Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Then Bren gun had a firing rate of about 500 rounds per minute, it was deliberately kept low by design.
The MG42 had a firing rate of anywhere from 900 to 1500 depending on the variation and bolts that they used.
The MG42 had a much longer effective range as well. I like the Bren, it was originally considered to be a good low cost weapon. But I would probably take the MG42 just over the quick ability to get rounds downfield over a longer distance. with more accuracy.
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Yeah, but German infantry manuals recommended a barrel change after every 250 rounds because the barrel couldn't stand prolonged fire at that rate. The gun also didn't have a quick release handle, the fire team had to carry a large asbestos mitt to switch the barrel.
EDIT: The German squad only carried 6 spare barrels so unless the gun was in a defensive position, you've only got 1250 rounds to play with.
If I was a German on the high ground around Caen, I would want the MG42. If I'm a Canadian infantry section rapidly on the move trying to take that high ground, I might want the Bren.