This Q&A session defines battle rifles as self-loading, military-pattern service rifles chambered for full-power cartridges, distinguishing them from intermediate cartridge rifles like the SKS. It explores the historical context of battle rifles post-WWII, comparing designs like the BM-59 and M14, and discusses the practicality of full-auto fire and modern trends like the US XM7 in 6.8x51mm. The discussion highlights that while full-power cartridges offer range, intermediate rounds are generally preferred for infantry due to weight and controllability.
This entry details the book 'Small Arms of the Cold War: Battle Rifles of NATO' by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers over 60 authentic battle rifles from NATO and Western democracies, focusing on the period from the 1950s to the 1980s. The book features detailed information on iconic firearms like the FN FAL, G3, M14, and AR-10, alongside lesser-known variants and prototypes, drawing from museum collections worldwide.
The Beretta BM59 is explored as an Italian evolution of the M1 Garand, designed to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO round and serve as a Cold War rifle. While military versions featured a grenade launcher, bipod, and winter trigger, commercial imports often omit these due to regulations. The review highlights the rifle's mechanical similarity to the M1 Garand and M14, and warns about the risk of slam fires with soft-primed ammunition.
The BM59 is an Italian modification of the M1 Garand, developed post-WWII to create a modern magazine-fed rifle. It retains the Garand receiver but is adapted for a 20-round box magazine and chambered in 7.62x51 NATO. Notable features include an integrated bipod, a grenade launcher sight that also functions as a gas shut-off, a winter trigger, and a recoil pad with storage.
Forgotten Weapons previews upcoming semiautomatic imports from Indonesian manufacturer Pindad, including licensed FNC rifles, BM59 variants (SP-1), and PM12 clones (PM-1). These firearms, produced under full licenses from FN Herstal and Beretta, represent rare OEM products entering the US market, particularly in pistol configurations for the FNC.
Retired Navy SEAL Coch details his extensive career with the M1A/M14 rifle, starting from SEAL Team 5 in the 80s. He discusses the preference for 7.62 NATO over 5.56 NATO for stopping power and the evolution of stocks from the BM59 to modern EBR chassis. Coch highlights the 18-inch barrel as a balance of maneuverability and capability, particularly with a specific Springfield Armory muzzle brake.
The M14k, a rare 7.62x51mm rifle developed in the 1980s for use in Colombia, features a unique M60-inspired gas system and a negative recoil muzzle device. Originally designed by La France Specialties and perfected by Smith Enterprise, only two are known to exist in the US. Its effectiveness against FARC rebels allegedly led to assassination attempts on its designer.
This April 2020 Q&A session from InRange TV covers a wide array of firearms-related topics submitted by viewers. Questions range from the suitability of the 2011 platform for EDC, historical comparisons of rifle platforms like the M16 and AK-style rifles, to modern firearm discussions involving suppressors, optics, and specific caliber effectiveness. The Q&A also touches upon historical firearms from the Old West, including lever-action rifles and dual-wielding pistols, alongside thoughts on future global conflicts and war material production. Personal preferences for firearms, ammunition, and even beverages are also addressed, making for a diverse viewer interaction.
This expert guide details the Beretta BM59, an Italian adaptation of the M1 Garand chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO. It highlights the rifle's technical modifications, including its detachable 20-round magazine, unique 'Tricomp' muzzle device for grenade launching, and specialized variants like the paratrooper model. The information is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed mechanical comparisons and historical context.
This Q&A session covers a wide range of firearm-related topics, including comparisons of modern and historical firearms (PS-90 vs MP-7, Desert Tech MDR vs WA2000, G41, TT33/PPS 43 vs 1911a1/M1928a1 Thompson, M14/M1A vs BM59, PTR-32), ammunition effectiveness in modern warfare (5.56mm), long-term ammo storage, optic choices in competition, the future of rifle platforms beyond the AR-15, 2-Gun match design challenges and lessons learned, the success of Brownells retro products, SMG match availability, the Desert Eagle's suitability for competition, French surplus ammo quality, promoting matches, favorite personal firearms, the use of cover in stage design, bipod utility, parts kit builds, C&Rsenal projects, worst firearms (Terminator shotgun, Zip 22 pistol, worst rifle), and the potential impact of NFA repeal on match design. It also touches on non-firearm related topics like fencing and viewer-supported content.
This evaluation of Ethiopian 7.62x51mm NATO surplus ammunition reveals significant age-related degradation, primarily manifesting as frequent hangfires due to primer issues. While bullet weight is consistent at an average of 143.4 grains and velocity averages 2637 fps, the high standard deviation in velocity (33.29 fps) and the presence of hangfires indicate poor storage or component aging. The ammunition, manufactured between 1977 and 1985, is housed in 280-round cans and features a stick-type powder.
The Beretta BM59 is a significant post-WWII Italian rifle, developed rapidly from the M1 Garand to meet NATO standards. It features a detachable 20-round magazine, a select-fire mechanism with a bolt-locking trip lever, and specialized components like a grenade launcher sight and integrated bipod. Variants like the BM62 and BM69 were also produced for civilian markets.
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