This Q&A episode features Max Popenker discussing a wide range of Soviet and Russian firearms. Topics include the Russian-contract Colt 1911, SVD accuracy, PSO-1 scope calibration and features, the impact of Perestroika on Izhmash AK quality, the influence of US 5.56mm on Soviet 5.45mm development, and the relative scarcity of English books on Soviet arms. The discussion also touches upon Russian reports on the vz58, Soviet SMG usage in WWII, SKS history, Soviet vs. American arms trials, Czechoslovakia's non-adoption of the AK, thoughts on the AK-12 and AK-15, the purpose of 9x39mm rifles (Groza, VSS, SR-3), Koborov rifles, helical AK magazines, the fate of PPSh-41s after the PPS-43, the delay in Russian aperture sight adoption, Soviet procurement bureaucracy, SKS use in the Battle of Berlin, Naval Infantry use of the SVT-40, the adoption of 9x18mm over 7.62x25mm, the future of 9x39mm, Soviet small arms copying from Finland, Russian preconceptions of Western guns, the distinction between SVD as a DMR and a sniper rifle, the 12.7x55mm cartridge, and why Russia hasn't adopted a rimless 7.62x54R equivalent.
This video showcases a rare 1925 prototype straight-pull rifle from MBT (Metallurgica Brescia gia Tempini). Only three were made, with this example destined for Russia after an attempt to secure military contracts. It features a design closely resembling self-loading functionality, with patents filed for adaptation. The rifle uses the standard 6-round Carcano clip and is chambered in 6.5x52mm Carcano. The presenter notes it was acquired by a US Lend-Lease pilot and later confirmed to function reliably during a subsequent shooting session.
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