Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 119 Gun Making
Headquarters.

The deputy chief of staff looked at the battle report forwarded by Brigade Chen and said with a smile: "Chen Chengxing fought well. With only 559 casualties, he was able to defeat Gao Donglei's 103rd Army and a battalion of Japanese soldiers."

"Oh? Really?" The boss reached out and took the battle report handed over by the deputy chief of general staff.

"We captured 8 strongholds and 42 bunkers, annihilated/captured 2353 people, won over 312 puppet soldiers, and obtained more than 100 mules and horses, more than 1500 long and short guns, 50 light machine guns, 4 heavy machine guns, 6 grenade launchers, 2 mortars, and more than 6 rounds of ammunition. We also destroyed the enemy's arsenal and coal mines. It is estimated that the Japanese lost 1 million yuan!"

"This guy has made a fortune! Some of the equipment that was snatched out was sent directly to the Erlangdong Arsenal. Is he afraid that I will rob him?" The boss laughed.

"The New Second Regiment has made a great contribution this time. Gao Donglei's 103rd Army is not the thugs that the devils just recruited. They are die-hard traitors. The combat effectiveness of the troops is stronger than that of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army."

"At the beginning of the year, our three core regiments surrounded Gao Donglei. After two days and one night of fighting, we only managed to wipe out more than one regiment of his troops. In addition, due to the increase in the number of new recruits in our army and our lack of familiarity with village warfare, the casualties were not small."

"This time, the New Second Regiment has given the Eighth Route Army a sigh of relief," said the Deputy Chief of General Staff.

"Yes, Gao Donglei used the stronghold to defend it, and we lacked the means to attack it, so he escaped." The deputy commander-in-chief nodded.

"Chili powder bomb, haha. I don't know how Chen Chengxing came up with such a crooked idea." The Deputy Chief of the General Staff laughed.

"Don't worry about whether it's crooked or not, as long as it works well. I think this can be promoted. Our grenade launchers can also use this trick. This way, when the guerrillas attack the artillery tower, it may be effective." said the deputy commander.

The deputy commander had seen poison gas bombs and knew that poison gas bombs and chili powder bombs were not the same thing.

But those puppet troops and ordinary Japanese soldiers had never tried poison gas bombs, so they couldn't tell the difference. When they were suddenly attacked by strange shells, they started coughing and crying, and anyone would think it was poison gas bombs.

In a panic situation, not everyone can hold on to their stronghold.

The boss knew that Chen Chengxing had won a great victory, so he didn't mind the fact that Chen Chengxing directly transported the equipment to Erlang Cave.

The boss thought from the words that it might just be a few sets of machine tools, so the New Second Regiment just kept them.

After all, the headquarters arsenal is now strong and powerful. In addition to the equipment from Shenkou Town, overseas Chinese have also transported diesel engines, bullet templates, and fulminate primers in small batches.

The arsenal also obtained basic gun and bullet manufacturing technology from the Soviet Union, large artillery technology from Wei Junru, and purchased a large amount of new gunpowder from Fu Yi's logistics department.

The boss no longer has any interest in these machine tools.

Unlike the laughter and joy at the Eighth Route Army headquarters, inside the Taiyuan First Army Headquarters, Seiji Kazuki couldn't laugh at all.

The 103rd Army of the North China Security Force is a benchmark specially created by the Locust Army to let other Chinese troops see that as long as they join the Locust Army, they will get huge benefits.

As a result, the benchmark has been pulled out!

"Who on earth are these Eighth Route Army troopers?" Katsuki Seiji asked angrily.

Although the Tiancun Battalion caught up with the Eighth Route Army, they were ambushed and had no chance to find out the enemy's organization.

"Smith Maasai!" The head of the intelligence department immediately transformed into a Gongjiang immortal.

"I don't want an apology! Find out immediately which group of enemies they are and where the arsenal equipment has gone!" Katsuki Seiji said angrily.

These equipment and materials must not be seized so easily by the Eighth Route Army. Once the Eighth Route Army uses the equipment, it will be a great disadvantage to the Locust Army.

"Hai!"

After Chen Chengxing and his men moved the equipment to the Erlangdong Arsenal, the system then sounded the mission completed.

[Side quest: Mine, all mine. Completed! ]

【Rewards are waiting to be claimed! 】

[Rewards are being distributed]

[Obtained research papers: 2 pieces]

Before Chen Chengxing could even take a look at the system, Wen Ying's voice rang in his ears: "Captain, where did you get this equipment?"

Wen Ying was very happy looking at the equipment on the ground. Only with these did Erlangdong Arsenal become an arsenal. Before, it was just a workshop at most.

"Equipment? It was given by the Japanese." Chen Chengxing said with a smile.

"With these equipment, the output of mortars and artillery shells has finally increased," said Chen Chengxing.

Although the First Battalion was fighting against the Japanese second-line troops this time, it was still a head-on collision with the Japanese and even gained a certain advantage.

The mortars made the greatest contribution here. When cleaning up the battlefield, it was discovered after inspection that more than 60% of the casualties inflicted on the Japanese were caused by 82mm and 60mm mortars.

All other light and heavy machine guns and rifles caused less than 30% of the casualties, and another 10% were killed in hand-to-hand combat.

Of course, this is not without cost. In this operation, all mortars carried a basic number of shells, including 1 rounds for the 60mm mortar and 60 rounds for the 82mm mortar.

This was almost the production limit of the arsenal, but 80% of it was destroyed in this battle, and most of it was used in fighting against the Japanese invaders.

With such consumption, Luo Ping's hands were shaking when he was looking at the detailed report.

"Three directors, it depends on you how many Japanese soldiers the New Second Regiment can kill," said Chen Chengxing.

For the New Second Regiment and even the Eighth Route Army, light indirect firepower such as mortars and grenade launchers are the most suitable artillery.

After all, the Eighth Route Army mainly relied on mountain guerrilla warfare and rarely engaged in siege warfare. The mortar has low chamber pressure, long artillery life, and can use cheap cast iron shells, which are all advantages.

The Japanese's heavy firepower can only exert its full combat effectiveness by relying on railways and roads. Once they leave the roads, the Japanese's large forces will be dragged down by the artillery and their movement speed will be very slow. This is also the reason why the Japanese's attacks all advance along the railways.

Moreover, it was difficult for the Japanese to completely annihilate the Guo army when fighting against them. The Guo army was poorly equipped and could easily run away, and the Japanese could not catch up with them even if they wanted to.

In the Japanese organization, only the battalion and below could run relatively fast, which determined that the Japanese mostly went into the mountains to fight in battalions.

When fighting against the Japanese battalion, the main force of the New Second Regiment already had an absolute firepower advantage, but this required a large number of artillery shells.

"Don't worry, Commander. The arsenal will ensure that it will not fail." Wen Ying and others nodded.

"Okay." Chen Chengxing nodded, then looked at Hu Yong, the commander of the independent guard company standing beside him.

"Hu Yong, we robbed the Japanese arsenal. The Japanese will definitely track us down. You must be on guard," Chen Chengxing ordered.

"Yes!"

"I brought you two Type 2 heavy machine guns and one Maxim heavy machine gun. You should build up the firepower platoon, strengthen training, and build more semi-permanent fortifications," Chen Chengxing said. During the attack on Lianggou Village, four Type 92 heavy machine guns were seized, all of which have been distributed to the 1rd Battalion. Chen Chengxing decided to give the heavy machine guns replaced by the 4rd Battalion to the independent guard company first.

Chen Chengxing could foresee that once the Japanese discovered that it was the New Second Regiment that had robbed the arsenal, they would certainly retaliate, and a major battle would inevitably break out in the Erlang Mountain area.

For this purpose, Chen Chengxing has ordered the guerrilla teams 3, 4 and 8 to strengthen vigilance in this area.

These three guerrilla teams were located in the east, south and north of Erlang Mountain, which were the three directions from which the Japanese were most likely to attack.

"Yes! I guarantee to complete the task!" Hu Yong stood at attention.

The mission of the independent guard company is to guard the Erlangdong Arsenal. During this period, Hu Yong has built a large number of open and hidden firepower points on Erlang Mountain to prevent sudden attacks by the Japanese.

"Well, I have ordered the engineering company to take the lead and organize the village militia, county brigade, and district squad to dig tunnels. The engineering company will also send people to Erlang Mountain. You need to send people to assist the engineers in digging tunnels in Erlang Mountain and strive to turn Erlang Mountain into a three-dimensional fortress."

"This is related to the next strategy, we must not be careless, understand?" Chen Chengxing explained.

During the last attack on Shenkou Town, some people from Yangjia Village wanted to join the Eighth Route Army. Considering their skills, Chen Chengxing arranged them to the engineering company, specifically responsible for digging tunnels.

It was because of them that Chen Chengxing began to promote tunnel warfare in the Dayunshan base.

Digging a tunnel is not an easy task. If it is not done properly, it may collapse.

Even in later generations, there were numerous accidents where entire buildings developed cracks or even collapsed due to digging tunnels and basements.

'Every profession has its own specialization' is not just empty talk.

"Yes!"

After Chen Chengxing explained the tunnel clearly, Wen Ying spoke up, "I've seen the raw materials and semi-finished products you brought back. In addition to the mortars, do you have anything else to produce?"

Wen Ying meant whether or not to make guns, after all, all the things were ready.

Chen Chengxing also understood what Wen Ying meant. After thinking about it, Chen Chengxing asked, "How many guns can be made with the raw materials we brought back?"

"There aren't many materials. It should be because the Japanese intentionally control it. I took a rough look and I think we can produce about 20 Czech light machine guns and to rifles." Wen Ying said, "But I think there's a lot of copper. We should be able to produce more than rounds of bullets."

"We mainly produce bullets. Light machine guns can be produced, but rifles are not needed for now," said Chen Chengxing.

The system's main quest will reward a rifle instant kill coupon. Chen Chengxing plans to make a decision at that time. After all, not much can be produced if it is really produced, and the impact on the New Second Regiment will be minimal.

"By the way, among the workers we brought here this time, there is a Japanese military expert. Inspired by us, he is willing to do his part in the War of Resistance against Japan. If you have any questions, please ask as soon as possible. The headquarters will take him away in a month." Chen Chengxing said, pointing to a short man with a bruised face and nose not far away.

When the man saw Chen Chengxing pointing at him, he immediately stood up straight and bowed subconsciously, saying, "Please take care of me!"

After the headquarters knew about the existence of such a person, they immediately requested that he be sent to the Yixiantian Headquarters Arsenal. This month, it was Chen Chengxing who strongly requested it.

"This." Wen Ying pointed at his face with his fingers, somewhat puzzled.

"Oh, he fell by himself." Chen Chengxing said casually.

This one month was enough time for the Japanese expert to recover. When he arrived at the arsenal in good condition, there would be no evidence even if he filed a complaint.

"Okay." Wen Ying couldn't help laughing.

"By the way, I heard that Yan Xishan's factory in Hanzhong is using rail steel to make guns. Can we also use rail steel to make guns?" Chen Chengxing asked.

"You have to ask Director Xu. I only know about manufacturing, not materials." Wen Ying shook his head.

"Other places are easy, but if we use rail steel to make the gun barrel, it might not be good enough." Xu Tao explained immediately when he saw everyone looking at him.

The barrel of the gun wears very badly during use, so high-strength steel is normally required. The Taiyuan Arsenal also specially built a production line for special steel.

But even so, the steel did not meet Western standards, especially the Jin-made submachine guns, the rifling of which wore out very quickly.

"What about heat treatment? I heard that the headquarters arsenal has imitated the Zhongzheng and Czech-made light machine guns. They seem to use rail steel and then heat treat it." Chen Chengxing said.

According to records, the rifles produced by the headquarters arsenal using rail steel can fire 200 rounds of bullets rapidly without any abnormalities. If they did not want to waste bullets, they could probably fire many more rounds.

"The headquarters sent us the production process and we studied it, but we haven't tested it yet," said Xu Tao.

The arsenals of the Eighth Route Army have always been sharing what they have and what they need with each other, and they understand each other's technology, but the specific production methods still depend on the actual situation.

"Since the headquarters has produced it, there should be no problem. We can also produce the gun barrel according to this method to test it. I also think the barrel can be appropriately thickened. Don't worry about the weight." Chen Chengxing said.

Heat-treated barrels can increase hardness and wear resistance, but their temperature resistance will not change. Such guns are more likely to overheat than standard gun steel, but using heavy barrels can extend the overheating time, which is a common choice in gun design.

If you are worried about the center of gravity shifting, you can also solve it by adding counterweights, that is, if there is too much flour, add water, and if there is too much water, add flour.

For the Eighth Route Army, especially the guerrillas, if they could get a light machine gun by adding a pound or half a pound of weight, they would agree wholeheartedly.

"Okay, we'll give it a try." Wen Ying nodded.

According to Wen Ying's estimation, the Erlangdong Arsenal should be able to produce three to four light machine guns per month. Judging from the current machines, once the workers become proficient, they should be able to produce 8 to 10 guns per month.

At this rate, the captured materials will soon be used up, and then the rails will have to be used.

As for small parts such as spring wires that the arsenal cannot produce on its own, it can send special personnel to Xi'an and other big cities to purchase them secretly. These things do not take up space, and one donkey's trip would be enough for the arsenal to use for a while.

After Chen Chengxing discussed the details with a few people, he let them arrange the placement of the machines themselves.

Chen Chengxing returned to Hongniwan and sent a message to the guerrillas, telling them that if they encountered an opportunity to seize the railway, they should not miss it and bring back as many rails as they could.

After receiving Chen Chengxing's order, all the guerrillas began to take this matter to heart. After all, along with the order came the phrase "exchange rails for guns."

Even a Type 99 light machine gun is a good thing for the guerrillas. Who doesn't want a better weapon in his hand?

In addition to the rails, all metals are included. Everything that can be brought back must be brought back. If there is time, the destroyed trucks and sidecars should be dismantled and brought back as much as possible. If there is really no time, set a fire first and wait for the Japanese to leave before finding a way to get the scrap metal back. Even scrap metal can be made into artillery shells.

At the same time, the guerrillas were also responsible for collecting copper coins, copper coins, copper stoves, copper basins and other things containing copper.

Now that the arsenal had a bullet production line, it had to find a way to get its own copper. As for the zinc needed for brass, the outer shell of the battery is made of zinc.

A lot of miscellaneous copper in rural areas also contains zinc, especially that used to make coins. The zinc content is very high and the zinc can be extracted using the "zinc steaming method".

(End of this chapter)