User blog comment:SPARTAN 119/Pancho Villa vs Mikhail Tukhachevsky/@comment-4661256-20121008202711

El Alamein's "I Get Pissed Off When You Spell My Name Wrong" Edges:

Weapons Edges:

 Close Range: Spike Bayonet vs. Machete:  This is actually a close comparison. The Spike Bayonet does enjoy the benefit of turning your rifle into a spear of sorts, but that makes it a medium-ranged weapon when it's attached to the barrel of the gun. The machete is a melee-only weapon, but it can slash effectively (as opposed to the bayonet's thrusting attacks) and recovery time from a missed attack is a lot quicker. Plus, the closer the fight gets, the harder it will be for Tukhachevsky to use his bayonet effectively.

Edge: Pancho Villa

 Mid Range: Colt Bisley vs. Nagant M1895:  No contest. The M1895 revolver is double-action and the Bisley is single-action. The M1895 has a 7-round cylinder and the Bisley has a 6-round cylinder.

Edge: Mikhail Tukhachevsky

 Long Range: Gewehr 98 vs. Mosin-Nagant:  Both rifles are bolt-action, with an effective range of 500 meters and a 5-round internal magazine capacity. The Gewehr weighs a little more, but it also has a slightly longer barrel.

Edge: Even

 Special Weapons: Mondragón Rifle vs. Federov Avtomat:  Pancho Villa's Mondragón rifle has a slightly smaller magazine (20 rounds to the Federov's 25) but it's got a far higher rate of fire (750 rds/min to the Federov's 350-400 rds/min), a more effective round being shot out of the barrel, more effective iron sights that demarcate distances from 200 m - 550 m, and it can take a telescopic sight.

Edge: Pancho Villa

 Explosives: Dynamite vs. Model 1914:  Grenades always beat stationary explosives, because they're more portable, less dangerous to the operator, and can be used in rapid succession. They're easier logistically and they are a lot more damaging considering how they are used in a battle situation - thrown into a small, confined space where the blast will have a greater effect on target.

Edge: Mikhail Tukhachevsky

OVERALL WEAPONS EDGE: PANCHO VILLA

Pancho Villa's superior automatic rifle dominates the battle space. Up-close his Bisley is only at a slight disadvantage and I think the Machete is more versatile than the cumbersome bayonet. Explosives never decide a battle, and bolt-action rifles are too close to call, so I have to give the edge to Villa because of his Mondragón rifle.

X-Factors:

 Training:  Because Tukhachevsky was a military man of the well-disciplined Soviet army, he's going to shine here, and Villa will suffer accordingly, being a mere bandito. Tukhachevsky takes an 84 here and Villa scrapes up a 55.

Edge: Mikhail Tukhachevsky

 Combat Experience:  Tukhachevsky sure saw combat during his years in the army, but because he was a commander I doubt he was on the front lines leading his men. Because he participated in mass executions I assume he is simply the general behind the desk telling his officers how to direct the men. Villa was a leader out in the field with his men, and because of that Villa takes an important edge in Combat Experience. Villa takes a 78 here, while Tukhachevsky takes a 70.

Edge: Pancho Villa

 Physical Health:  Deadliest Warrior taught us all about Villa's insomnia and arthritis, and it might affect his combat performance. However, this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, because Villa managed to accomplish masterful victories despite these health problems. Still, Villa will suffer here, 66 to Tukhachevsky's 80.

Edge: Mikhail Tukhachevsky

 Tactics:  Pancho Villa takes another win here - because he was the one who orchestrated all of his operations, it was up to him to make sure that his armies were led to victory. Tukhachevsky was a member of the brass - polished boots and shiny buttons, but his tactics were learned from the military schoolbooks that he picked up and memorized. Villa is an innovator, and a very adaptable fighter. He takes the edge here, 86 to Tukhachevsky's 79.

Edge: Pancho Villa

 Leadership:  Hoo boy. Villa has an enormous edge here. Tukhachevsky is little more than a Soviet puppet who bows to the leader's will. His men don't rally behind him - they rally behind their cause. Villa, by contrast, was supremely charismatic - a man of the people. He led his men and they followed him willingly. Tukhachevsky's men aren't motivated to the same degree that Villa's men will be, even if they're more trained or disciplined. Villa takes leadership at a very high 90 to Tukhachevsky's 73.

Edge: Pancho Villa

 Brutality:  This X-Factor doesn't account for much, but for what it's worth Tukhachevsky does have an edge. He massacred people and used poison gas. Villa didn't. Although, whether or not that's a good thing I'm not so sure.

Edge: Mikhail Tukhachevsky

OVERALL X-FACTORS EDGE: PANCHO VILLA

Pancho Villa's got major advantages in leadership, combat experience, and tactics. Training isn't so significant when you've got combat experience under your belt, so Villa's men won't be at a major disadvantage going against the Soviet infantrymen. Tukhachevsky simply isn't the charismatic leader that Villa is, and he's not the innovative tactician Villa is, and he won't be able to function properly against an opponent like Villa. Tukhachevsky's years behind a desk are going to hurt him in a fight like this, where his opponents aren't peasants with Molotovs.

WINNER: PANCHO VILLA

Well, no crap. Villa's got the better weapons where they matter and he's by far the better leader and the better warrior. That Mondragón rifle is going to dominate the battle space, and while Tukhachevsky tries to organize his men, Villa can easily orchestrate a powerful attack on the floundering Soviets. Villa's alien fighting style is something that the Soviets won't be able to fight against, and whatever they can throw at the Mexicans, Villa will be able to adapt to. Villa takes this fight hands down, 2700 wins to Tukhachevsky's 2300.