On our 52st blog we’d like to talk about two topics related to weaponry, we hope you enjoy reading. We will commence with a good old friend.
The Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle
With its first mass produced model, the M91, being a huge success, this legend of firearms debuted on 1891, saw both World Wars, and is still used in the present day. It is estimated that around 38 million of these rifles have been built, making it one of the most produced bolt-action rifles of warfare. Reliability, simplicity, ease of use and low production costs are the quintessential trademarks of this rifle, alike with many russian successful weaponry. In Gates of Hell you will find 5 versions of this rifle in it’s most renowned versions.
https://sketchfab.com/models/f706d26b0a0e43acb8eb6cf5e01578fd
M91/30
After the Russian Civil War, several improvements made to one of the early dragoon variants and overall shortening of the barrel resulted in the M91/30, the rifle that would be widely used throughout WWII. They were the standard infantrymen weapon, plentiful and cheap. It was accurate and deadly, and thus was also suitable for sniper sight mountings.
M91/30 Scoped
The weapon the germans would learn to despise, the M91/30 with a scope became a lethal sniper weapon, engraving it’s rightful fame in environments where snipers could easily hide, such as the Northern Front or Stalingrad’s ruins. German officers started to wear regular soldier uniforms and headgear to prevent their fate in the hands of skilled Soviet snipers. Some modifications were needed, however, to allow for correct usage. For instance, the bolt handle had to be extended and bent downwards, or the straight handle would otherwise run into the scope as the bolt chamber was being opened
M91/30 with Bayonet
Who said rifles perform badly at close ranges? Some units may equip a bayonet in their rifles. It is time to unleash your cheeky self and start poking some Germans into Gruyere cheese!
M38
This short carbine version was designed for troops that needed to travel light and compact. It is an excellent weapon that slightly trades accuracy for weight, and the reduction of weight is noticeable as your troops cross the open steppes of the Eastern Front.
Dyakonov grenade launcher
This conversion of a Mosin Nagant to a grenade launcher became an effective weapon in the times where the USSR did not commit themselves to developments in infantry AT-weapon technologies. While the Western Allies were designing the Bazooka (of which many were lent to the USSR in 1945) and the Germans worked on their Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks, the USSR still trusted their old reliable AT-rifles. In Gates of Hell, the Dyakonov fills the well-needed gap between the outdated AT-rifles and the lend-lease Bazookas.
The Dyakonov could launch a variety of grenades. In GoH it comes in exciting flavours. The main use of this weapon is to propel explosive grenades to deal with infantry and light vehicles. In addition we also have incendiary grenades and position-marking smoke canisters for the Air Force.
Moving on swiftly
In our 2nd topic we need to hand out our conclusions from Devblog 50, where we let the community loose with helping us find suitable vehicles for some situations.
- (A) - A Soviet medium caliber AT-gun prior to the Zis-3, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
- (B) - A Soviet heavy field gun prior to the D1, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
- (C) - A German heavy tank superior in armour protection to the standard Pz.III’s and IV’s before 1941.
- (D) - Soviet self-propelled AT guns (tank destroyer) prior to the SU-76
For A GraffSpiel first suggested the F-22 Obr-36. Tankslayer and Obirion suggested the Zis-2, but that is one which we already have.
For B GrafSpiel first suggested the M-10 Obr-1938. It looks like the best choice.
For C Several people suggested using the B1/2 French Heavy tanks and the Neubaufahrzeug. It’s a tough one, we don’t have a final decision here.
For D Zis 30 was first suggested by Gemmes. But we already planned that one. Obirion suggested the SU-4. SirDerp suggested the AT-1, but unfortunately that one was extremely rare.
Thanks for the feedback, now give us some time to craft your desired vehicles!
We’ll see you next week with a flamethrower appointment.