Printable View
Hi folks,
while searching for reference pictures about the GPMG L7 'gimpy' I came across this:
Soldier Carrying a GPMG | A soldier of the 1st Battalion The… | Flickr
Now comes the questions, why carry a second buttstock on the belt, that indicates the soldier wants fast access to it. Anyone with some insight knowledge?
I never needed a spare butt and usually they don't come off until you set up in SF role. He has it on a sling over his body, looks to me like the GPMG sling too.
For all the world, looks like he's in Brecon as well, certainly not overseas at this point. Mind you Brecon is another country...seems like it...ask Gil Boyd, Peter...
If you blow up the pic, it's not attached to his belt, it's attached to the sling.Quote:
Originally Posted by Elphiel
I'm gonna say that they threw the gpm on his shoulder for the photo, and couldn't unclip the sling from his butt for some reason.
I think it's a straight photo op thing, ie. "This will look really cool.."
Show you don't read just reply...Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Enfield
The only time I ever needed or, would have liked to have had a NEW butt, was when I was leaving the Sergeant Major's office.:(
Al
Really makes no difference where a troopie carries anything. The PBI do really odd things all the time though. Especially, the FNG's who haven't learned how to trim their kit. Mind you, it might be a different length.
"...a straight photo op thing..." Could be and probably is. The guy has no ammo either.
I would say that it is the butt from the other gun in the section or platoon that is set up in the SF role giving them covering fire while they're enjoying a stroll in the hills
They didn't make different lengths...Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunray
Considering how many you folk have in a Platoon, that would be about the most likely. It may not be his gun, just the one that's not mounted SF... Maybe bringing a gun back to be diddled because it has an issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
I'd go with Peter on this since in my experience GPMG gunners tend to trust other GPMG gunners with their kit more than almost any one else.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
And, sited in pairs...Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul S.
Certainly a "GUNS" Platoon member who simply, as Peter says was carrying for a gun which was "currently" employed on an SF role, as they would be heavily bogged down with Tripod, sight and ammo etc.
Often whilst "switching" targets you and your number two on standby, (not mounted), had to leg it to an extreme distance to provide covering fire as a Platoon/Company or indeed a Battalion were conducting Pairs, Fire and manouvre, re set up at an oblique angle and carryon laying down fire as the rest of the guns moved up. Works everytime as long as you had a view!!!
The "Beaten Zone" proved highly effective in the Sennybridge type terrain or indeed the Falklands the sister sh--hole of training areas where sheep don't like 7.62 on switch:lol:
Those in the know will tell you, the butt is not something you want to lose, they are like rocking horse poo, albeit not a starred item, still jail time if lost.
Used to be less of a thing for us but now it's simple, it's a weapon part and a capital offence...Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil Boyd
Thought I'd save the picture here in case the link goes defunct.
Thanks for your input. I was to much focused on the individual that it never came to my mind, that there might be a second gpmg around ;) That in a SF role definitely makes sense.
Yeah these stocks are hard to come by. Wish someone could "loose" one here on my doorstep XD
Anyways, thanks again :)
Elphiel,
The M240 butt fits the GPMG exactly and vise versa, so might be easier for you to find one of them if thats what you are after especially in Europe. There is only a slight plastic modification on style and uplift at the shoulder plate, but in short they both look and feel the same.