Difference between Socket Bayonets and Ring Bayonets?

[hippacrocafish]

What is it? I also don't see the difference between Platoon fire and Fire by rank.

[NikolaTesla]

As for the Bayonets, I don't really know.


But Platoon fire can only be used by elite units, like Guards.

[IGdood]

Socket Bayonets don't give your men an accuracy penalty.

Fire By Rank goes like this. Front row, fire. 2nd row, fire. 3rd row, fire. Reload. Repeat.

Platoon fire goes like this. The unit divides itself into small groups. The groups fire in an order in such a way that they don't stop firing. The result is less of a BANG from fire by rank, but more of a constant barrage of musketballs. It kills more over time, but initially it needs some time to get started. Fire By Rank is more reliable in the short term, or when you need someone to die/rout FAST.

[Yin]

Basically platoon firing is groups of let's say 3 ranks wide and 3 column deep fire one at a time, from left to right. Rank is when an entire rank (horizontal) fires. For example, after the first rank fires, they kneel down and reload, while the second fire, then they kneel down and reload, while the third does it, after the third rank fired, there's a pause for reload then the first stood up again and repeat the process. In my opinion rank firing is much more deadly, because you take out more enemies with 1 volley, which leads to the moral penalty.

For the bayonets. Ring bayonet is where the musket have a ring on top or under it about 1-2 inches from the end of the barrel. Socket is an extension of the barrel itself, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[hippacrocafish]

Ok then, thanks guys.

[Bushface]

The ring of a ring bayonet just fits over the barrel, presumably with some device to stop it slipping back when jabbed into an enemy's stomach. This I presume allows the user the choice of fitting his bayonet to the left, right, or below the barrel, but it wouldn't necessarily stay that way when applying the recommended twist as it is jabbed in. The socket bayonet also has a ring which fits over the barrel but has to be rotated into the socket: see the in-game note criticising the French for choosing to have such bayonets fitting above the barrel, in the line of sight.

[Prince of Essling]

See http://thearmouryonline.co.uk/BayonetHistory.htm for history & evolution of the bayonet. The socket bayonet was offset to enable easier loading & firing.
Line drawings (taken from http://webspace.webring.com/people/m...musketeers.htm ) showing the evolution of the bayonet from plug, ring to expanding socket, all within the period of the Wars of the Spanish Succession. The ring was issued between 1692-1704. When the ring bayonet was demonstrated to Louis XIV one morning all the bayonets fell off in one loud clatter during the salute. The King was not amused, so, in 1704-1709 the expanding socket replaced it.