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Four Annoying Gun Myths - with Bloke on the Range

Forgotten Weapons
Published on October 31, 2017
Category: Training & Techniques
Duration: 69:55

This video debunks four common firearms myths: the M1 Garand 'ping' leading to death, the Bren gun being too accurate, the expected accuracy of World War II service rifles, and the 'Mad Minute' rapid-fire standard. It draws on historical documents and expert analysis from Bloke on the Range and Forgotten Weapons to explain the realities of firearms performance and training during that era, emphasizing that many popular beliefs are misinterpretations or exaggerations.

Tags

M1 Garand Ping Myth
Bren Gun Accuracy Myth
Service Rifle Accuracy
Mad Minute Myth
Roy Dunlap
World War II Firearms
Firearms Myths
Combat Effectiveness
Marksmanship Standards
Rapid Fire Techniques
Bolt Action Rifles
Light Machine Guns
Historical Firearms

Quick Summary

Four common firearms myths are debunked: the M1 Garand 'ping' is unlikely to be heard in combat, the Bren gun's accuracy was a feature not a flaw, WWII service rifles typically shot 4-6 MOA, and the 'Mad Minute' was an exaggerated rapid-fire drill, not a universal standard.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction & Setting the Scene
  2. 00:01:34Myth 1: The M1 Garand 'Ping' Myth
  3. 00:03:07Debunking the M1 Ping: Combat Noise & Reload Times
  4. 00:04:43Origin of the M1 Ping Myth: Roy Dunlap
  5. 00:09:38Aberdeen Experiments & Plastic Clips
  6. 00:11:15US Military Lessons Learned Document (1953)
  7. 00:13:29The M1 Garand Safety Catch Noise
  8. 00:15:57Myth 2: The Bren Gun is Too Accurate
  9. 00:17:51British LMG Manuals & Bren Accuracy
  10. 00:20:03Bren Accuracy & Zeroing Standards
  11. 00:22:29Vickers Machine Gun vs. Bren
  12. 00:23:06Wikipedia & Bren Accuracy Myth Origin
  13. 00:24:24Roy Dunlap's Expertise & Errors
  14. 00:31:26Myth 3: Service Rifle Accuracy Standards
  15. 00:33:11WWII Rifle Accuracy: 4-6 MOA Norm
  16. 00:34:35Qualification Distances & Visibility
  17. 00:39:29Stocking & Barrel Fit for Accuracy
  18. 00:41:11Sniper Rifle Standards (Lee-Enfield No. 4)
  19. 00:43:24French MAS 36 & Stocking Complexity
  20. 00:44:41Modern vs. WWII Accuracy Expectations
  21. 00:46:02British Marksmanship Standards (Pre-WWI)
  22. 00:49:37Ammunition for Training
  23. 00:52:22German Mauser 98 Accuracy Data
  24. 00:56:02German Sniper Rifle Accuracy Issues
  25. 00:58:35Myth 4: The 'Mad Minute' Myth
  26. 01:00:00Versions of the Mad Minute Myth
  27. 01:01:15Reality of British Rapid Fire Practice
  28. 01:04:48WWII British Rapid Fire Standards
  29. 01:06:56German Sharpshooter Qualification
  30. 01:08:06Comparing British and German Training
  31. 01:10:00Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the M1 Garand 'ping' myth?

The M1 Garand 'ping' myth suggests that the distinctive sound of the empty clip ejecting would alert the enemy, leading to the soldier's death. However, in the chaos of combat, this noise is unlikely to be heard or be a decisive factor, and the reload time is short.

Was the Bren light machine gun too accurate?

No, the Bren light machine gun was designed for accuracy. Its relatively narrow cone of fire was a feature, allowing for more precise fire, and British training emphasized holding it tightly to exploit this accuracy, contrary to the myth.

What was the typical accuracy of World War II service rifles?

World War II service rifles, such as the Mauser 98, generally had an accuracy of 4-6 minutes of angle (MOA). This was considered normal and adequate for the combat distances and marksmanship standards of the era, unlike today's expectations.

What was the 'Mad Minute' in British military training?

The 'Mad Minute' myth claims British soldiers could fire 15 rounds per minute at 300 yards onto a small target. The reality was a rapid-fire drill involving 15 rounds in a minute at a larger target frame, often used as an instructor demonstration to build confidence.

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