6X50cal's and snapshot kills

[28sweep]

I fly the American stuff a lot right now and have a prob.  I find myself B&Z'n a lot and when I set-up on sombody he almost always turns sharp giving me just a quick snapshot.  That's ok because 8/10 times I can score a hit but they never fall...ever.  When this happens in a cannon equipped plane-a quick snap. is all I need.  My coveregence is set at 300 and was set at 500 before.  Do I need to get even closer for a snap. kill like that?  Is there a trick to setting up on sombody w/out giving him a chance for a break turn?

[fuzeman]

1st, I'm no 'expert' here, but my thoughts are:
To get a snapshot kill with .50s you need a lucky ping or need to get the attacking plane and your best convergence at the same place for the Big Explosion. Timing is the key with the snapshot though. I'm more of a turner then a BnZer so this is just 'theory' and I have no experience.

fuzeman

[dtango]

It's much harder to get snapshot kills with 6 x .50's versus 20mm cannons just due to the lethality of the cannon shells.  It's obvious that you will need more hits with the .50's to bring something down vs. that of a cannons.

Anyhow, I fly primarily P-51's with 6x.50's so you might try the following to see if it helps.

CONVERGENCE & SNAPSHOTS:
I have my convergence set to the following:
inside - 250
middle - 275
outside - 300

I think this makes a criss-crossing pattern that increases my % of getting hits from more of my guns.  I've noticed that I take planes apart a little more quicker with this pattern.

How far out are you firing?  I try and stay pretty disciplined about not taking a shot unless it's 350 yards or less, preferrablly less.  I might in extreme high angle off situations take my shot at 400 yards out.

SNAPSHOT AIMING:
Another skill to develop for snapshots that comes with time is getting better at lining up for high angle off snapshots.  Two things that come to my mind to work on are (1) estimating flight path of the bogey relative to where your bullet stream needs to be and (2) learning to take the shot with the bogey under your nose and out of view.

DENYING/COUNTERING THE BREAK TURN:
One thing you can do to deny someone the break turn is to somehow get your airspeed so that you are just slightly faster than the bogey.  Chopping throttle, flaps, etc. on approach a ways of doing this.  Flying a lag pursuit flight path is also helpful.  The idea is to try and stay in the bogey's deep six and not be forced into an overshoot.

Personally giving away my E in this manner is something I don't typically do but this is something that you can try.  This can be pretty dangerous given the situation however.  If you're trying to do this against a better turning plane to begin with you will probably only have one chance to get the kill or then become the hunted.  In my opinion this is also bad thing to do in a multi threat environment as well since your giving away precious E that would have given you options for other things that you might need it for.

Tango, XO
412th FS Braunco Mustangs

[SlapShot]

I too agree that snapshots with cannons is far more devastating than with .50s unless you get a good blast the length of the fuselage or across the complete wing structure.

If you get a decent snapshot with the .50s, you will usually damage something (rudders, aileron, or wingtips) that will then cripple them enough for you to easily manuever for the 6 kill.

[Tac]

you must also remember that the .50 cals can spray a lot more lead than a 20mm. The "snapshot" you feel may actually be the result of the con in your 6 spraying a burst at you and hitting you with 20 to 40 bullets.

[humble]

Biggest key is going from B&Z to E- fighting...avoid chasing the initial shot and go for a better shot. Ideally you can go vertical and also scrub some speed (reduced throttle, "rudder slap", flaps etc) and set up a shot off of his counter. The best pony/hog/jug drivers kill you on your 2nd or 3rd evasive. They never really extend...just hang over you looking for the chance to go a 1/3 of a circle with you. Don't think snapshot...think short tracking shot.

[dtango]

Humble hits the nail on the head regarding short tracking shots vs. snapshots.  Most of my "snapshots" are probably better characterized as very brief tracking shots where I can get a ~.5 sec. burst in.

Tango, XO
412th FS Braunco Mustangs

[HeLLcAt]

Guys, I fly mostly only B n Z fighters. F6F, F4U, 190, P51, P47. Anyways, what I do is put my nose in front of the guy so I can lead him, so it's not an actual snapshot. I have my convergence set at 400 for every plane, every bullet, except a few. For snapshots, and I take lots of them, you really have to have the right angle and once you do that, here's what you do. First thing is make sure hes going at the right angle. Senondly, fire before he actually crosses you, this way you know you will hit him because you lead him too much and than BOOM he flies into the bullets. I think I have some videos of me doing snapshots if you would like to view them. Also, when I do the snapshot and I don't hit him, I will just B n Z him to death. This way once you see his back fall go after him. He won't have really enough manuevering speed. I hope this helps someone out. Everyone!

~BlueiceJ~

[iwojima]

hehe no wonder u killed me so much hellcat
i fly B N Z planes mostly - F6F and P47
i have my convergence set for 350 on all guns
also i fly no tracers it's alot easier to shoot
(i'm no expert on flying but i seem to get my fair share of planes with this setup)