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Grumble -> (8/3/2000 12:04:00 AM)
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Actually there's major differences between types of small arms. SMG's are designed to throw A LOT of pistol bullets out to about 150 meters( 2-3 hexes in SPWAW). Rifles use a higher-power cartridge to get more range, and killing power. As far as nationalities go, the bolt-action rifles of the Brits, Germans, and Russians were basically the same: 7.62-8mm effective out to 600 meters (10 hexes). The Japanese rifle was similiar except it had a much smaller caliber 6.5mm. The US weapon the M1 Garand was basically the same except it was self-loading, more firepower. The Soviets also developed a self-loading (semiautomatic) rifle. It was planned to be general issue but Barbarossa screwed up that plan; it was primarily issued to NCOs.
As the war went on, the Germans realized that most combat happens at less than 400 meters (6-8 hexes in SPWAW), they designed a less powerful cartridge and a weapon that could fire semi and full automatic. The MP/STG 44 is the forerunner of today's assault rifles.
For MG's the basic differences between the MG34 and 42 are construction. The MG 42 is stamped as opposed to machined, making it cheaper and easier to subcontract. It's ROF is also higher. Both are fine weapons-the MG42 is still in service in several European Armies rebored for 7.62mm NATO.
Hope that helps.
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