-
Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Gil Boyd
Paratroopers jumped with their sniper rifle securely held within what was called a 'Valaise'. This was an internally quilted course external covering which allowed the rifle to be lowered on a 15 foot strop once their parachute had opened, so they were left unimpeded to roll on hitting the deck.
Many left the scopes mounted, but a few carried them in the tins in their bags.
I have to say, disconnecting and connecting the scope each time in the years when I held a 4T of my own, it was never the same shot when fitted back onto the rifle. Personal choice and left very much to the trained sniper.
The impact of the valaise/rifle hitting the ground at the speed they hit I would have thought would have had more risk to the scope than any issue's with zero, although I get that point, although I can't say I've ever had too much issue on my 4T on the couple of times I've had to remove the scope/bracket.
From my memory of the rare valaise, and its 25 years since I last fiddled with one, I'm surprised you could fit a scoped 4T into one......I seem to remember a normal No.4 was quite a snug fit inside one....?
Just the thing for putting round holes in square heads.
-
-
11-04-2022 04:08 PM
# ADS
Friends and Sponsors
-
Contributing Member
They were issued as is, one size fits all, but many left their rifles assembled with the scope fitted. Yes it was a tight fit and cut and designed to be just that. I can say from experience, that any body worn container, often is in swing mode, unless it is deadly calm, and it hangs beneath you as an integral part. This swinging motion often takes the sting out of any impact you might imagine!
I was desperaately trying to find some footage to demonstrate that bu couldn't find any in the archive in the time I attributed to this. I'll keep looking.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
-
-