AK-47 'War-master' & the History of 'Cheap War'

[spmetla]

Talked to an Iraq vet for a while and many Iraqi insurgence are using old Kar98 mauser's from the WWII era. Iron sites and bolt action, the whole thing. It's crazy.

Bolt actions aren't that common where I was (West of BIAP), the AK is definately prevalent. We did find an old Lee Enfield MkII or III that was stamped 1940, we assumed it was from when the Brits invaded Iraq to prevent the pro German coup from succeeding, only found a few Mausers though. From what I've seen people with the bolt actions are using them because its accuracy allows them to engage us from a bit farther off where we're less likely to spot them, that way they can pop off one or two shots and scramble.

There's been a few .22 rifles with scopes we've had to confinscate. We laughed about it at first until we realized that they could still kill us with those but because we wear earplugs we'd probably not hear where the shot came from.

For the most part the guys with AKs are bad shots so they try to use them like SMGs at close range. The trend toward accurate single shots or pairs of shots is only natural. How many guys need to get wasted by the US at clost range before they realize we're easier to get and get away from farther ranges. What would you guys do in their place, try to out gun the US or use snipers and IEDs to kill Americans while remaining safe. While not as "chivalrous" its the better tactic by far.

Here's a few of the weapons a nearby unit found: