Targeting with the AA guns

Does anyone know of a good tutorial or online source to learn how to use the targeting rings on the AA guns. I currently skipper the USS Balao and have 40mm cannons front and rear. I wish to know how to judge how much to lead by when shooting at aircraft (as well aso knowing how to gauage elevation needed for shooting at ships. (The 40mm cannons are very effective against merchants ).

Many thanks and happy hunting.

P.S. I Know I should generally dive whenever possible to avoid enemy air cover but sometimes it is fun to take them on....

[cali03boss]

Here is what I do. I use the size of the plane in the retical as a guide. If the plane's wingspan doesn't reach the outer rings....then shoot with a one ring lead...meaning...aim ahead of the plane by one ring on the reticle in the direction it is flying.

If its wingspan matches the size of the reticle...fire dead on.

If it is smaller than half the ring, use a 2 ring lead...etc

[AVGWarhawk]

Personally I let my gunner handle it....the guy is a friggin crack shot

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by simonb1612

I wish to know how to judge how much to lead by when shooting at aircraft ....

Practice

Its actually more of an art than a science honestly.

Wow thanks for the quick replies. I Will use the suggested lead method next time
follow up questions...
Can you order your AA gunner to fire at surface targets?

[switch.dota]

Originally Posted by simonb1612

Can you order your AA gunner to fire at surface targets?

No, but surface targets shouldn't be much of a problem for you to hit manually

[Captain Scribb]

Not that I know of, but from what I can tell AA fire doesn't really do anything to surface targets, guns, or personnel - with the exception being that it will set a junk or fishing boat's sails on fire. Plus it wastes a lot of ammo, which is precious if you plan on dealing with more than a couple aircraft on your patrol.

[cali03boss]

you can take out gun crews and passengers with the AA guns. I've done it. Its sometimes hard, but its possible.

The reason I wanted to know how to target was because when it comes to surface gun battles I believe I am a better shot than my gunners and the Japanese IN and Merchant fleet. However, as it is alway better to aviod any damage I wish to ensure that I am hitting the enemy as soon as possible, thus some long range shots before his gunners zero in on me. This is easy with the main deck gun as you can zoom in on targets through the aiming scope. However, with the 40mm cannons the targeting rings obscure the view so it is hard to know where your shots are striking.

As for AA guns being ineffective, as I said earlier, the 40mm cannons are IMHO more effective against merchants than the main deck gun. Try straffing the decks of any merchant with a 40mm and see the effect - explosions everywhere and a very quick "enemy destroyed message" This may not reflect RL but that is how the game runs.

[Snuffy]

Originally Posted by Captain Scribb

Not that I know of, but from what I can tell AA fire doesn't really do anything to surface targets, guns, or personnel - with the exception being that it will set a junk or fishing boat's sails on fire. Plus it wastes a lot of ammo, which is precious if you plan on dealing with more than a couple aircraft on your patrol.

Two nights ago I took out a DD with the single 40 mounted on the tower as I was making a surface escape because of severe flooding!

I spent a good deal of the 40's shells but ultimately the DD bought it.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by simonb1612

The reason I wanted to know how to target was because when it comes to surface gun battles I believe I am a better shot than my gunners and the Japanese IN and Merchant fleet. However, as it is alway better to aviod any damage I wish to ensure that I am hitting the enemy as soon as possible, thus some long range shots before his gunners zero in on me. This is easy with the main deck gun as you can zoom in on targets through the aiming scope. However, with the 40mm cannons the targeting rings obscure the view so it is hard to know where your shots are striking.

As for AA guns being ineffective, as I said earlier, the 40mm cannons are IMHO more effective against merchants than the main deck gun. Try straffing the decks of any merchant with a 40mm and see the effect - explosions everywhere and a very quick "enemy destroyed message" This may not reflect RL but that is how the game runs.

Once your crew get a few ranks in gunnery they become crack shots indeed.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Personally I let my gunner handle it....the guy is a friggin crack shot

Lucky sod.

Bring it on I say, short range for me so I can bury more shells in to them.

Kill them or die you choose.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by STEED

Lucky sod.

Bring it on I say, short range for me so I can bury more shells in to them.

Kill them or die you choose.

Yeah man, the man is like the Terminator looking for Sarah Conner! Besides...it is dangerous out there....you will find me below drinking coffee in the galley.

[STEED]

AA Gunner "AV we need more AA shells"

AV "Hey I am busy drinking this new coffee from Brazil"

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by STEED

AA Gunner "AV we need more AA shells"

AV "Hey I am busy drinking this new coffee from Brazil"

Yeah man! Get the AA yourself...the Price is Right is on and I can not be disturbed!