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A comparison of mythical close combat weapon, Russian MPL-50 Shovel vs Indonesian "Bambu Runcing". [1]

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Date: 2023-03-05

Left: The Mythical MPL-50 Shovel/Spade, Right: The Mythical "Bambu Runcing"

Interesting news from BBC regarding the Russian army's lack of weapons.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64855760

As an Indonesian, I want to do some comparisons against our somewhat mythical weapon, the Bambu Runcing, which simply means Sharp Bamboo. The Bambu Runcing is supposedly widely used during The Indonesian war of independence, which lasted from 1945 to 1949, mainly against the Dutch, also some British forces. I can never find proof of actual combat use of Bambu Runcing, so I doubt the real-world usability.

Some fun comparisons:

Mythical Status?

For MPL-50 i will just quote the BBC article "The lethality of the standard-issue MPL-50 entrenching tool is particularly mythologised in Russia"

Bambu Runcing is so mythologized in Indonesia, it is almost mandatory to use it as decor for the Independence Day celebration.

Melee Range?

MPL-50 is shorter than Bambu Runcing by quite a lot.

Ranged Fighting?

MPL-50 is well balanced for throwing, says Wikipedia. Don't worry it is also confirmed by other sources.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPL-50

Bambu Runcing is basically a spear, you can throw a spear. Would be great if you can get a particularly straight bamboo specimen.

Damage Type?

MPL-50 is Slash Damage and Blunt Damage, maybe Rust Damage.

Bambu Runcing is Piercing Damage, you can add Poison Damage or Fire Damage, if necessary.

Urban Warfare?

MPL-50 would be easier to use inside buildings. But, you can always cut Bambu Runcing shorter.

Alternate Use?

MPL-50 would be great as a shovel. Bambu Runcing can easily be fashioned as a fence, raft, or small bridge.

Bulletproof?

MPL-50 is definitely bulletproof if you can get the bullet to hit the shovel blade. Bambu Runcing would probably splinter if hit by a bullet.

Availability?

MPL-50 would be easy to get, I assume, as it is being used since the late 19th century. But, if you are in an area where bamboo grows everywhere, fielding an army armed with Bambu Runcing would be quick.

Conclusion:

If possible, get a gun.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/3/5/2156480/-A-comparison-of-mythical-close-combat-weapon-Russian-MPL-50-Shovel-vs-Indonesian-Bambu-Runcing

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