This video delves into the evolution of the Vetterli rifle within the Italian military, focusing on its adoption by the Italian Navy. It details the transition from the single-shot Vetterli rifle to the Vetterli-Bertoldo with a tubular magazine and subsequently to the Vetterli-Ferrucciu, which incorporated a 4-round box magazine, distinct from the Army's Vetterli-Vitali. The description highlights the different magazine systems adopted by the Navy and Army, providing historical context for these firearm developments.
This "From the Vault" episode from Brownells features Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Keith Ford exploring the Beretta M1951 pistol. They discuss its significance as Beretta's first locked-breech design, its history with the Italian military and police, and adoption by the Egyptian and Iraqi armies (as the Helwan and Tariq respectively). The video highlights its design influence from the Walther P38, with a direct comparison shown. A known weakness, the locking block's propensity to shear, is addressed with a discussion of the engineering fix, and Steve offers his take on the safety and magazine release. The episode encourages learning from historical firearm designs.
This video explores the history and mechanics of the colossal Armstrong 100-ton black powder cannon. It details their service with the Italian Navy and British coastal defenses in Malta and Gibraltar. The description highlights the gun's impressive specifications, including its 17.7-inch bore, 2000-pound shell, and 8-mile range. A significant focus is placed on the innovative hydraulic reloading system, powered by steam engines and accumulators, which enabled a rate of fire of one round every six minutes. The video visits the Rinella Battery in Malta, where one of these historic guns remains.
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