Real issue is actually going to be a (lack of) full auto. Sincerely doubt anything in these pics is an MG. Even if Ukraine fabricates automatic components (drop-in-auto-sears do exist for ARs), the barrels aren't going to hold up to automatic fire well.

They might be useful in a police/border guard/militia capacity, though?

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago

I looked it up since I was curious too. They're going to a specific city for use by their local police.

They'll go directly to Miami’s newest sister city, Irpin, a war-torn area just outside the capital city of Kyiv, where dozens of civilians have been killed.

“Some would say we are stepping out of our bounds as a city to take this on,” said Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell. “This is for the average folks on the ground and the municipality employees, just like ourselves.”

Miami Police chief Manuel Morales is helping coordinate the effort and says the 167 guns will go to the city’s local police department.

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/city-of-miami-to-send-guns-to-ukraine-city/2809291/

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Are the Ukrainian grunts really using full auto that much? Does trench warfare make it useful in a way that urban and mobile warfare doesn't use? My understanding is that basically no one outside of designated machinegunners really use full auto.

Anyway, like you said, at the very least it'll free up other weapons for the front lines.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

I've seen them use auto bursts plenty of times in combat footage. They need suppressing fire for dismounting their troop carriers and usually empty mags into trenches.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

It might could work in a pinch, especially if they used the ARs as squad marksman rifles? I just doubt its the kind of compromise Ukraine wants to make for its front-line equipment.