Towed guns in PBI

[martin goddard]

Do you use small AT guns (5,6 gun)  or bigger field guns(7,8,9) ?


martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

I go big 

Largely since that's what I have. However, given the points difference is not huge between big and small, and they may only get off a few meaningful shots in the game, I'm thinking that they need the best chance they have to score a hit.

Simon

[John Watson]

I don't use any at present. They seem to be a waste of points. They are useful if defending but as you don't know in advance if you are going to win the Piggy Chase they are too much of a risk.
John

[Colonel Kilgore]

You do get VP points for using towed guns (or not) instead of tanks...

Simon

[martin goddard]

I agree with John that they can be a risk.

However, they are cheap and the defender can use surprise to pop up and down with them.
Tanker players are usually outraged that an AT gun has appeared close to them "it's not fair all guns should be clearly marked out".
A gun 6 would only cost 14. The same as a German LMG.

Maybe some reflectioon on how guns are best used?


martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

Good point on the use of the "Surprise" Asset, Martin. I never think of that one...

Simon

[Moggy]

I think guns will possibly be used a bit more once they have been reworked against foot targets. Guns tend not to fire an AP round at infantry causing a "chance" of a single hit. They fire HE which explodes. AT the very least troops fired at with HE tend to go to ground (pinned).

I tend to use guns from the time zone for the game. Early war would tend to be smaller guns, later war larger ones.

Derek

[Colonel Kilgore]

I think this comes back to the rules feedback on towed guns from our game, Derek.

You kept popping with your 3 big guns at my infantry, who just laughed in your face and made rude gestures.

Indeed, if I'd thought of machine-gunning your gunners, I'd likely have done far more damage back to you!

Simon

[Moggy]

Indeed Simon.  May well use the points next time on Armoured Cars. Just received 4 x BA64. So thats 4 x Mobile HMG - 3 dice per shot with a reroll. 

Derek

[Colonel Kilgore]

I'll bring some big guns and blow them up, then, Derek 

Simon

[Moggy]

would just have to assault your guns with my A/C. You lose auto destroyed, I lose I get a save lol..... I think

derek

[martin goddard]

You are correct in many ways Derek.

ACs are about the only item actually threatened by AT rifles.   Gun 4  v armour 4.

Some thoughts.
Guns will get opportunity shooting at ACs.
If the gun hits the AC it is dead (armour 4).
If the gun has any foot bases with it the AC are in trouble.
Assuming the guns are in woods or buildings ( it would be unwise to deploy guns in the open and I have never done it).

The target would not get effective "here they come" shooting as rifles do not kill ACs.

AC get 2D6 each.  Towed guns get 2D6 each. Rifle bases get 3D6 each.
AC get save 4,5,6.

All interesting, but certainly not cut and dried?

martin

[Leslie BT]

Early war A/T had AP but no HE.
Early war artillery had HE no A/P.

[martin goddard]

I think you are right Les.
However the high velocity shrapnel round would be  used against armoured vehicles.

martin

[Nigel_s]

I agree with John that they can be a risk.

However, they are cheap and the defender can use surprise to pop up and down with them.
Tanker players are usually outraged that an AT gun has appeared close to them

I use infantry guns fairly often. They are cheap and 2HE good for targeting objectives. AT guns less often, but i do use. Veteran AT guns, with surprise asset can make for an effective ambush.