This video explores a rare French firearm prototype, the MAT 1955, a short-recoil, tilting bolt, gear-ratio-delayed rifle. Developed as a potential improvement for the MAS 1949, it chambered the 7.5x54mm cartridge and utilized 20-round detachable magazines. The video details its open-bolt firing mechanism and a later iteration in 1956 that reduced weight by incorporating aluminum. Despite its innovative design, the rifle was ultimately unsuccessful and not adopted by the French Army. The presentation acknowledges a correction regarding the gear ratio's function, clarifying its role in bolt acceleration for reliable cycling, drawing parallels to systems in the Browning M1917/1919 and Lahti L35.
This video delves into the Finnish m/44 Prototype Blowback 9mm Pistol, a fascinating piece of firearms history. Developed as a more cost-effective alternative to the Lahti L35 for the Finnish Defense Forces, its production was unfortunately timed, with the initial batch of 25 completed after the end of the Continuation War. Post-war treaties halted further development, leaving the m/44 as a limited production prototype. The video highlights its simple blowback 9x19mm operation, single-stack 8-round magazine, single-action trigger, and external hammer. It also draws comparisons to the Ruby and Browning fixed barrel pistols for its locking system and the Tokarev for its removable fire control unit. Production details from VKT in 1944 are also covered.
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