Spare GPMG buttstock?

[Elphiel]

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?

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[browningautorifle]

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...

[Lee Enfield]

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?

If you blow up the pic, it's not attached to his belt, it's attached to the sling.

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.."

[browningautorifle]

If you blow up the pic, it's not attached to his belt, it's attached to the sling.

Show you don't read just reply...

[Al Diehl]

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

[Sunray]

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.

[Peter Laidler]

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

[browningautorifle]

Mind you, it might be a different length.

They didn't make different lengths...

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

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.

[Paul S.]

...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.

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.

[browningautorifle]

GPMG gunners tend to trust other GPMG gunners

And, sited in pairs...