WWI Smallarms...useless in modern war?

[444]

I realize that you said, autoloaders only, but surely you realized that talking aout bolt actions is almost irresistable.

True, a bolt action, under the right circumstances would not be any kind of a liability. But, like all hypothetical questions, you have to decide the circumstances. In his question, telewinz used the phrase, "you were issued". This to me implies that I would be a member of a conventional army on "the modern battlefield". So, he didn't say anything about me being in charge, and he didn't mention that I was a member of some small special ops unit, so I have to assume that I am going to be conducting a conventional infantry type war. The bolt action rifle would not be a good choice for this in the 21st century.
Now, if you make up a senario where you get to make all the decisions, and you get to totally dictate how and when you engage the enemy, then a bolt gun isn't a bad choice; especially since if you can do all that, you could also avoid combat all together.

 

[cracked butt]

Wouldn't an '03 equiped with a pederson device make a pretty good all around weapon? You remove the device for long range shooting, install the device when you need to defend a confined environment.

 

[greyhound]

Trench Broom

I think the "trench broom" was a pump shotgun. The Germans hated them so much they tried to have them banned.

 

[RandyB]

If issued WWI weapons and the rest of the US army/marines/navy/air force is there. Two words:

Air Support

 

[seeker_two]

As Nash Piazza said, "Any gun will do if YOU will do."

That being said, I wouldn't feel disadvantaged with any WWI weapon (Chauchat excluded, of course). I would just adapt my tactics to the resources that my side & my opponents side have available.

My load-out would probably consist of an SMLE (w/ extra mags & bayonet), two 1911's, and a S&W 1917 as backup...

...and hope I don't have to cross any deep water.

 

[keyhole]

Well, most guns beat a rock or sharp pointy stick.

If I gotta fight up close, gimme a flamethrower

 

[jsalcedo]

I guy let me fire what he said was a 1918 beretta submachinegun

It was a 9mm with a short wood stock a 14 inch barrel.

It had 2 triggers one for semi auto and one for full auto.

I'm not sure it was used in WWI but it was handy reliable and effective.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I might point out that "modern" warfare doesn't mean "US deployed troops with the best of the best in top shelf fighting technology.

Most snipers in the Balkans were using 8mm mauser copies, if not rifle left by the Germans.

Plenty of nations have mountains of SMLE's in thier reserves (remeber all those released from Irish arsenals?).

Sure, most conflicts and uprisings now are fought with a Kalashnikov, but that doesn't mean a bolt rifle is useless.

The BAR is heavy, but man does it pack a whallop.