User blog comment:Greenberet5/George Custer vs.George Pickett/@comment-379205-20140809012715

119's "Fight Amongst Yourselves!" Edges


 * Carbines: I'm pretty sure most of Custer's men carried the Springfield "Trap Door" Carbine, but anyway, in spite of being a repeater, Custer's Colt Rifle loses out for its unfortunate tendency to accidentally fire all six chambers at once, blowing off the user's hand. Because of this, it was often used with only one round in the chamber, effectively making it a single shot breech loader. On the other hand, the Sharps carbine was well-liked for its breech-loading action and, in particular, its accuracy, which made it an effective sniper rifle, even said to be the root of the word "sharpshooter". Edge: Pickett


 * Pistols: The Colt Single Action Army was a cartridge based weapon, meaning a faster reload than the Colt Army, which was a cap and ball revolver. The Colt "Peacemaker" also fired a very powerful .45 Long Colt Round. Edge: Custer


 * Close Range: The Derringer is a firearm, giving it a slightly superior range, on the other hand, it has a short range and low stopping power. On the other hand, the Arkansas toothpick is a large knife, with some specimens bordering on short sword length, and can be deadly in close combat. Edge: Even


 * Swords: The cavalry sabre is more combat oriented in design, unlike the more ceremonial officer's sword. Edge: Custer

X-Factors: In terms of Tactics, neither are particularly brilliant, both most famous for losing battles, but at least Pickett didn't get himself surrounded and slaughtered to a man, so slight edge Pickett. However, in terms of equipment and training, Custer takes a definite edge, as he was far better supplied by the US then the blockaded Confederates could supply Pickett. In terms of calm under fire, Custer managed to make a stand, while Pickett was forced to retreat, so edge there.

Overall Winner: INDIANS! Yes, that's right, the third party in this battle will be the winner. As this is a plains environment, I'm assuming the Indians in question will be Plains Indians such as the Sioux and Lakota, who were renowned for their skill in battle. Armed with Henry rifles and bows and arrows, both of which they were deadly when armed with, as well as skill in close quarters and mounted combat, not the mention knowledge of the terrain and mastery of guerilla tactics, in my opinion, the most likely result of the battle will be the Indian's letting Custer and Pickett battle it out, catch the weakened survivor by surprise, and then slaughter them with ambush tactics, superior mobility, and firepower courtesy of the repeaters they got a hold of from traders.

Second Place: In terms of the two main combatants, Custer will take the victory as, while his rifle is a piece of shit, he is better supplied and better trained under the more industrialized north. On the other hand, Pickett's men were likely underfed and equipped- some of the Confederates at Gettysburg did not even have adequate footwear, intending to capture shoes from a factory in Gettysburg. Winner: Custer, only barely, and only to get curb stomped by an Native American ambush, kinda like in real life.