Author Topic: What REALLY distiguishes cannon from MG? (Read 484 times)

OOZ662 · « **on:** October 13, 2004, 09:01:51 AM »

What really makes a cannon a cannon and an MG an MG?

GScholz · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:34:44 AM »

Caliber. Generally if the caliber is more than 15mm it's a cannon.

zmeg · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2004, 10:50:09 AM »

Cannon rounds explode on impact.

Tony Williams · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2004, 11:01:50 AM »

From 'A primer on cartridges' on my website:

"There is often debate about the distinctions between 'machine gun' (MG), heavy machine gun' (HMG) and automatic cannon. There are no universal rules, and naming practices have varied in different countries and at different times. However, it is now generally accepted that MGs fire rifle-calibre ammunition (5.45 – 7.92 mm), HMGs are chambered for 12.7 – 15 mm rounds and cannon for 20+ mm cartridges. As far as projectiles are concerned, the generally accepted convention has been that MGs and HMGs are designed to fire jacketed ball, incendiary and AP bullets while cannon usually fire steel HE shells or specialised AP shot. However, there have always been exceptions to this so it cannot be relied on."

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and discussion
forum

LLv34_Camouflage · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2004, 11:27:11 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by zmeg
Cannon rounds explode on impact.

Except those cannon rounds that dont.

Caliber is what makes the difference. As Tony said, usually 20mm is where the line is drawn.

Camo

OOZ662 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2004, 05:54:11 PM »

Beefy. Thanks guys!