f4u-4 and p51d

[BaldEagl]

Originally posted by Krusty
I still disagree.

The point about the spit is separate, because the hispanos can kill with just 1-2 rounds anywhere on a plane.

But you're saying basically "hamstring yourself in close, so it feels like you're hitting harder at longer ranges".

If I read properly you say you start firing at 800 or 600 when you attack a target. That's way too far out to pretend you're going to get decent hits with any gun. Especially if it's a fighter. On a bomber you can do this, on small moving targets you cannot (not with any hope of doing anything).

Then on your in-close game you've got your convergence set so far out you're doing only half the damage you can.

I don't think it matters if you still get some kills, but I think you're really handicapping yourself, and not getting even half the potential of your 50cals by firing at distances over 400, and setting convergence so that you cannot hit the same spot with all guns.

400 should be your "stop firing and reposition" point. Even for cannon armed planes. I'm not saying you CAN'T hit outside this. I'm saying your chances of a kill are dropping exponentially after this point. The chances of a fast kill rise exponentially as the range drops, and they quadruple if you have convergence set to the distance you kill planes at.

If you find yourself amputating both wings a lot, it means you're getting kills in close. That means that is your most effective range. You need to set your guns to the range you get MOST kills at, not the range you WANT most kills at (i.e. 650)

EDIT: Unless you fly the 110G or P38 or something with all-nose-mounted-guns.

Krusty,

I said in my first post I open fire from D600-D400 depending on my target (sometimes further depending on situation).

I've had several fighter kills with .50's at D1000 from a six position including a few in FM2's which only have 4 guns.

Like I said, I don't expect you to adopt my solution but it's what I'm used to and it works for me.

I've tried pulling my guns in and I can't hit a thing with them that way.  Seems I just waste ammo spraying.  

It's a personal preference and as long as they allow it it's how I'll keep mine set-up but thanks for your concern.

I did mention I'm one of the few who set them up this way didn't I?

[Krusty]

We shall agree to disagree.  No offense, I hope.

[Sincraft]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOW

What in (insert your god here)'s name did I start!

OK - I just revisted this thread after posting it last night and haven't had a chance to read in COMPLETELY, but from what I've read, I'm EXTREMELY happy with the responses I've gotten.

If a standard response with some information gives a post a B grade, I would say this post qualifies for an A+++++ grade for those that replied in such detail and information!!!!!  Heck it qualifies for an honorary degree in Physics and Mechanical Eng.!!!!!!!!!!


THANKS, I can't wait to get my morning (slash afternoon) coffee tomorrow and nibble read through all of this.

This is great, thanks!

S

[F4UDOA]

Great thread,

Eating popcorn listening intently.

Continue...

[FX1]

My gun set

F4u all at d375
p51 all at d300
spit all at 225
tempest 225


Basically i have all 50's set at longer range because i pull the trigger faster so to make sure i do more damage. With 20mm you only need short burst, d200 our closer and at d400 you will hit both wings and have a cigar with a prop after your finished.

[Casper1]

I had the same initial trouble with the 50 cal birds...didn't seem to be able to do much damage.

All of the above points are outstanding and excellent...but I might suggest another 'theory' if you are somewhat new to the game.

Consider this:  

You are flying a plane going anywhere form 150-500 MPH in a fight.  Your guns are firing rounds much much faster than you are.  You are probably manuevering  in multiple dimensions (the X, Y and Z).  Your TARGET is doing the same unless you are attacking a set of buffs who are only moving in one (level plane from points A to B in the air).

(X = horizontal component, Y = elevation or altitude component, Z = forward velocity component)

My point?  Your gunnery MUST be as stable as possible and you have to concentrate fire on a place for more than a split second to get a kill in most cases.  Cannons have the nice feature of being able to kill with one or two rounds on target in most cases (they go BOOM on impact).

I found that once I tried to understand this a bit more, I was effective in using 50 cal platforms.  

You have to use them as 'saws' and saw through your opponent's aircraft.  This takes some practice and patience.  Once you learn to control your own platform and correctly lead your opponent with your controlled platform, you will have better success concentrating fire (around your convergence point), and thus, killing your opponent.

Keep practicing...its WORTH it.  I LOVE 50cal planes and fly them nearly exclusively.  The corsair and pony are two of my favorite rides.  Now I am working on my P38 skills.

That reminds me...stick with one or two planes a t a time, you will learn faster and be able to have a few defacto 'lethal' rides when you need them the most.

And - I use 375 or 400 convergence on all rides...my 'comfort' zone

good luck!!!