US Sniper rifle???

[PatG]

chuckfourth said:
...The Japanese ariska rifle is a 6.5mm mauser copy and so accurate, type 97 is the sniping version "The japanese were also adept at using snipers or more properly sharpshooters, and the ariska was ideal for work of this kind"
Arisaka had a 2.5 scope...

I think you will find that the 6.5mm Arisakas were of markedly inferior muzzle velocity and muzzle energy to both the Mauser and Lee Enfield. The sniper versions even more so as they are said to have used reduced power ammunition see: Wikipedia 6.5x50mm_Arisaka.

The Arisaka's trajectory was anything but flat at longer ranges. What it did have was a relatively quiet report and low muzzle flash which made it more difficult to locate. Most Japanese "sniper" reports in even period accounts are probably nothing more than some poor Gunjin strapped into a palm tree with a stock rifle.

While I am also uncomfortable with the sniper's ability to call in artillery etc., A perusal of the most basic material on sniper doctrine will show that a sniper's primary role was intelligence gathering and secondarily long range killing. This has been discussed on the list in detail before. That all units on the map immediately receive all intelligence is a known game "feature".

[chuckfourth]

Hi Pat
Im sure the trajectory is flat enough for the ranges in question 750m.
Yes thats right information gathering, the rifle under the information gatherer was just there to hold it up.
And dont forget that the Japanese much prefered to wait until the Americans were directly beneath the tree and then plunge down bayonet first, This satisfied there preferennce for close cantact at the expense of extra casualties much better than long range snipers.
Best Regards Chuck.