What weapons were the most effective in ww1?

Artillery was the most destructive weapon on the Western Front. Guns could rain down high explosive shells, shrapnel and poison gas on the enemy and heavy fire could destroy troop concentrations, wire, and fortified positions. Artillery was often the key to successful operations.

What kind of guns did they use in ww1?

The rifles most commonly used by the major combatants were, among the Allies, the Lee-Enfield . 303 (Britain and Commonwealth), Lebel and Berthier 8mm (France), Mannlicher–Carcano M1891, 6.5mm (Italy), Mosin–Nagant M1891 7.62 (Russia), and Springfield 1903 . 30–06 (USA).

Did they have flamethrowers in ww1?

The use of portable flamethrowers in combat was a First World War innovation. The German army took the lead in developing this form of warfare and remained the foremost practitioner of it throughout the war.

Did they use shotguns in ww1?

The earliest shotguns specifically designed for combat were the trench guns or trench shotguns issued in World War I. While limited in range, the multiple projectiles typically used in a shotgun shell provide increased hit probability unmatched by other small arms.

Why did the US military stop using trench knives in WW2?

At the time the United States entered World War II, the military was still using weapons that had been in use during the First World War, including long trench knives. The military soon realized that what worked during trench warfare wasn’t suited for this new style of battle.

What happened to the grenade launcher of the Vietnam War?

The Vietnam War saw several evolutions in grenade launchers. The M79 replaced old rifle muzzle spigot-type launchers, and the underbarrel mounted XM148 launcher entered testing. But some special operations units still weren’t satisfied.

What are some odd weapons from the US military history?

10 Odd Weapons From US Military History. 1 1. Stinger Machine Gun. This World War II weapon originated not from American arms designers or military ordnance boards, but from the creative minds 2 2. M3 Carbine. 3 3. SOG-Modified RPD Machine Gun. 4 4. China Lake Grenade Launcher. 5 5. Stoner 63 Modular Weapons Systems.

How effective was the Thompson submachine gun in WW2?

However, this submachine gun gained its respectability back on the battlefields of World War II. With a 30-round capacity and a firing rate of 700 rpm, the Thompson proved to be effective, lightweight, and easy for troops to use.