I Have This Old Gun: Dreyse Needle Rifle
This video segment from 'American Rifleman Television' explores the historical significance and technical details of the Dreyse Needle Rifle. It highlights how this bolt-action, breechloading firearm, developed by Nicholas von Dreyse, represented a significant advancement over contemporary flintlock muskets, offering vastly improved accuracy and rate of fire. The discussion delves into the rifle's innovative (though problematic) long firing pin design, the corrosive nature of blackpowder impacting the 'needles,' and the ingenious quick-change system implemented to address these issues. The Dreyse rifle's role as the primary firearm for Prussian troops up to the Franco-Prussian War is emphasized, along with its eventual obsolescence with the advent of metallic cartridges.







