CALL OF DUTY2: BIG RED ONE
Weapons Guide
by sfcalimari
Version 1.1 (email address removed due to spamming)
---------
Contents
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RIFLES
MAS 36
Carcano M38
M1 Carbine
M1 Garand
G43
kar98k
SUB-MACHINE GUNS
M1A1 Tommy Gun
MAS 38
MP40
Beretta 1938A
MACHINE GUNS (carryable)
Browning M1919A6
MG34
GRENADES
Stielhandgranate M24
US MK2
ASSAULT
Chatellerault
BAR
Breda M1930
MP44
SNIPER
Kar98k scoped
Springfield M1903
ANTI-TANK
M9 Bazooka
Panzerschrek
Panzerfaust
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INTRODUCTION
This is a weapons FAQ for the weapons used in Call of Duty 2: Big Red One
(called CODBRO from now on). It is intended to give some statistical and
historical information about the weapons, as well as a short description
about how you can use these weapons in CODBRO effectively, both in the
single-player game and in multiplayer.
As you may realize, I have left out information on the pistols and fixed-
machine guns found in CODBRO, as well as info for the tanks, enemy
airplanes, and other miscellany. I may return to give information on
these, but for now I've chosen to focus on the weapons that you will
make most use of.
I own this game on PS2 and have only played it on PS2, but because CODBRO
was released simultaneously for PS2, Xbox and GameCube, I shall post it for
all three consoles on gamefaqs.com. The only thing I would note is that a
couple of times I reference holding L1 to aim your gun...I guess if you're
a non-ps2 user, just substitute in that beautiful mind of your whatever
you press on your console's controller to aim.
LEGAL NON-DISCLAIMER THINGY
Considering that I got nearly all my information from freely
available websites, I do not make any particular claims to
copyright of this information. However, any FAQ submitted
to gamefaqs.com is protected by copyright.
SOURCES
I got all of my information about weapon statistics and historical
information from freely available online sources. Although you
will probably find my writing quite similar to what is found in
these sources, I did not copy any phrasing at all and I paraphrased
as much as I could, much in the mode of a college research paper.
I primarily used information from Wikipedia, but used some other
sources when Wikipedia was lacking. Here are the online sources
that I used:
http://www.comandosupremo.com/
http://www.militaryfactory.com/worldwar2/weapons.asp
http://www.gunsworld.com/worldguns_home_us.html
http://world.guns.ru/
http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
ABOUT ME
Like you I am a video game nut. I enjoy playing first-person
shooters on my ps2, and have especially enjoyed the ps2 Call
of Duty games. Also their attention to detail have rather piqued
my interest in WW2 weapons. My online moniker, sfcalimari, reflects
somewhat the fact that I live in the SFC, which is the local code
name for San Francisco, CA. Also some people call California "cali"
(usually non-Californians) so I came up with sfcalimari. No, I do
not like calimari. It's gross. Anyway, look out for me online as
sfcali on CODBRO for ps2 online...committing random acts of pwnage
since '05.
..and without any further ado...
============================================
THE WEAPONS OF CODBRO
============================================
======
RIFLES
======
Name: MAS 36
Country of Origin: La France
Cartridge: 7.5x54mm
Magazine Capacity: 5
Years of Service: 1936--1960's
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HISTORY
-------
MAS stands for Manufacture D'Armes de Saint-Etienne, a French arms
manufacturer owned by the French government. It was first used by
the French Army in 1936. There's not really much to say about this
gun, really, except that it was known for its durability.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
There is really no reason for you to pick up the MAS 36 in CODBRO.
It has a very low rate of fire, because the bolt has to be operated
in between shots, leaving you vulnerable. It has a small magazine.
Because CODBRO makes sub-machine guns a little unrealistically accurate
and powerful, you're usually better off using a smg than this gun,
even at medium ranges. The only times I might use this sort of weapon
in the single-player game is if an enemy is behind cover far away and
I need to hit him with a really accurate shot. In multiplayer this
weapon is pretty much useless.
===============================================================
Name: Carcano M38
Country of Origin: Italy
Cartridge: 6.5mm
Magazine Capacity: 6
Range: Effective to 300m, maximum range to 2000m
Years of Production: First Carcanos introduced in 1891, produced
until 1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
Carcano is the name for an Italian series of bolt-action rifles
first developed in 1891 and used by Italian forces in WWI and WWII.
The Carcano in CODBRO is the M1938. Following WW2 many surplus
Carcano's were sold in the USA and Canada, and it was a Carcano
M38 that was used by Lee Harvey Oswald to shoot President John F.
Kennedy in 1963.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
As with the MAS 36 and kar98, there's not really much reason
to carry this weapon. It's bolt-action, so between every shot
your dude will manually operate the ol' bolt. The only advantage
it has over the MAS or kar is that it holds 6 rounds rather than 5.
Word!
=============================================================
Name: M1 Carbine
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: 7.62x33mm(.30 Carbine)
Magazine Capacity: 15 or 30
Rate of Fire: Semi-Auto: 650--700 rpm
Range: Effective to 300 yards (274.3m)
Years of Service: July 1942--1960's (in USA)
-------
HISTORY
-------
First of all, a carbine is basically a weapon that is lighter
than a rifle, but uses the same ammo as a rifle, but firing it
with slower velocity. In other words, it sacrifices range and
stopping power for being shorter, lighter, and easier to carry.
The M1 Carbine was introduced to American troops in 1942 and
eventually became the most produced small arm in American history.
In WW2 it found wide favor, due to its ease of handling and accuracy.
It was also easy for inexperienced troopers to handle and fire.
The M1 Carbine went on to be widely used in the Korean War and
in the early years of the Vietnam War. While it has fallen out
of use in the US Army, it is still used around the world by many
police and military groups, as well as by game hunters.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
The M1 Carbine is a nice addition to the plethora of weapons
commonly see in the standard WW2 fps game. In CODBRO it's a great
medium-range weapon, perfect for picking off enemies that aren't
in front of you but aren't too far away. Its rapid rate of fire
and biggish magazine (15 rounds) are very good factors as well.
It's not as good at very long or very close ranges though. Although
it is more useful than the Garand in that it can be reloaded at
any time and has a larger magazine, it does seem to have a slower
rate of fire. In multiplayer it is a good weapon to have if you
like to stay far away from your opponents, and its larger magazine
makes it more useful than the Axis counterpart, the G43...
===============================================================
Name: M1 Garand
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield
Magazine Capacity: 8
Rate of Fire: 16-24 effective rpm
Range: Effective to 550m
Years of Service: 1936--1960's
-------
HISTORY
-------
The Garand is known as "the rifle that won the war" due to its
service in WW2. It was adopted by the US Army in 1932 and was
the first semi-automatic rifle to become a standard infantry rifle.
The Garand is widely-known among weapon enthusiasts and video gamers
for having a "fixed" clip that ejected after the last round was fired
and made a notorious "ping" noise. Unlike most other rifles, the clip
could not be manually replenished; the reason for this "fixed" clip
was that the army at the time believed a removeable magazine was too
easily damaged or lost.
The Garand gave a huge advantage to American forces because of its
rapid rate of fire. Unlike bolt-action rifles, which were widely
used by Axis forces and had to have their bolts operated manually
between shots, Garands could fire shots in very quick succession.
The Garand also was widely used for sniping when fitted with a scope.
The Garand was widely used throughout WW2 by American forces, and
continued to serve in Korea and the early years of the Vietnam War.
Some controversy surrounds the "ping" noise made by the ejected clip.
Many believe that the "ping" could be easily heard by enemies, allowing
them to ambush American soldiers who had just fired their last shot
and needed to reload; however, Garand experts contend that the "ping"
was not very audible on a noisy battlefield, and in fact was generally
inaudible due to the much louder noise of the last shot from the Garand.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
The Garand is very useful in the single player game. You start out
with it on many levels, and it is very good for medium-distance or
faraway targets that you need to be accurate with. Also its high
rate of fire and decent power make it good for taking down enemies.
For closer targets you might want to switch to an smg though. In
multiplayer, the Garand is unfortunately not a very good weapon.
It has a smallish clip which cannot be reloaded at any time, which
makes you vulnerable a lot of the time. I would generally prefer
either the M1 Carbine or the BAR for multiplayer, mainly because
they offer larger clips and about the same power.
=================================================================
Name: G43
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm Mauser
Magazine Capacity: 10
Rate of Fire: 20 to 30 rpm
Range: effective to 400m
Years of Service: 1943-1945
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HISTORY
-------
First of all "Gewehr" is basically the German word for "rifle." Before
the G43 was developed the German army mainly used the bolt-action kar98k,
and no semi-automatic rifle, despite the fact that the Americans had the s
emi-automatic Garand and Carbine and the Russians had the SVT38/40. The
G43 was finally rolled out in October 1943, and it was undoubtedly a big
improvement over the kar98k, having semi-automatic fire and a larger,
10 round cartridge. Many G43's were fitted with scopes for a sniper role.
Having arrived quite far into the war, the G43, like the MP44, was a bit
too late to really help the Wehrmacht's prospects, and in all only 400,000
G43's were ever made.
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USE IN BRO
----------
In BRO the G43 is basically an equivalent of the American Garand
and Carbine. It offers rapid semi-automatic fire and a decent sized
magazine. In single player, there are some levels where it is quite
useful for taking out targets that are rather far away. In multiplayer,
the G43 is very useful for medium-range kills, but because it has a 10
round magazine it is definitely at a disadvantage to the American carbine,
with its larger 15 round magazine. If fighting on the Axis side,
I tend to go with the MP44, as it has a much larger magazine and is
about as good for far-off kills.
As a side-note, no scoped G43's appear in this game, though they did
appear in Call of Duty: Finest Hour. Which is fine with me; a
scoped G43 would be a little too all-powerful!
===================================================================
Name: kar98k
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm (a.k.a. 8mm Mauser)
Magazine Capacity: 5
Rate of Fire: about 15 rpm
Range: Effective to 500m
Years of Service: 1935-1945 and beyond
-------
HISTORY
-------
The Karabiner 98k, a bolt-action rifle, was by far the mainstay of
the Wehrmacht. It was based on the German Model 1898 rifle which
was, well, introduced in 1898. The kar98k model that was so widely
used in WW2 was first introduced in 1935. Over 10 million of these
guns were built before the end of ww2, compare this to just over 1
million mp40's and 5.4 million American Garands. If you were going
up against German forces during ww2, you were guaranteed to run into
some kar98k's. Although the MP40 sub-machine gun is often popularly
thought of as the quinessential German infantry weapon, it was actually
produced in small numbers compared to the kar98k, and was usually only
carried by officers.
The kar98k was a bolt-action rifle, so between shots its bolt had
to be manually operated, which of course lessened its fire rate.
However it was considered to be very accurate, and snipers often
used a scoped version which was effective up to 800m. The kar98k
was not as useful as a sub-machine gun in urban environments, though
it was certainly useful in open rural territory. Due mainly to its
huge number of production, the kar98k was much more heavily used
than MP40's or MP44's. Many many kar's were distributed throughout
the world after the end of WW2 as souvenirs or for practical use,
and in a strange twist of fate, the Israeli reserve army used many
kar98k's in the 1960's and 70's.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
Unfortunately, the unscoped kar98k is pretty much useless in this
game. It takes forever to shoot and has a small clip. With so many
tommy guns and Garands and mp40's lying around in the single player
game, you'll very rarely feel the urge to pick up a kar. The same
goes for multiplayer--while the scoped kar can very useful, it's
much better to choose a Gewehr 43 or MP44 rather than the unscoped
kar in multiplayer. You don't want to leave yourself vulnerable
when constantly reloading and fiddling with the bolt. Note:
there is a scoped kar98k in this game; information on this weapon
is found below.
===============================================================
================
SUB-MACHINE GUNS
================
M1A1 Tommy Gun
Name: M1A1 Thompson "Tommy Gun"
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 20 or 30 in "stick" magazine,
50 or 100 in drum magazine
Rate of Fire: 700-1000 rpm
Range: effective to 50m
Years of Service: 1919-1976
-------
HISTORY
-------
The Tommy Gun was first produced by John Thompson in 1919.
Early models, which sported the notorious "drum" magazine, were
widely used by gangsters and police types in the 1920's and 1930's,
as you've probably heard by now. A simplified version was created
for the Army in WW2 which used a simpler "stick" magazine of either
20 or 30 rounds. The Tommy Gun proved quite reliable and powerful
for WW2, and had a high rate of fire, but was extremely expensive
and was rather heavy. Towards the end of WW2 the Army began
introducing the M3 Grease Gun, intended to replace the M1A1.
After WW2 the Tommy Gun remained in service in Korea, and
was used by the FBI until 1976.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
Hmm. Well, what can I say about the Tommy Gun? In CODBRO
it's equipped with a 30 round magazine, which is nice. You'll
be using the Tommy Gun quite a lot in CODBRO's single player game,
probably switching to it when confronted by close-up enemies.
It's not as useful for further away enemies, but considering that
CODBRO gives any smg rather unrealistic accuracy and near-total
lack of recoil, it's still pretty effective against faraway targets.
In multiplayer I usually go for the BAR, since it's just a bit
more powerful.
============================================================
Name: MAS 38
Country of Origin: France
Cartridge: 7.65 French Longue
Magazine Capacity: 32
Rate of Fire: 600-700 rpm
Range:
Years of Service: 1938--1950's
-------
HISTORY
-------
As with the MAS 36 described above, MAS stands for Manufacture
d'Armes de St. Etienne, the French government arms factory.
The MAS 36, which debuted in 1938, became known for being
accurate but for also having very weak stopping power due
to its weak ammunition. It also had a distinctive bent design.
The MAS 38 was intended to be manufactured on a large scale,
but then a little thing called the Invasion of France happened
and things kind of went all pear shaped. Post-capitulation,
the MAS 38 was used by many German occupation troopers as well
as by the Vichy forces. Blasted Vichy!
---------
USE IN BRO
----------
Eh, what can I say. It's basically just a different looking
version of the Tommy Gun or MP-40. I can't really tell the
difference but it's nice that they included it in the roster
of weapons.
============================================================
Name: MP40
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 9x19mm
Magazine Capacity: 32
Rate of Fire: 500 rpm
Range: effective to 100m
Years of Service: 1939--1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
The MP40 was an improvement on an earlier German sub-machine
gun, the MP38. The MP40 was not produced or distributed on
the same scale as the kar98k rifle, but it was widely used,
mainly among officers. Like most sub-machine guns, it used
pistol ammo, and so did not have the range or power of a
rifle, but it did of course provide automatic fire. It was
known for its very decent accuracy, which was a result of
its relatively low fire rate, which caused little recoil.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
In CODBRO the MP40 basically functions as the German equivalent
of the Tommy Gun. If you've fired one, you've fired the other.
In single player I will often pick up a dropped MP40, but I
would much prefer a MP44 for its greater power. I never
choose MP40's in multiplayer, instead opting for MP44's.
==============================================================
Name: Beretta 1938A
Country of Origin: Italia!
Cartridge: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 30
Rate of Fire: 600 rpm
Range:
Years of Service: 1938--1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
One day Baretta was walking down a dark alley with his cockatiel,
Fred. Then out of nowhere...oh, wait, we'er talkin' bout the
Beretta 1938A sub-machine gun? My bad.
Anyway the Beretta 1938A was an Italian sub-machine gun which
was also used in the German and Romanian armies during World
War 2. Although it used 9mm pistol ammo like the MP40, it
looked more like a rifle, due perhaps to having been originally
designed as a semi-automatic carbine.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
Another generic sub-machine gun. Handles exactly like a Tommy
gun or MP40. Go for the Breda lmg if you can.
==============================================================
============
MACHINE GUNS
============
Name: Browning M1919A6
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield
Magazine Capacity:
Rate of Fire: 400 to 600 rpm
Range: max range to 1500 yards
Years of Service: 1919--1970's
-------
HISTORY
-------
If nothing else, you have to give kudos to a weapon that was
developed in 1919 and saw service in the US Army until the 1970's.
The Browning 1919 was a variant on the earlier Browning 1917.
It was a proper machine gun, and as such was generally operated
upon a tripod, with one man firing the gun and another feeding
the ammo into the gun.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
First of all, I'm not going to get into how this game lets you
run around upright with a Browning and fire it properly. That
said, this is a really effective weapon if used properly. If
used when standing up, it has a lot of recoil, which can make
you waste a lot of bullets when trying to hit your enemy. If
you hold L1 you will lie on the ground and properly set up the
gun on a tripod. This takes a couple of seconds and leaves
you vulnerable, but once you're set up on the ground you can
fire a huge number of bullets with almost no recoil. Moreover,
you can often set up the gun on windowsills or other waist-high
thingies like walls--when this is an option, a little logo will
pop up on the screen letting you know that you can set up your
gun like that.
There is only one level (I believe) in single player where you
can use the Browning. In multiplayer this is a good weapon mainly
because of its huge clip size. If you can get used to the recoil,
it can be an effective weapon even when used standing up, though
it is best to be lying down when using it. Holding down L1 to
set it up is best, but it does leave you very vulnerable. What
I like best is to try and stay far away from my enemies, then
set up my Browning on the ground without being noticed or getting
killed, then laying down fire at them. Often I get killed
before I can even start shooting, but other times I can kill
like 3 or 4 guys very quickly.
One last thing: the sight for the Browning, which pop up when
you are holding L1, is a rather large tall sight thingy that
kind of obstructs your view of what you are shooting at.
For this reason alone, I kind of prefer the MG34.
===========================================================
Name: MG34
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 7.92mm
Magazine Capacity: 75 with drum cartridge
Rate of Fire: 800 to 900 rpm
Range:
Years of Service:
-------
HISTORY
-------
The MG34, as its name implies, was rolled out in 1934.
A proper machine gun, it was fired either upon a tripod
setup or on a bipod set at the end of the muzzle. The
tripod version was usually belt-fed ammo, while the bipod
version was intended to use a 75-round drum, though many
soldiers using the bipod version removed the drum and fed
ammo into it.
The MG34 was produced in enough numbers to act as the
mainstay machine gun for the Wehrmacht through to the end
of the war. It had a high rate of fire and was generally
liked for its versatility. However, it was expensive to
produce and tended to jam if dirty. The MG42 was intended
to replace the MG34, but was never produced in large enough
numbers to overtake the 34.
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USE IN BRO
----------
In BRO you will please notice the distinctive 75-round
drum upon the close end of the gun. Anyway, the MG34 in
CODBRO is basically the German equivalent of the Browning,
so if you already read about the Browning above, apply all
that knowledge to the MG34 please.
Like the Browning, holding L1 will make your guy lie down
and set up the gun on a bipod, which makes for nearly recoil-less
pwnage. The sights for the MG34 are much less obstructive than
the Browning's, making it easier to see what you're aiming at.
In multiplayer, if playing as Axis, I tend to prefer the MP44
to any other weapon, but the MG34 is good if you have the time
to set it up on the ground.
==============================================================
========
GRENADES
========
Name: Stielhandgranate M24
Country of Origin: Germany
Years of Service: 1917--1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
The M24 Stielhandgranate, often nicknamed the "potato masher,"
was first deployed in 1917, at the end of World War I, and was
used by German forces up until the end of WW2. The charge was
at the end of a large stick; the stick allowed a user to throw
it far distances. The M24 was not a fragmentation grenade, and
instead used a "blast effect." It was not useful against armored
vehicles but was quite useful against entrenched enemies.
To use an M24 the thrower had to unscrew a cap at the bottom of
the stick, which allowed a ball and cord to drop out. The thrower
then pulled on the cord, which started a five-second detonation
countdown, and then threw the grenade.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
In single player, you'll often come across M24's sitting
around for you to pick up. They are not really any different
from the American frag grenades you generally start out with,
but, as in Call of Duty Finest Hour, they do seem to fly a
little better when thrown. In multiplayer, when playing as
Axis you'll always start out with some of these puppies. As
with the American grenades, they are quite effective against
enemy troopers, especially if you cook the grenade and then
toss it so your foe can't run away before it detonates. M24's
can be used against tanks, but it usually takes several to kill
the tank. I find it is best to throw the grenade under the tank;
it seems to be best and can kill the tank with one or two grenades.
===============================================================
Name: US MK2
Country of Origin: USA
Range: Could be thrown 100 feet (30m)
Blast: Bursting radius 33 feet (10m)
Years of Service: WW2 through early Vietnam War
-------
HISTORY
-------
The MkII "pineapple" fragmentation grenade was used by
American forces throughout World War 2 and continued in
service until the Vietnam War. Its distinctive "pineapple"
shape was due to its role as a frag grenade; when it exploded,
its shell fragmented and created deadly shrapnel.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
In single player you'll always start levels with a few Mk2
grenades. They're quite useful against enemies that are on
the other side of a doorway or who are taking cover. It can
be somewhat tricky to master the use of grenades in this game,
but once you do you'll be able to throw them into any open
window or door. It's best to use them when several enemies
are gathered together. Also you can throw them safely from
behind cover. But make sure the grenade doesn't bounce back
on top of you!
In multiplayer you'll get some of these when playing as
Allied forces. As with the German stielhandgranates,
they're very useful against enemy soldiers, and can be
used against tanks, though a Panzerfaust is preferable.
If using against a tank, try if you can to toss the
grenade under the tank.
======================================================
=======
ASSAULT
=======
Name: FM 24-29 Chatellerault
Country of Origin: France
Cartridge: 7.5 x 54 mm French Service M1929
Magazine Capacity: 25
Rate of Fire: 450-600 rpm
Years of Service: 1920's to mid-1950's
-------
HISTORY
-------
The Chatellerault was designed 1921 in France to replace
aging World War 1 French machine guns. It was based largely
on the American Browning Automatic Rifle. Known as the FM
(Fusil-mitrailleur, French for machine-gun) 24-29, it became
the French army's main light machine gun and, though production
ceased by 1940, was used by French forces until the mid 1950's.
It was somewhat unique in that it had no switch to change from
automatic fire to single shots, and rather had two triggers--
the front was for single shots and the rear was for automatic fire.
As you see in COD2BRO, the Chatellerault was used by Vichy French
forces during World War Two, as well as by German occupation
forces along the French coast and on the Channel Islands.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
The Chatellerault is available in the first set of levels
that are set in the Vichy-French held desert, and can be
found on dead French soldiers or in storage rooms. It is
more powerful than the MAS sub-machine gun that you also
have access to, but tends to have a lot of recoil when
fired, especially when standing up, so it can be hard to use
accurately. Enemies in the Africa levels are not very
strong so you might be better off using the MAS. Also it
has a smaller stock, 25 rounds, which gets used up fast.
This weapon is not particularly useful in multiplayer,
especially because of the recoil and smallish magazine.
Oh yeah, and its magazine comes up from the top of the
gun, which kind of gets in the way of aiming if you ask me,
especially if enemies are coming from the right.
=============================================================
Name: BAR
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield
Magazine Capacity: 20
Rate of Fire: 300-650 rpm
Range: Effective to 548m
Years of Service: 1918--1990's (!!!)
-------
HISTORY
-------
Ah...the good old Browning M1918, aka the BAR or Browning
Automatic Rifle. The BAR was a light machine gun, first
built in the caveman days of February 1918 to be used for
"marching fire," what we might call today "suppresive fire."
At the time it was intended for the then-novel purpose of
providing suppresive fire by a soldier moving steadily
forward, providing cover fire for riflemen who would charge
towards trenches where the enemy cowered.
Basically the BAR was a light machine gun, a heavy automatic
rifle that could be carried and fired from a standing position,
unlike a true machine gun. A bipod also allowed a soldier
to lay down and fire or fire from a trench. The BAR proved
quite rugged and was widely used by American forces in WW2
and on into Korea. During the Vietnam War the South Vietnam
forces used many BAR's, and some NATO armies used the BAR
into the 1990's.
The BAR that was used by American forces in WW2 was the
M1918A2, and it did away with a previous semi-automatic fire
option. Instead a trooper could switch between "fast auto"
(500-650 rpm) and "slow auto" (300-450 rpm).
The BAR used the .30-06 Springfield round, the same ammo
that was used in many other American weapons--the M1 Garand,
the Browning M1919 machine gun, and the M1903 Springfield rifle.
In combat, the BAR proved to be very powerful, mobile, and
rugged, but its role as a light machine gun was hampered by
its small, 20-round magazine.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
In BRO the BAR is the standard US lmg, as you would imagine.
It is fairly powerful, but it has a lot of recoil so it is
not as useful at close range as, say, a tommy gun. For more
accurate fire you can look down the sights, which allows you
to fire off one or two rounds to conserve ammo. The small
20-round magazine is a major problem for the BAR--it takes
a rather long while to reload, and since you'll be reloading
a lot you'll be vulnerable quite a lot of the time. The BAR
is a pretty good weapon in multiplayer, as it allows for
accurate long-range firing and automatic-fire, making long-
range kills pretty easy. However it does seem to take quite
a few bullets to kill a far-off foe. Again, the recoil
when un-aimed is quite strong, so you'll have to compensate
if firing at close range. Basically the BAR would pwn
enemies in multiplayer if it were not for its small magazine,
which combined with the recoil makes it quite a bit less
pwn-worthy compared to the German mp44.
============================================================
Name: Breda M1930
Country of Origin: Italy
Cartridge: 6.5 x 52mm
Magazine Capacity: 20
Rate of Fire: Average 180 rpm; maximum 500 rpm
Range: Effective to 800 meters; Maximum
range 3000m
Years of Service: 1930 through World War 2
-------
HISTORY
-------
Designed in 1930, the Breda M1930 was Italy's standard
light machine gun when WW2 started. Say what you will
about Italian craftsmanship, but...well, okay, the M1930
is pretty widely considered to be a poor weapon. It had
a small magazine, tended to jam, used fragile ammo clips,
and had a slow fire rate.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
From what I wrote above about the Breda, you'd think it
would be a really cruddy weapon in BRO. Actually it's
not half-bad--it's pretty powerful. In BRO it's basically
a sibling to the BAR--more powerful than sub-machine guns,
but with a smaller magazine and more recoil. The magazine,
only having 20 rounds, is rather small, so You'll be reloading
this gun quite a bit, and it takes a little while for the
reload too, leaving you vulnerable. The recoil when firing
is rather harsh, so you'll probably be firing down the
sights a lot--which of course leaves you less mobile.
Basically it's a good weapon to use if you sneak up behind
your enemy at close range and have the time to look down
the sights and get a good bead on him.
==========================================================
Name: MP44/StG44
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 7.65mm
Magazine Capacity: 30
Rate of Fire: 500 rpm
Range: Effective to 300m
Years of Service: July 1944--May 1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
First of all let's get rid of the potential confusion
surrounding this weapon's name. This weapon is variously
known as the MP43, MP44, and StG44; however these are all
names for the same weapon. The weapon was at first known
as the MP43 (MP standing for Maschinenpistole) but to
differentiate it from the Gewehr 43 it was renamed the MP44.
It was later renamed again the StG44 to emphasize its role
for propaganda purposes--StG stands for "SturmGewehr," or
"storm rifle." Ok, got that out of the way, right?
Before the MP44 was developed and distributed, the German
Wehrmacht had no automatic rifles which could provide
firepower that was in between that of a heavy but powerful
machine gun, and that of lighter, weaker weapons like the
MP40 smg or kar98 rifle. Moreover, while a smg like the
MP40 provided automatic fire, it had weak stopping power
and a short range of effectiveness, because it basically
used pistol ammo. What was needed was an automatic rifle--
a weapon with automatic fire *and* powerful, longer-range
ammo. Thus the MP44 was developed.
The MP44 was introduced quite far into the War--just
about in time for a little thing called D-Day--so it was
certainly a bit too late to really change the Wehrmacht's
prospects for victory. However, the legacy the MP44 left
to future weapons might be a bit more important than its
role in WW2. It's function as an "assault rifle" prefigured
later weapons like the AK-47 and M-16 which have become
so widespread today. I mean, just look at a picture of a
MP44--it looks quite similar to an AK-47. Some would
say that the AK-47 copied much from the MP44, but this
is often disputed.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
Man. In CODBRO, the MP44 is pretty much the best weapon
you can pick up. It's great because it can be used
effectively at short range as though it were a machine gun,
or at long range as if it were a rifle. In multiplayer,
if you are playing as Axis, there is almost no reason
to use the MP40, G43, or kar98 because the MP44 provides
all of their roles a lot better. Compared with other
automatic rifles such as the BAR or Breda in CODBRO,
the MP44 has almost no recoil, even when standing up
without looking down the sights. When you do look
down the sights, the gun is very effective at long range.
Also the cartridge has 30 rounds when full, meaning you
will not have to reload a lot compared to certain other weapons
(*cough* *BAR* *cough). In multiplayer
this weapon is almost *too* good, and it's certainly a lot
more handy than the BAR.
===========================================================
======
SNIPER
======
Name: Scoped kar98k
Country of Origin: Germany
Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm (a.k.a. 8mm Mauser)
Magazine Capacity: 5
Rate of Fire: about 15 rpm
Range: Effective to 800m with scope
Years of Service: 1935-1945 and beyond
-------
HISTORY
-------
Please read the kar98k historical information in the rifles
section for this weapon.
FWIW, the scoped kar98k, when fixed with a scope and operated
by a skilled marksman, increased its effective range from 500m to 800m.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
The scoped kar98k shows up a few times in the single player
game, and makes itself useful because you can effectively
hit very, very far away enemies. The scope for whatever reason
is fixed in CODBRO and cannot zoom in and out, unlike in the Medal
of Honor series. In multiplayer this weapon is very effective in
the hands of an expert, because you can attain head shots from a
hidden, far-off location. Unfortunately there is aim-assist in this
game, and you can't turn it off; this aim-assist tends to make
aiming with the scoped kar98k very annoying, at least for me--
it tends to fight you, and can jerk around unpredictably if your
enemy is moving. For this reason I tend to prefer automatic weapons
that require closer fighting, though there are a number of skilled
snipers online. It is best to be lying down when sniping, as it
can make you nearly invisible to enemies. Do note that when you
fire your enemy can see the flash of your weapon,
so if you miss you might want to move positions before you get
sniped yourself. Also when sniping you're quite vulnerable
from enemies that are not in view of your scope. And try to get a
head shot; if you don't kill your enemy immediately it takes
a second or two to recock your rifle between shots, and
that gives your opponent an opening to head shot you.
One last thing--in multiplayer, the scoped kar and the
scoped Springfield are the only weapons that give you
access to airstrikes if you gain 2nd or 3rd rank. If
you attain this rank, you must wait several seconds for
a bar next to your health bar to fill up, then you can
switch weapons until you pull out a pair of binoculars.
Hold L1 to look thru the binoculars, then press R1 when you've
chosen a position to hit with an airstrike. You'll hear a
click and after a few seconds shells will start exploding where
you hit R1. Do note that when using the binoculars you're pretty
vulnerable. Also if someone is under the roof of a building, they
will be magically immune from the shells.
==================================================================
Name: Scoped Springfield 1903
Country of Origin: USA
Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield
Magazine Capacity: 5
Range: Effective to 600 yards,
(548m) Maximum range 3500 yards (3200m)
Years of Service: 1903-present for civilian use
-------
HISTORY
-------
The Springfield 1903 rifle debuted in 1903 among American ground
forces and was used in World War I. A bolt-action, high-powered
rifle, it was meant to be replaced by the Garand rifle, but because
it was so accurate and effective at long ranges, it was widely used
in World War 2 for sniping or long-distance fire. The 1903 was
also used in Korea and Vietnam, and is still owned by many hunters
and collectors.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
The Springfield is pretty much the same as the scoped kar98k.
I don't believe you find this weapon in the single player game.
For a bit of info on how to use sniper rifles in multiplayer,
read the above entry for the scoped kar98k.
=========
ANTI-TANK
=========
M9 Bazooka
Name: M9 Bazooka
Country of Origin: USA
Ammo Used: 60mm M6A3 shaped charge
Magazine Capacity: 1
Penetration: 100mm maximum
Range: Effective to 110m, maximum 350-450m
Years of Service: Original M1 deployed 1942, later versions
used till Korean War
-------
HISTORY
-------
The M1 Bazooka was developed and deployed to US troops in 1942, and
was first used in the November 1942 invasion of Northwest Africa,
Operation Torch. The Bazooka, whimsically named after a popularly
known comical musical instrument of the time, was basically a simple
metal tube that fired a shaped charge anti-tank grenade mounted
around a rocket. The M9 version, which appears in CODBRO, was an
improved version introduced in 1943. The Bazooka provided an
important anti-tank role but was extremely inaccurate except at
close ranges, and could penetrate only 100mm of armor and so was
often ineffective against heavier panzers. Also it generally
required a two-man crew: one man to carry and fire the weapon,
and another to load it from behind. Also when fired it gave
off a lot of smoke, giving away the firer's position. Captured
Bazookas were copied by German designers, who developed the much
more effective Panzerschrek.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
First of all, let's not get into an argument about how this dang thing
can be operated and reloaded in CODBRO without a two-man crew. Ok.
Anyway, as you might imagine, this weapon is mainly used in this game
to take out tanks or, occaisionally, some obstacles in your way like
fences or whatever. It doesn't really make much of an appearance in
the single player mode of CODBRO. In multiplayer, if you are carrying
the M1 Garand, if you make 2nd or 3rd rank you will be given a bazooka.
It's not really any different than the Panzerfausts that are found
littered around the multiplayer levels, but at least it can be reloaded.
It is pretty effective against tanks in multiplayer, but it is also
fun to use against enemy soldiers. If they are up against a wall,
just aim at the wall and you'll probably score a one-hit kill.
Trying to hit running enemies out in the open is a lot more difficult--
try to aim at the ground around them. And don't worry, the Bazooka
is not very realistically portrayed here--it's not wildly inaccurate
at long ranges and I don't believe it is vastly less powerful than
the German anti-tank weapons.
================================================================
Name: Panzerschrek
Country of Origin: Germany
Ammo: 88mm calibre rocket-propelled, shaped-charge
grenade/warhead
Magazine Capacity: 1
Penetration: Effective to 200mm of armor
Range: Effective to about 180m
Years of Service: 1943-1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
"Panzerschrek," which basically means "tank terror" in German,
was the popular name for the weapon properly known as the
Raketenpanzerbüchse, or "Rocket Tank-Rifle." It was based off
of US Bazookas captured in Northern Africa, and was first deployed
in 1943. It was heavier and used a heavier rocket than the Bazooka,
and proved much more effective. It was able to penetrate 200mm of
armor quite effectively, so one well-fired shot was enough to destroy
nearly any Allied armored vehicle. Like the bazooka, the Panzerschrek
gave off a lot of smoke when fired, giving away the firer's position.
Despite being reloadable and much more effective than the one-shot
Panzerfaust, it was produced in much smaller numbers. However, Allied
tank operators feared coming into contact with the deadly Panzerschrek.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
I am pretty sure that the Panzerschrek does not appear in
CODBRO's single player game, but I might be wrong. In multiplayer,
if you carry the G43 as your weapon you can gain access to the
Panzerschrek if you attain rank 2 or 3. Like the bazooka,
it's quite effective against tanks and even enemy troopers.
And as when using the bazooka, when trying to hit enemy soldiers
out in the open, try to aim for the ground around them to send them flying.
================================================================
Name: Panzerfaust
Country of Origin: Germany
Ammo: 150mm charge
Magazine Capacity: 1
Penetration: 170mm of armor
Range: 30 to 150m, depending on model
Years of Service: 1943--1945
-------
HISTORY
-------
Panzerfaust means "tank fist" in German, and it was basically a
one-shot anti-tank weapon that could be inexpensively produced and
distributed. The rather short and wide rocket, which carried about
800 grams of explosive, was distributed already attached to a tube
that was disposed of after firing. The Panzerfaust was first worked
on in 1942 and was first deployed in August 1943. Different models
were given numbers which indicated their effective range; for
instance the Panzerfaust 30 had a maximum range of 30 meters, and
later versions were numbered 60, 100, and 150. A Panzerfaust 250
was to be deployed in September 1945 but, um, the war kind of
ended for Germany in April of that year.
The Panzerfaust was produced in quite large numbers, and could
be used by almost anyone; in the Battle of Berlin at the end of
the war, the Panzerfaust was used by defenders to take out huge
numbers of invading Soviet tanks. The Panzerfaust was also
quite useful in urban environments because it could be used
effectively at short range.
----------
USE IN BRO
----------
As with the Panzerschrek, I don't believe there are any Panzerfausts in the
single player game, but I could be wrong. In multiplayer, you'll find a
lot of these things. In levels where tanks are available for use,
Panzerfausts are littered around in buildings and other areas. They
always appear in the same places, and they have no respawn time, meaning
you can pick up a 'faust, fire it at an enemy, then immediately pick up
another one. When an enemy is rolling around in a tank in multiplayer,
it's very important to know where you can quickly find a panzerfaust.
At long ranges the accuracy can be rather unpredictable, so if you have
time, crouch or lie down and then press L1 to look down the sights, and
then fire. But make sure your aim is true; the 'faust's rocket leaves
behind a very visible smoke trail which can be tracked back to you. So
get moving after you fire.
The panzerfaust is rather unpredictable with regards to the damage it
will inflict on an enemy tank. Sometimes when a tank is hit (usually
when I'm the tank driver it seems!) it will explode after one hit, but
other times it will take 2 or 3 panzerfaust hits to kill the tank. I
am guessing that tanks might be more vulnerable armor-wise on certain
sides as opposed to others, but usually when facing off against a tank
I don't have time to strategically place my shot. And when firing
against a tank don't stand too close or you'll get fried too.
Oh yeah, and panzerfausts are quite useful against enemy soldiers,
especially if you are up in a building. Fire down at the ground
around an enemy, and usually (but not always) you'll score a kill.
Sometimes an enemy will illogically survive a direct hit, but they'll
lose a lot of health.
