"Unbuttoned use of MG3 on Marders, 1A1 to 1A3" Topic

Been slapping some coloure onto my 3D 1/72 scale printed Marder 1A3's and while doing so it reminded me they have mounting rails for the Mounted troops MG3 macine guns Very early on we did test the rules to make sure that this was a real viable option in the rules set. However I am not sure I have ever used the option in a "proper" game. Usually the IFV's are in a rush to unload there preicious cargo unharmed and then move back out of Shrort range ATG wepons and fire in support. None of these operations is really a good opertunity to use the Mounted troops to fire from the vehicle. Unlike fireing ports there is not an excuse that you could use them in a nuclear/Chemical enviroment as they need to have the hatches open for use. Has anybody got pictures or experience from excersizes where the troops have credibly used these positions and if so what was the tactical enviroment?

Firing ports are generally not as useful as once believed. I.e. the M2 Bradley's firing ports & M231 FPWS have been eliminated. Armor was placed over those firing ports. And the M231s … probably scraped.

I have not seen any photos of the Germans using the firing ports. They may be of some use if the Infantry stays mounted. But generally, the Infantry has to dismount behind cover, then start maneuvering and firing. With supporting fires from the weapons on the track. Plus, other assets … e.g. MBTs, mortars, etc.

Legion 4 No fireing ports thay have long been seen as less than useful, it's the MG3 mounting rails seen behind the turret on this shot.
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Also on the back deck of the first Marder behind the turret.
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Legion 4 No fireing ports thay have long been seen as less than useful, it's the MG3 mounting rails seen behind the turret on this shot.
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Also on this shot on the rear deck behind the turret
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We I'd think just like with the M113 ACAV. With M60 MGs mounted on either side of the top troop hatch behind the ACAV turret. The MGs with gun shield could fire to the front or flank. But we could do the same thing with our M60s without shields as well as other weapons in the Squad.

I can see no reason to give the Marder any rules for firing using those rails. It should be like any other vehicle mounted MG rules …

Legion 4 The point is when did you find thsi a usefull tactic. Perhaps in our games we have too many ATGW's and RPG's but sitting in an APC to take the firefight to the enemy is risky so our figures dismount pronto.

Interesting, I know better than to dissagree but I don't recall seeing the MG60's on the hatch but I may have not looked in the right place. Thanks for the rply

sitting in an APC to take the firefight to the enemy is risky so our figures dismount pronto.

Yes if you dismount too soon you lose your mobility and a modicum of protection. If too late you are a 2 for 1 target. And you must use cover & concealment, if at all possible at all times …

when did you find thsi a usefull tactic.

Plus use the track mounted MG to support the dismounts. From a covered & concealed position if possible.

I don't recall seeing the MG60's on the hatch

Look at this GHQ model of a US ARMY M113 ACAV …
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After Vietnam IIRC the M60s with mounts and guns shields were removed. Either way the M60 itself could be removed when dismounting. I never saw any mounted like that. However, in the ROK we still had the ACAV turret on our M113s, but without the gun shield. Our Infantry Squads still would open the M60's bipod and fire from the rear troop hatch. Along with our M249s and M203s. "Brisling with firepower!" …

We were told stateside we'd get the M113 ACAV turrets when we deployed for combat …