Five myths and misconceptions about military weapons, specifically those of the United States. The myths addressed include the inability of the M1 carbine to pierce winter coats, the lethal shockwave created by the .50 BMG, the belief that the ping of the M1 Garand got soldiers killed, the inaccuracy of machine guns, and the assumption that suppressors completely silence weapons. Through a combination of facts, logical reasoning, and real-world examples, the author refutes each of these myths.
Key Points:
- Myth about M1 Carbine: Despite a belief that the M1 carbine’s .30 Carbine cartridge couldn’t pierce heavy winter coats, in reality, it reaches the same velocities and energy levels as a .357 Magnum and can indeed penetrate winter clothing. This myth likely arose from misunderstandings during battle.
- .50 BMG’s Lethal Shockwave: Some believe that the .50 BMG creates a lethal shockwave capable of causing significant harm. However, this is completely false, as evidenced by testing that shows it can’t even knock down a house of cards.
- The Ping of the M1 Garand: There’s a myth that the distinctive “ping” sound made by the M1 Garand led to U.S. soldiers being killed, as enemies would know when they were out of ammo. This myth is debunked by the fact that gunfights are loud, and the tactical realities of battle make such an outcome unlikely.
- Inaccuracy of Machine Guns: Contrary to video game depictions, machine guns are not inherently inaccurate. They are used strategically in real battle to support infantry forces and are capable of hitting targets at considerable distances.
- Suppressors Silencing Weapons: Suppressors, or silencers, do not completely silence a gun as often portrayed in movies. Though they do cut down on noise, they cannot eliminate the supersonic crack generated by the projectile. Suppressors are used to reduce noise and muzzle flash, improving communication and control.
Source: https://www.sandboxx.us/news/debunking-5-of-the-most-common-gun-myths/
