That One Terrible Gun Myth in Siege of Jadotville...

Published on September 15, 2023
Duration: 10:08

Forgotten Weapons host Ian McCollum, a recognized firearms expert, analyzes the weaponry depicted in 'The Siege of Jadotville.' While praising the film's general accuracy in featuring the FN FAL, Bren gun, Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1(T), and Swedish K M45B, he debunks the myth that the Bren gun possessed sniper-level accuracy. McCollum explains that the Bren's design for a 'cone of fire' and its open-bolt mechanism result in significant dispersion and lock time, making it unsuitable for precision long-range shots compared to a dedicated sniper rifle.

Quick Summary

Forgotten Weapons host Ian McCollum debunks the myth that the Bren gun was a sniper weapon in 'The Siege of Jadotville.' He explains that the Bren's design for a 'cone of fire' and its open-bolt mechanism result in significant dispersion (4-5 MOA) and long lock time, making it unsuitable for precision long-range shots compared to dedicated sniper rifles like the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1(T).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Jadotville Firearms Accuracy
  2. 01:24Accurate Weaponry in the Film
  3. 02:30Debunking the Bren Gun Accuracy Myth
  4. 03:42Bren Gun Dispersion Data (4-5 MOA)
  5. 05:45Open Bolt Mechanics & Lock Time
  6. 07:38Optics vs. Iron Sights for Sniping

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms were used by Irish UN troops in 'The Siege of Jadotville'?

The film accurately depicted Irish UN troops in 1961 using the Swedish K (M45B) submachine gun, the FN FAL rifle, the Bren gun, and the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1(T) sniper rifle, according to Forgotten Weapons.

Why wasn't the Bren gun accurate enough for sniping in 'The Siege of Jadotville'?

The Bren gun, designed as a light machine gun, has inherent dispersion (around 4-5 MOA) and a long lock time due to its open-bolt mechanism, making it unsuitable for precision sniper work compared to dedicated sniper rifles.

What is the difference between a Bren gun's fire and a sniper rifle's fire?

A Bren gun is designed for a 'cone of fire' with significant dispersion, while a sniper rifle like the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1(T) is built for pinpoint accuracy with minimal lock time and often uses magnified optics.

What is 'lock time' in firearms?

Lock time is the delay between pulling the trigger and the firing pin striking the primer. A shorter lock time, typical of bolt-action sniper rifles, minimizes firearm movement and enhances accuracy, unlike the longer lock time of an open-bolt Bren gun.

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