[shiftsup]

In regards to the BAR. Ditch the carry handle, bi pod, front sight hood. The even flash hider if you can....but yeah, no.

Keep the weight down. Make it as portable as you can to use it as a flexible infantry weapon.

WW2 GI's found / used it best as as a shoulder fired automatic weapon about a half step above the Garand. The BAR shouldn't considered a LMG like the Bren. All sorts of units seem to have used them ( infantry, rangers, paratroopers etc) Oral history has the odd 82nd AB jumping with them in Normandy. Google Harvill Lazenby, quite the soldier.

In late wwii and Korea, the BAR was found to be the least panic / loose fired us firearm ( Garand, Carbine .30 cal and .50 cal included).

As far as kit goes, 6 pouch BAR belt for the gunner. 3 pouch bandoleers will get in the way.

And expect the germans to shoot you more / first.