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Basic Weapons Question


Guest Mikeman

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Guest Mikeman

How does the caliber of a weapon relate to bore size or projectile diameter? I can visualize 7.62 mm or 88mm, but how big is 150 caliber? Does caliber convert to mm in some way like fahrenheit to celsius?

Thanks, Mikeman out.

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Definition time wink.gif

The calibre (or bore) of a gun is the internal diameter of the gun barrel. The length of the gun, including the muzzle brake if fitted, is expressed as a multiple of the calibre. So a 40mm/L52 gun has a calibre (or bore) of 40mm and a length of 40mm × 52 = 2.08 metres. Some countries (such as the USA) measure the length of the gun barrel from the mouth of the chamber to the end of the barrel; this measurement is called the bore length. Continental European countries (France, Italy, Germany and the Soviet Union) measured from rear face of the breech ring to the end of the barrel. This means that the calculated gun length is longer using the second method.

Source: Hogg, Ian V: German Artillery of World War Two and On Armour.

regards

Helge

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Sbelling chequed wyth MICROSOFT SPELLCHECKER - vorgs grate!

- The DesertFox -

Email: desertfox1891@hotmail.com

WWW: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/2930/

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Guest Mikeman

Thanks Desert Fox. Caliber is synonymous with bore. The reason I got to thinking about this is the American 50 caliber machine gun (M1919 I think). I was trying to picture the size of the projectile in my mind. It can't be 50mm so it must be .50 inches, right?

Somebody said, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask." (or search for)

Mikeman out.

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<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>American 50 caliber machine gun (M1919 I think). I was trying to picture the size of the projectile in my mind<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As has been said, the .50cal bullet is 1/2 inch in diameter. But to picture it, consider this: it's roughly the diameter of your little finger and the length of your thumb smile.gif.

The M1919, however, is .30cal. The .50 is the M2, known as "Ma Deuce" to the troops.

-Bullethead

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Mikeman,

You are right about that Inch thing. Unusual for us guys here in Europe except the brits.

For us all the world is measured in mm/cm/m/km. That´s making things a lot easier, or call it force of habit wink.gif

I forgot some websources about Guns and armour:

David Honours site: http://www.wargamer.org/GvA/

and Claus Bonnessen:

http://www.mobilixnet.dk/~mob75281/index.htm

There you will find nearly all information necessary

Helge

==============

Sbelling chequed wyth MICROSOFT SPELLCHECKER - vorgs grate!

- The DesertFox -

Email: desertfox1891@hotmail.com

WWW: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/2930/

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