PIAT confusion

[martin goddard]

There seems to be a bit of confusion about the PIAT's ability and range.
I dug out this in order to help folk understand why in PBI the PIAT has a  1 square range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk_vS-VdYas

Don't forget that maximum ranges have nothing what so ever to do with combat ranges. The MG 42 has a 3.5 km range.
Most pistols can shoot 400m but are accurate at 40m or less.

Hope that helps


martin

[Stewart 46A]

Thanks Martin
Very interesting, did you bid in the auction?

Stewart

[martin goddard]

I am going to use it against any vans that park in front of the PP driveway


martin

[Stewart 46A]

Leave my mobility van allows it has vert thick armour

Stewart

[colin31dip]

Really interesting watch.  Led me onto several other videos including the Panzerschreck.  Interesting if you read accounts such as Major Cain at Arnhem and the effectiveness of him firing a PIAT at 20-30 yards.  What is interesting to consider is the film clip from a Bridge Too Far.  The PIAT shot on the bridge scene could go further but required more elevation on the shot.  Elevating the shot doesn't guarantee a round hitting squarely. Research suggests, placing logs or skirting on the tanks reduces the contact with the actual armour surface and reduces the ability for the round to melt through (not pierce) the armour.  All of this leads me to believe that the variety of variables didn't make the PIAT an ineffective AT weapon but just that to achieve success, you really did need to get close and square on to make it count.  If a PBI square is approx. 60 yards then a one square range is appropriate.  My opinion only

[sukhe_bator (Neil)]

Seems fair to me. Given the variable armour thickness, slope etc. you have to get pretty close for an effective shot. Unlike other weapons which have a role in forcing the enemy to flinch or duck and can be factored in to rulesets, the PIAT was pretty much a 'does what it says on the tin' kinda weapon.

[Smiley Miley 66]

Then with that conclusion and the fact that it can fire relatively stealthy it shouldn't be an immediate candid for opportunity fire until the team has either fired or just moved in to the square? Otherwise the Poor old British are never going to be able to fire at a tank with any A/T infantry weapons ? Other than running up to the tank and banging a PIAT bomb square on the armour. As well as placing a satchel charge with the other hand....
Miles