This video explores the history and technical aspects of the emergency Crimean cavalry carbine, specifically focusing on the US Greene Carbine. Hosted by firearm and weapons expert Jonathan Ferguson, the discussion highlights the urgent need for modernized cavalry arms during the Crimean War and why the Greene Carbine, despite being a strong contender, ultimately did not gain widespread adoption due to its obturator mechanism. The Royal Armouries, the presenter, invites viewer engagement and provides links for support and membership.
This video delves into the unusual Greene carbine, patented in 1854 and manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company. Initially sold to the US military, its design proved too cumbersome for cavalry use, leading to no further purchases. The British military placed a larger order, intended for the Cape Mounted Rifles, but struggled with ammunition development. The carbine features a unique rotating barrel locking system and utilizes a tapered needle to ignite percussion caps through Maynard tape priming. Despite extensive testing, the Greene carbine was ultimately superseded by the Westley-Richards breechloader and saw no field service before being stored and eventually destroyed or sold.
This video delves into the history and mechanics of the Warner carbine, a firearm utilized by Union cavalry during the Civil War. The description highlights its unique pivoting breechblock action, brass frame, and two production batches: Greene and Springfield. Originally chambered for a proprietary .50 Warner cartridge, later versions were adapted to .56 Spencer for interoperability. A key feature discussed is the modification of the breechblock to accommodate both rimfire and centerfire .56 Spencer ammunition, allowing for easier reloading of centerfire cartridges by switching the firing pin position.
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