gustav for MT space marines, y/n?

My thinking is this:
- 4-man "squad" including 2-man CG team.
- Programmable munitions for Charlie G.
- Fancy sighting system.

I need you to ignore the impracticality of space marines of course, but it's fun!

No, recoilless rifles aren't entirely recoilless as has been pointed out already. Your space marines will spin uncontrollably.

Furthermore, in a zero gravity environment, enemy cosmonauts will likely be wearing ridiculously thick armor that would be far too heavy to wear on earth. Necessitating heavy, but recoilless weapons.

The obvious solution is a space AT-3 Sagger.

[Dostanuot Loj]

Obviously RRs are not truly recoiless, I know that. But they provide a much lower recoil impulse then anything else that would provide the same punch short of pure rockets. An MMU could easily be designed to compensate for the recoil, and to aid the "astronaut" could fire from the hip anyway, or simply do it while tethered/feet planted/otherwise braced.

I'm having a hard time imagining personal armour, even for a space suit, that would be so effective. Micrometeorites are one thing, but there are more then one kill mechanism at work here. And the defense mechanisms against micrometeorites are not even fully effective IRL.

[Yukonastan]

Assuming you mean the AK-10x, which is a derivative of the venerable AK74, you can do quite a lot.

Trigger: Tighten up the break, lighten the trigger spring, file all mating surfaces to a mirror finish, et cetera. Alternatively install an aftermarket trigger pack built to inherently higher tolerances. Timney is working on that, although you might need to modify your AK to get it to fit.

Stock, there isn't really a lot you can do in that regard, simply because of how the stock fits into the rear trunnion. The best thing is a solid steel custom trunnion to which you attach a solid oak or maple stock (over a steel tube or something else to rigidly mount it), or maybe even fancy laminate if you want to go all the way.

As for sights, you'd be looking at a good (preferably barrel slash trunnion mounted) red dot or similar sight, or if you're going for irons, go with an HK-style drum and post, with the post being a National Match style post.

Even then, the AK has loose tolerances by design (this is what allows it to shoot while full of sand, mud, the blood of your enemies, or twinkie) and you can build a far better one if you tighten up the bolt, bolt carrier, trunnion, barrel, and chamber tolerances. It won't be a sub-MOA at a kilometre piece, but it'll be far more than adequate for a designated marksman.

I meant to say AK-103....Oh well.

What do you mean when you say "tighten up the break"? How do I lighten the trigger spring? When you say "file all the mating surfaces" you mean grind the parts that rub against each other so that there is less friction?

What is a "trunnion"? I specialize in using M-16ish stocks, because I think it's a better shape (Yes, it folds). Does the plastic the M16 use behave any differently from the fiberglass the AK-100 series uses?

About the sights, I understand to a degree what "drum and post sights are"; because I have seen the sights to the HK small arms. My high end AKs use "SCARish" sights, but I have been thinking of having lower ones that are more affordable to fit the model. I never found the G-3 sights comfortable to look down, is there a reason why you picked them?

Can I have a vague idea how to "tighten up the bolt, bolt carrier, trunnion, barrel, and chamber tolerances"?

On the same note, would making the bolt out of a lighter but just as strong alloy speed up the rifle that much or would that require fiddling with the piston-action?

The very best triggers are said to break as smoothly as a glass rod, ie they are not at all gritty. When I say tighten up the break I mean just that. Fiddle with the trigger/hammer linkage until there is almost no friction between 'em. Make the hooks mirror-smooth, wherever the trigger parts connect other parts. This includes the hammer and sear.

To lighten up a coil spring you cut off links. For an AK-alike spring, you need to bend the end that contacts the trigger. File and hone every mating surface in the trigger pack to reduce friction and grit. It takes work, but it massively improves your trigger.

The real problem with the AK style trunnions is that they're optimized for mass production. This means they MAY fit looser than they should. The second thing is that all AKs are sidefolders, which also slightly reduces stock rigidity. If you create a custom block for that specific receiver, to mount a fixed stock, you have a more rigid stock. Being rigid is good for lrecision stocks.

Why HK-style aperture sights? Because the human eye is VERY good at aligning circles. Line up rear hole with front sight hood, hold post on target, and (assuming zero is good) your bullet is going to hit at the top of that post.

If you want real precision from an AK, you need to have a very tight fitting (ie low tolerance) bolt and barrel, so the bullet flies as straight as possible, and so the chamber is the same every time. By design, the AK isn't such a low-tolerance precision beast. It's designed to enjoy every speck of sand and dirt that finds its way in. You'll need to replace the bolt, barrel, and trunnion, to get a vastly tighter lockup when the bolt is forward.

In terms of replacing the bolt: It's not a lot of difference. If you want to really up the AK firing rate, you time it to use more gas and you block the first two vent holes in the gas tube. If you want it to be more reliable and longer lasting, you dial the gas down to the point that the rifle reliably cycles, but only just.

[Doppio Giudici]

Anything I can do on a mass scale?

I'm not making an $260 AK-103, I made $400 plus western mil-spec AK varients.

[Immoren]

Warrant ranks are great for MOS requiring a college degree without having too many full fledged officers strutting about base, driving your lance cpls up the walls.

I played with the idea of a "Senior Class" Corporal and "Junior Class" Corporal but i thought it would be just too many ranks for a platoon. Keep it simple, keep it grunty...

Just call those ranks "corporal" and "vice corporal", like I do.

[Imperializt Russia]

Obviously RRs are not truly recoiless, I know that. But they provide a much lower recoil impulse then anything else that would provide the same punch short of pure rockets. An MMU could easily be designed to compensate for the recoil, and to aid the "astronaut" could fire from the hip anyway, or simply do it while tethered/feet planted/otherwise braced.

I'm having a hard time imagining personal armour, even for a space suit, that would be so effective. Micrometeorites are one thing, but there are more then one kill mechanism at work here. And the defense mechanisms against micrometeorites are not even fully effective IRL.

You'd need smart optics whose ballistic-plotting systems need to be able to dialled for different levels of gravity.

Hit the button for Mars instead of the Moon? Whoops, you've embarrassed yourself with a four hundred metre overshoot, I'm afraid.
(also, what's an MMU?)

[Purpelia]

Obviously RRs are not truly recoiless, I know that. But they provide a much lower recoil impulse then anything else that would provide the same punch short of pure rockets. An MMU could easily be designed to compensate for the recoil, and to aid the "astronaut" could fire from the hip anyway, or simply do it while tethered/feet planted/otherwise braced.

I'm having a hard time imagining personal armour, even for a space suit, that would be so effective. Micrometeorites are one thing, but there are more then one kill mechanism at work here. And the defense mechanisms against micrometeorites are not even fully effective IRL.

You'd need smart optics whose ballistic-plotting systems need to be able to dialled for different levels of gravity.

Hit the button for Mars instead of the Moon? Whoops, you've embarrassed yourself with a four hundred metre overshoot, I'm afraid.
(also, what's an MMU?)

Would it not be a better idea to just have a computerized accelerometer take care of that for you? Put the weapon on the ground, click the calibrate button and wait for a beep.

[Imperializt Russia]

Mayhaps.

A society that has space marines would have an understanding of the impact of gravity bordering the trivial and would certainly pursue one of the two options.

[Purpelia]

Mayhaps.

A society that has space marines would have an understanding of the impact of gravity bordering the trivial and would certainly pursue one of the two options.

It's definitively the way I'd do it. A space rifle after all has to be capable of firing on any number of potential battlefields. And having the user switch between a million buttons or type out codes, turn dials etc. gets cumbersome.

[Immoren]

I have already gotten a ton of flack from people i my region about using non-standard (US/NATO) terms for NCOs. If i was playing a NATO type nation, i would probably use something more standard but since i am not (and since it is my choice damnit) This is what you get.

Warrant ranks are great for MOS requiring a college degree without having too many full fledged officers strutting about base, driving your lance cpls up the walls.

Requirement for all senior subofficers: BBA

(Bachelor of Battle Administration)