I've heard that in ww2 only 15-20% of soldiers fired their rifles in a firefight. i know that americans did that study in european and pacific theaters. i am wondering if that number was greater for paratroopers since they are dropped into enemy territory. not really an important question but i'd like to know and you ww2 buffs can probably help.
I remember hearing about it, there was a documentary about it a while ago. It was widely disputed. As far as the US troops the doc only really focused on conscripts and regular infantry. Rangers and Paratroopers were often better trained for the traumas of war. Often though, even those soldiers who were firing wide would often aim if their life was directly at risk.
when i say firefight i mean any battle no matter how "hot" it gets. The 15-20% number was, if I remember correctly, even found on Iwo Jima. The rate went up for Korea (50%), and was nearly 100% for Vietnam.
I know that the Germans created a gun with a curved down barrel. For several reasons if I remmember correctly. One was that soldiers would shoot over the heads of the enemy rather than at them. Another was to shoot around corners and such without exposing yourself. Not sure what the gun was name, but some good research might get you to it.
Originally posted by Paragoblet: I know that the Germans created a gun with a curved down barrel. For several reasons if I remmember correctly. One was that soldiers would shoot over the heads of the enemy rather than at them. Another was to shoot around corners and such without exposing yourself. Not sure what the gun was name, but some good research might get you to it.
This weapon was a StG44 with a Krummlauf or "curved track".
