Minimi

[El Prez]

PWRR posted a couple of photos showing a minimi being fired. I've never used/seen one. The carrying handle was in the upright position when the gun was being fired. Surely this interferes with the sights?
NB the way the GPMG handle folds to the right out of the way.

[Lance]

Is this it?

[El Prez]

Thanks Lance that's it, but in the photos posted by PWRR the carrying handle was upright while the gun was being fired. Seemed a bit daft, that photo confirms it. thanks.

[Lance]

Is it true that the newbies to any patrol get the pleasure of lugging the GMPG or LSW around?

[goreD.]

Here is a photo of minime after he was fired from the latest Austin Powers movie. Hope this helps El Prez.



Gore.

[El Prez]

Lance, it's a long time ago, but..........the GPMG weighs in at something like 32 lbs. Add 200 rounds of link and you have a hand full.
The gun was shared around the section, but invariably the man detailed as gunner got to like the weapon, and often would not let anybody help clean it, even though it took yonks longer than an SLR. It became a matter of pride to make sure it was clean and serviceable, despite what we put them through.
The sound of a GPMG stays with everyone, 'Bobalom Bobalom' anybody?

[bigbart]

I've only ever fired one once, during my Combat Infantryman's course at Catterick. They are a bitch to clean, though.

[Guest]

I volunteered to take the Gimpy. Such a great weapon.
Ammo load in NI was 200 rounds. Add to that ECM equipment, personal equipment and (on certain ops) INIBA vest, you're getting quite heavy.
Especially when you're crossing a rickety barbed-wire fence every 100 yards!

As for the Minimi pic -I can't really tell you much about the Minimi as I've only ever fired it once, the day that pic was taken, when a unit came to Jersey and I had a chance to go up to the range and have a blat with them.
The carrying handle wasn't in the way of the sights though - I think it may be designed so that it is not possible to obscure the sights with it...

[PWRR]

I would Like to add that it was 1PWRR that posted the photos not me PWRR

[Guest]

Yes. I WAS in the PWRR!

[Guest]

The carrying handle on the Minimi is designed so that it cannot get in the way of the sights. It is offset to the right and will not swing across to the left enough to obscure them.
And no, that isn't me in the first picture!! - great goggles though..

[-Danny-]

The gun was shared around the section, but invariably the man detailed as gunner got to like the weapon, and often would not let anybody help clean it, even though it took yonks longer than an SLR. It became a matter of pride to make sure it was clean and serviceable, despite what we put them through.

I had the GPMG the whole of my final ex, have to say i loved it. Also i have to say i found my self cleaning it alone sometimes.....

[PWRR]

I think i've openned a can of worms with this topic

[Guest]

How's that?

[El Prez]

No can of worms, just piqued my curiosity when I noticed the handle position. Force of habit with the latest group of weapons, "What else have they cocked up in the design stage".
I posed the question due to lack of knowledge. Nicely cleared up now and fully proficient on said weapon..............not.