Re: [DL] Fannin' and Shootin': Auto -- house rule

["John Goff" <JohnGoff@deadlands.com>]

> It's always been my opinion that the fannin' and (especially) shootin':
> automatics rules are deeply flawed, because they do not reflect the
> increased danger to a target presented by multiple bullets

Hey--I'm all for whatever makes the game more fun for a group. ;-)

However...

As a historian with a concentration in militaria and a former member of the
military, I'd like to take a moment to dispel a common myth.

Automatic weapons do not necessarily present a greater danger that a target
will be hit. They simply throw more lead into the air. A terrible shot with
a single shot weapon is also a terrible shot with a automatic. The primary
purpose of automatic fire is suppressive fire over an area--not point
shooting.

The military did extensive studies decades ago and determined less than 1 in
3 soldiers even bothered to fire in combat, much less fire effectively. The
main reason was fear. The solution? Provide the common soldier with
automatic weapons and armor to create the illusion he was "protected" from
the front. The result doubled the number of troops firing in combat, but
devoured ammunition at an appalling rate, as the average soldier just held
the trigger down and sprayed--seldom hitting anything.

The 3-round burst selection found on most hand-held automatics is the result
of that wastage. Now, the average soldier (SWAT team, etc.) can fire
automatic, but only 3 rounds at a time. Field tests show it's unlikely that
more than one of those three rounds will hit a target, even if aimed and an
attempt to compensate for recoil is made.

Braced automatic weapons, like squad support weapons or heavy,
tripod-mounted machineguns are more effective, but still serve as
suppressive weapons, designed to keep an area under heavy fire than to
increase the odds of hitting a single target.

For that, SOP is to aim. ;-)

And, BTW, I'd be much more afraid if Granny had a shotgun than an Uzi. ;-)

OTOH, do I think the Deadlands rules perfectly model automatic fire?
Nope--that's why I say if you've got a better way, knock yourself out. :-)

John