Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

I know that the Kar 98k Rifle has a range of 500m and a HE Kill of 1. Is there any way to determine what is a maximum "best" range for it to engage, i.e. before accuracy drops off too much? Same for say a Russian SMG unit. I know in general the rifle squad would have an advantage at a distance.

There is an AP Penetration Calculator that shows values in 50m aliquots. Not sure is there anything like that for rifles, etc. firing on infantry.

Thanks.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Rifle/SMG Effectiveness is more a factor of your units experience and morale ( + suppression and damage ) and that of the enemy unit you are firing at.

Better units in good shape hit better than poor ones in poor shape

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Well a search showed this from Wiki. Not sure how reliable it is but here are the values:
Maximum firing range‎: ‎4,700 m (5,140 yd) with ... Action‎: ‎Bolt-action
Effective firing range‎: ‎500 m (550 yd) with iron ... Barrel length‎: ‎600 mm (23.62 in)

So I guess the in-game Range value is the maximum effective range? (Not thinking about op-fire filtering or anything like that.)

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Maximum firing range is how far the bullet will go. Soldiers in combat almost never try for maximum range. Bullets are light and the greater the distance the greater the deviation from the target.

troopie

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

I understand but let me ask in a different/better way and I am assuming that the weapons can fire farther than the listed range in the Encyclopedia.

So the Kar. 98k has a range of 500m and the PPSH has a range of 150.

All other things such as morale being equal if the German Rifle squad stayed over 150m away they should have the edge right? Not looking for a percentage.

Thanks.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Yes. You can try this yourself, the PPSh won't be able to fire at the rifle squad due to insufficient range.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

In game the range for small arms is a maximum - the Russian SMG unit cannot fire beyond their 150m range.

Effectiveness is not range based (only for AP weapons) but linked to experience and morale of firer and target, suppression, etc.

In a Infantry Vs Infantry fight, if you are in range - blaze away, at worst you should at least suppress the enemy a little to diminish the effectiveness of their return fire.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Thanks everyone. I think I understand now that small arms is different than guns here.

When you mention AP and range I assume you mean the Penetration values you see in the AP Calculator change with range.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

Even with small arms, the chance of hitting seems to be quite significantly affected by the range. Long range rifle fire is great for suppressing and causing a casualty here and there, but if you really want to cause casualties quickly then it is best to close within a couple of hexes - just make sure that the enemy is well suppressed before you move close, or you may find yourself in the receiving end of very deadly close range op-fire.

Re: Rifle/SMG Effective Range
 

I was trying to set up a few such units in a Battle and I couldn't find a SMG company or Platoon. Did I miss them or is it just a case of they were just a part of a Rifle platoon for example?

I did find Scouts that has the PPShs.

Thanks.