[Kiwikkiwik]

Yes I see your point DRG but the tripod is issued with the Scope on a 1 for 1 basis so yes they could choose to use the tripod without the scope. In which case it is exactly the same as all other HMGs and should get a range of 30 not 24. They still have the telescope in their kit and can fit it if needed.

Hi Felix,
Put simply I think all weapons should have their correct ranges. In game the MG34/42s on tripods have about half their actual range. That effects playbalance because it disadvantages the Germans.

With the 50 cal getting 40 instead of 30, Its not about what happened historically so much as about what is within the realms of possibility. The reason a 50cal on a sherman turret top doesn't fire out to 40 hexes is because it has no chance of hitting or suppressing that target, because the sights aren't up to it and because you can't see where the bullets are landing so you can't correct onto the target. Basically it is a waste of ammunition which is usually frowned upon.
These are the reasons most HMGs have a range of 30. A bigger 50 cal bullet makes no difference. 50 cal should have a range of 30 same as all the other HMGs.
Hosing down troops from a turret mounted 50 cal at 2 klms is not actually possible, any more than it is with a 30 cal.
This affects playbalance because it gives the US an unwarranted advantage vis a vis reality.