This video announces a Kickstarter campaign for Jonathan Ferguson's new book, "Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901 - 2020." Recorded at the Cody Firearms Museum, the discussion highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of British bullpup firearm development, from early prototypes like the Thorneycroft and Godsal rifles to the iconic SA80 series. Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, brings extensive archival access and original research to the project. The book also covers various EM series rifles, the Enfield Weapon System, SA80 variants, and other developmental and civilian weapons, serving as a successor to "Chassepot to FAMAS."
This video from Armament Research Services (ARES) delves into the early history of the SA80 rifle program, focusing on the very first mockups. It explores the British military's long-standing interest in reduced-power cartridges post-WWII, which eventually led to the SA80 family. The content highlights five initial wooden and metal mockups, examining their conventional and bullpup configurations, as well as variations in stock design. A key takeaway is the early consideration of a universal optical sight. The video also details the subsequent functional prototypes, which were conversions of existing rifles, specifically a Stoner 63 and a Sterling AR18, into bullpup configurations. The description emphasizes the iterative development process with features like safety and magazine catch being refined.
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