This video delves into the Ward-Burton Model 1871, an early experimental bolt-action rifle tested by the U.S. military to replace the Allin conversion. It details the rifle's single-shot design, its unique locking mechanism, and its inventors, Generals William Ward and Bethel Burton. The description highlights the competition against other prominent designs like the Sharps, Trapdoor Springfield, and Remington Rolling Block, noting the Ward-Burton's unfamiliarity to troops due to its internal striker, which contributed to accidental discharges and ultimately prevented its adoption. The video also mentions the .50-70 cartridge and specific units that received the rifles and carbines.
This video is a book review of David Nielsen's "History of the Mauser Rifle in Chile." The reviewer highlights the book's academic rigor, detailing the procurement and testing of the Chilean Model 1895, 1912, and 1935 Mauser rifles and carbines. While acknowledging the book's detailed primary source research, the reviewer notes its dry academic style and suggests it would benefit from more photography. The content covers Chilean military history, rifle and ammunition trials, and negotiations between manufacturers. Related topics like Navy rifles, 7.62mm NATO conversions, and Boer rifle purchases are also briefly mentioned.
This video delves into the fascinating history and development of the Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, specifically focusing on the very first troop trial rifles from 1902. It highlights the context of the Boer War's impact on firearm design, leading to the need for a universal short rifle. The description details the two distinct patterns of trials rifles, the A and B patterns, and explains why the A pattern, with its superior rear sight locking mechanism, was ultimately chosen. It also mentions the fate of the majority of these trial rifles, being converted into .22 caliber training guns due to their non-standard nature, leaving only two known surviving examples.
This video examines a Japanese ZH-29 copy manufactured by Tokyo Gas & Electric (TG&E) for 1930s Japanese military rifle trials. Unlike other contenders, TG&E copied the ZH-29 but struggled with firearms design expertise, failing to resolve accuracy issues that led to its disqualification. The video highlights key differences between the TG&E copy and the original Czech ZH-29, including a separate non-reciprocating bolt handle and a new, incompatible magazine. Only a small number of these rifles were produced, making it a rare piece of firearms history.
This video delves into the Japanese semi-automatic rifle trials of the early 1930s, specifically focusing on a rifle designed by Nippon Special Steel. The design is based on the Pedersen rifle and features a toggle-locked, gas-operated action with a forward-moving gas piston. The description highlights that 13 of these rifles were manufactured for trials, with four undergoing extensive testing, achieving over 100,000 rounds fired without extraction issues. While initially exhibiting accuracy problems that were later addressed, the rifle was eventually deemed equal in quality to another contender. The program was ultimately discontinued due to the escalation of the Sino-Japanese War. The example shown is missing its ten-round detachable box magazine.
This video explores the Engh-patent Liegeoise rifle, a participant in the Belgian Army's late 1880s rifle trials. The trials ultimately led to the adoption of the Model 1889 Belgian Mauser, but this Engh-patent rifle represents a unique bolt-action design that the video highlights as worth a closer look. It offers insight into the competitive landscape of military rifle development during a significant period.
This video delves into the Mauser Gewehr 41(M) semiautomatic rifle, exploring its development and its place in German military trials during the late 1930s. The description highlights the strict requirements set by the German military, including the absence of gas ports or recoiling barrels, a clean action top, and manual bolt operation akin to a Mauser bolt-action rifle. It contrasts the Mauser Gewehr 41(M), which adhered to these stringent rules, with the Walther rifle that ultimately won the competition by deviating from some of these requirements, leading to the Gewehr 43. The video focuses on Mauser's commitment to the original specifications, even at the cost of winning the contract.
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