[Tarrif]

Yes, barrel heat is a huge factor in rate of fire, and as with most German weapons, swapping barrles in the FG-42 is a simple and painless process. The BAR is a little more complicated, but that's why it has two selective rates of fire (350 - 400 rpm, and 550 - 600) to cut down on the barrel heating up too quickly to compensate.

Frankly, I have no idea why anyone would think the BAR is more accurate than the FG-42, especially in semi or full automatic fire. The FG-42 is a MUCH better weapon at long ranges - so much so that it was given a 4x power scope for sniping. The BAR can be accurate, but the muzzle climb really hurts any chance of long range accuracy after the first shot - assuming the bi-pod has been removed as was often the case. Both are reliable and robust weapons, but the FG-42 is still a better weapon in just about every category.

On the other hand, the B.A.R. would be a "common" weapon while the FG-42 would be a "rare" weapon outside of Fallschrimjaeger units - if that matters in this game.

For referrence, since most people don't have access to official manuals, here's the stats as listed by Ian Hogg in the "Military Small Arms Data Book". Since Ian Hogg is one of the most respected authors on this subject, we can trust his numbers for the purposes of game design...


FG-42
--------------------------------
Cartridge: 7.92mm x 57mm Mauser
Bullet Weight: 198 grains
Length: 940 mm
Barrel: 508 mm
Weight: 4.53 kg
M. Velocity: 761 m/sec
Cyc. ROF: 750
Magazine: 20 round box or 75 round belt
Rifling: 4 grooves, right hand twist


Browning M1918A2
--------------------------------
Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield (AKA U.S. Ball M2)
Bullet Weight: 150 grains
Length: 1214 mm
Barrel: 610 mm
Weight: 8.8 kg
M. Velocity: 855 m/sec
Cyc. ROF: 450 or 650
Magazine: 20 round box
Rifling: 4 grooves, right hand twist


As you can see just by Mr. Hogg's numbers, the FG-42 is much lighter, has a higher rate of fire, and fires a heavier bullet. According to Chris Chant in "Small Arms of WWII" and Chris Bishop in "The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II" the effective range of the B.A.R. is 550 meters. The effective range of the FG-42 is 800 meters. In both cases that figure is with the bi-pod deployed.