What counts as a support weapon?

[Philosophydaddy]

So, what exactly counts as a support weapon or SAW for milsim? I've been looking at various Wikipedia articles and some of the USMC AR gunners are using the new M27 IAR which looks suspiciously like an M4 and uses the STANAG 30rnd magazine (though it has been tested with the Armatac SAW-MAG 150rnd drum mag). According to Wikipedia, the USMC has been pursuing this change in AR tactics so that it is more difficult for the enemy to recognize and concentrate fire on the fireteam's support gunner. Not only that but the smaller platform is more mobile and lighter-weight than the M249, so the squad can go out on longer missions without the AR gunner tiring out as quickly. (All this info is taken from the wiki article and other links that I've read from that article.)

So, back to my question, seeing as this M27 is really just a spec'd out HK416 which is really just a modified M4, if one were to spec out their M4, both internally and externally, to look the part of this M27, should that constitute a support gun for MilSim games? I am curious to see what the community thinks on this one

[Exarach]

Depends on the game 90% of the time, no.

I dont understand why so many people try these kind of things. M4/g36 support weapon.

The cost of modern airsoft saws is so cheap! They cost the same entry level as a mid level aeg.

I digress, to the op, do yourself a favor and buy or trade for an actual support weapon. You will be happier, and it will have great aftermarket support, and be allowed at games no issue.

An m4/16 with a highcap is already on most fields, so offers little to no advantages. M249s m60s m240 ect are built from the ground up for long bursts. They are also very easy to work on

[Note]

The cost of modern airsoft saws is so cheap! They cost the same entry level as a mid level aeg.

Listen to these words op! ASGI just started carrying the A&K MK46 and once you factor in their current coupon code for 25% off it drops the price from $350 to $262.5. Before shipping of course.

[spazz]

any major milsim op and most of our local ones require that it be a faithfull representation of the actual saw for it to be used as a saw.
when you go to a milsim op you are going for the milsim experience not the militia experience. its a short step from letting people use a close approximation to using anything they want as support weapons up to and including fantasy type guns.
it does not cost that much to buy a propper saw if you want to run a saw. otherwise build a hi-po m4 and carry a bunch of mags.
and it will probly be a lil bit before you start seeing the m27 being used as a saw in most milsim ops.

[Dayton]

Not only is an faithful representation of a SAW required for nostalgia proposes, but also for fairness in gameplay. We don't allow high caps in our games for a reason, a reload in the middle of a firefight adds a lot to the experience. If you want the ability to not have to reload during a fight, you have to pay for it in weight and maneuverability.

For this reason, AR platform support weapons will never be allowed in our games. That is unless you want to stuff a 10 lb lead weight in your hand guard, then we'll talk.

[TJC10]

Not only is an faithful representation of a SAW required for nostalgia proposes, but also for fairness in gameplay. We don't allow high caps in our games for a reason, a reload in the middle of a firefight adds a lot to the experience. If you want the ability to not have to reload during a fight, you have to pay for it in weight and maneuverability.

For this reason, AR platform support weapons will never be allowed in our games. That is unless you want to stuff a 10 lb lead weight in your hand guard, then we'll talk.

LOL, and same here. I imagine that goes for all of us that host.

[nukeduster]

Also, M249's are overdone. If you want to do a support role, build a H&K HK21, a  SHRIKE, Stoner LMG, etc.

[Exarach]

Mg42..cough..