This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" explores the history of the Hi-Standard Model B pistol. Introduced in the early 1930s, it quickly became a popular rimfire handgun, rivaling the Colt Woodsman. The Model B is highlighted for its military service during World War II as a .22 caliber training pistol, allowing soldiers to practice marksmanship without expending valuable .45 ACP ammunition. The video details its simple blowback operation, 10-round magazine capacity, and distinctive grip design necessitated by the rimmed .22 Long Rifle cartridges. It mentions that 14,000 Model Bs were purchased by the Ordnance Department for training, playing a significant role in preparing soldiers for combat.
This video, "Ask Ian: Civil War Tech - Why Didn't It Improve?" from Forgotten Weapons, addresses a viewer's question about the apparent slow technological advancement in firearms during the American Civil War. The discussion focuses on the fact that despite some advanced designs being available, the Union Army, and to a lesser extent the Confederacy, relied heavily on proven, easily mass-producible designs like the Model 1855 rifle-musket and older smoothbores. The explanation highlights the logistical challenges of arming a massive volunteer force and the Ordnance Department's pragmatic decision to prioritize quantity and reliability over experimental weaponry, deeming it a misdirection of resources. The video touches upon the availability of both domestic and European arms and the difficulties in scaling up manufacturing, especially in the South.
This video provides an in-depth look at the Savage & North "Figure 8" Revolver, designed by Henry North and produced between 1856 and 1859. Approximately 450 units were manufactured before the company reorganized as Savage Revolving Fire Arms Company and introduced the more successful Savage Navy revolver. The "Figure 8" features a unique rapid-fire action and a cylinder that cams forward to seal against the barrel. Key specifications include a six-shot cylinder, .36 caliber, a 7 1/8 inch barrel, and a weight of 3 pounds 6 ounces. The description also links to the Savage Navy revolver for comparison.
This documentary-style video, part two of a WWI Primer series by C&Rsenal, explores the history, function, and live fire demonstration of the US Browning 1917 machine gun. Presented by Othais and Mae, the content delves into this significant firearm from the First World War, with additional reading materials and resources provided for viewers interested in further research on machine gun development and history.
This C&Rsenal video explores the history, function, and live fire demonstration of the US Browning 1917 machine gun, a significant firearm from World War I. The "WWI Primer" series aims to cover firearms of the conflict, with this episode dedicated to the iconic Browning. The description also points to additional reading materials and sources for ammunition data and animation, indicating a comprehensive approach to the subject.
This video details the conversion of Spencer carbines into infantry rifles by Springfield Armory in 1871. Following the Civil War, thousands of Spencers required refurbishment. Springfield Armory undertook the task, refitting approximately 1,109 carbines by replacing barrels with a new 32.5-inch 1868 model rifle barrel, adding a 26-inch cleaning rod, and using two barrel bands. Wood and metal components were repaired or refinished, Stabler cutoffs were added if absent, and the receiver serial number was relocated to the barrel. This process transformed the carbines into more suitable infantry arms for the period.
This video delves into the historical evolution of rifle stocks, specifically focusing on how the National Match competitions at Camp Perry significantly influenced firearm design during the interwar years. It highlights Springfield Armory's shift from production rifles to dedicated National Match variants with features like heavy barrels and pistol grip stocks. The discussion then extends to how these design changes, particularly the adoption of the pistol grip stock for improved accuracy and controllability, led to the development of the M1903A1. The video also touches upon the logistical challenge of leftover WWI stock blanks and the subsequent creation of the 'Scant' stock for the M1903A3 and M1903A4.
This video delves into the fascinating history of the OSS "Stinger" covert cigarette guns used during World War Two. It details the two distinct patterns produced, highlighting their single-shot, disposable nature and .22 Short caliber. The first pattern, manufactured by the OSS, faced issues like misfires and burst barrels. The second, improved version was produced by the Ordnance Department in 1944. While direct use documentation is scarce due to the clandestine nature of OSS operations and the fate of agents, these were intended for infiltration or partisan groups. The video thanks a collector for granting access to these unique historical firearms.
This video delves into the White-Merrill Experimental Model 1911 Pistol, a unique handgun developed after the US 1907 pistol trials. The design, a significant departure from their earlier work, features a delayed blowback mechanism. While never officially submitted for testing due to fine-tuning issues and the adoption of the Colt/Browning Model 1911, this is the sole known example produced by White and Merrill. The video highlights the patent and discusses the experimental nature of the firearm, noting White's later contributions to rifle designs. The content offers a fascinating look at a lesser-known piece of early 20th-century firearm development.
This video delves into the Winchester Automatic Rifle (WAR), a development born from the shortcomings of the BAR and the US military's desire for a replacement. The WAR aimed to offer similar features at a lighter weight and lower cost, employing a 2-lug rotating bolt and Williams short stroke gas tappet action. Chambered in .30-06 and utilizing 20-round magazines, it could function in semi-automatic or full-automatic modes at approximately 600 rpm. Despite passing initial Ordnance inspections and undergoing further testing in 1945, the end of World War II and subsequent budget cuts prevented its widespread adoption. The video highlights its potential to have replaced the BAR had the war continued.
This video analyzes the Winchester M2 rifle prototype, a development stemming from the Winchester G30M's failure in Marine Corps trials. David Williams adapted the G30M by incorporating a Garand-style rotating bolt and reducing weight to 7.5 pounds. This M2 prototype, largely built from M1 Garand forgings, impressed Ordnance Department's Rene Studler. He then advised Winchester to scale it down to the .30 Carbine cartridge for light rifle testing. This scaled-down version proved successful, leading to the M1 Carbine, the most-manufactured semi-auto rifle of WWII. The video hints at the return of the .30-06 design in future episodes.
This video explores an experimental variant of the classic Allin conversion Trapdoor Springfield rifle. During US magazine rifle trials in the late 1800s, the Ordnance Department rebarreled a limited number of Trapdoor Springfields to the .30-40 cartridge. These served as a baseline to compare new rifle designs against in terms of recoil, accuracy, and handling. The video features a modern reproduction of this rare experimental rifle, built from original parts, providing a unique opportunity to examine this piece of firearms history.
