downfalls of tracers

[jack torrance]

i would not recomend using tracer ammo in any gorilla warfare, even to mark empty mags.the enemy can watch as you shift fire on different targets,confusion is the key!!
the squad leader should have full mags of tracers , and only fire when he wants his troops to shift to his chosen target.
he should also change position frequently,you can trace backward just as quick!!!

[Vader]

Would you like an honest evaluation on your tactical review of tracer rounds?

PS. It might be painful for you.

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[jack torrance]

by all means, i figured this would bring some critisism. but say your "y2ked" out with only 3 or so guys ,not all of them are going to be ex navy seals or war hardened marines. you will need to direct the force during a fight,and itll be hard to yell "hey neil there is alot of fire coming from behind that old pickup" you cant allways depend on the battle plan, it may change during combat.seeing your direction would probly help guys control their fire and not wig out if it started to go bad.
basicly you would be like an A GUNNER on a machine gun team,just for a whole squad. LET THE COMMENTS BEGIN!!!!!!!!

[Vader]

Your idea is good in theory, however, in practice it can not work.

If you load all tracer rounds into your mags you will warp your barrel from heat within a few mag change-outs, depending on your rate of fire. Secondly you would certainly be pinpointing your position for the enemy.

Tracer rounds work well and do not directly give your position away if you load 3-4 regular rounds followed by a tracer round.

If you are defending a perimeter make each man responsible for a 45 degree angle field of vision. Staying put is usually your best option if you have your flanks and rear covered by others on your side. Motorola talk-about radios or hand signals, or shouting codes are all valid forms of commiunication and will work well in battle if practiced.

If you expect a night-fire situation make sure that you are using flash suppressors instead of muzzle breaks.

If at all possible, try to direct your enemy into a strategically inferior position, remember you are defending. You have the advantage, use it well.

Map out your terrain and likely entrance points. Have names for points on your local map. Have fall back positions if possible.
Practice Practice Practice.

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[jack torrance]

very true. i beleive the compensator on a stock ar15 doubles as a suppressor is this true with the ak74 style brake?

[XM-177]

The AK74 muzzle brake enhances your flash signature - the opposite of a flash hider. Only good for daytime rapid fire.

If you are in a situation where you are facing a good sized enemy, you should do the smart thing - walk away. Is your life worth giving up for a quick chance at being Rambo? If you get cornered, that's one thing. But that too means you SCREWED up. If you wish to be effective, use sniper tactics. Don't plan any ambush/tactical maneuvers with a bunch of amateurs. Live to fight another day if the situation is THAT BAD. And avoid tracers. If I were the bad guy here, I'd use tracers coming at me to pinpoint MY targets. Good way to die. When the SHTF, CYA.

[jack torrance]

i wouldnt read into the topic too far,besides i speak much too clearly to be mistaken for rambo.

[pasamson]

A question: I thought most tracers didn't light until somewhere down field, anywhere from 10-75 yards. I have not shot any of the 7.62 x 39 tracers, are they different from the 223 and 308?

[Packrat]

They're harder to get hold of, but incendary rounds are superior to tracers for locating where you're hitting. They flash on impact, not leaving a trail.
I like the AK, but for TSHTF situations, a suppressed .22 LR with subsonic rounds is what you need. Even better, a .44 mag lever gun with suppressor and low velocity, heavy bullet loads. That way there is no action sound to give you away. I have used a Marlin Camp carbine (suppressed) in .45 ACP, and they are awesome. You can hear the bullet hit the target. That would be a real advantage in survival situations.

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Packrat

[plausible deniability]

What was the name of that company at Knob Creek that had all the incendary rounds? Wasn't it Specialty Ammo?

[Chris C]

Jack has a good idea, just hasn't taken certain things into account guys.
Go easy on him. His idea is an effort to try and
save lives in the field. Congratulate his
intentions if not his methods.

oh and a word of advice for Jack....
get yourself a copy of the Ranger's Handbook.
the military field manual, NOT a park
service brochure.
that will teach you how to lay down effective
fire with minimal bodies involved, plus afew other useful survival tidbits you may or may not already know.

Chris

[JA]

Horse pucky tracers ignite in the barrel of your rifle. They ignite before the bullet ever leaves the case. The burning gunpowder ignites the tracer compound in the rear of the bullet. The reason you don't see them light up till somewhere down range is not enough of the tracer compound is burning when it leaves the barrel to be seen. Full burn is not acheved till somewhere down range. I have made 100,000's of rounds of tracers in various calibers and shot 1000's of them.
I was at Knob Creek in 1994 and saw a GE mini gun fire a solid 500 rounds burst of tracers. The barrels didn't melt on this gun. I have fired AK 75 round drums of tracers rapid fire and never ruined my rifle.

[hardcorps1775]

Thank you Samson! Tracer rounds don't ignite til they're 10' out of the barrel. I don't think it's a matter of concealment but rather is to ensure it doesn't ignite in the barrel since this will really degrade barrel life! This is for milspec ammo, too.