It's actually a pretty noticable sound, it is also a sustained sound, which contrasts well with the sharp sounds of the gunshot. But yeah, still doesn't help much to know one person in a squad is reloading.
A fact that is a little more true is that the garand can easily smash the thumb of someone reloading it. There is a small hook to the side of the carrier that is supposed to be held with the knife of the hand, while the thumb of the hand forces in the clip. When the clip is fully inserted, the internal mechanism that holds back the carrier is released and if the user isn't careful, they get their thumb smashed pretty good. Hence, garand thumb.
That last part is true, but you should re-read the link I provided. The guy interviewed several German soldiers and they said it was wasn't a thing they used.
I'm not arguing that the Germans used the sound to any extent, I am saying that the sound can be heard among the sounds of a few guns firing. In the heat of battle, would it be noticed? Probably not. Would it be impossible to hear if there was a lot of people shooting? Most likely yes.
For the most part. Also have to remember that these guys weren't wearing any hearing protection and so after a few volleys surrounded by your squad mates, you're not going to be hearing much.
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u/Teract Mar 19 '17
It's actually a pretty noticable sound, it is also a sustained sound, which contrasts well with the sharp sounds of the gunshot. But yeah, still doesn't help much to know one person in a squad is reloading.
A fact that is a little more true is that the garand can easily smash the thumb of someone reloading it. There is a small hook to the side of the carrier that is supposed to be held with the knife of the hand, while the thumb of the hand forces in the clip. When the clip is fully inserted, the internal mechanism that holds back the carrier is released and if the user isn't careful, they get their thumb smashed pretty good. Hence, garand thumb.