This review delves into the rare Swiss Schmidt Rubin M1900 Short Rifle and M1905 Cavalry Carbine. It highlights the evolution of the Schmidt Rubin action, moving locking lugs to the receiver's middle for a shorter, more efficient design. The M1900 was for support troops, while the M1905 lacked a bayonet lug, suited for cavalry.
This comprehensive review details the Italian Carcano Moschetto 1891 and its variants, including the Cavalry Carbine and the Truppe Speciali (TS) model. It covers historical context, technical specifications like the 6.5x52mm caliber and 6-round en-bloc clip, unique features such as the folding spike bayonet, and wartime modifications. The video highlights the rifle's evolution and its place in WWI Italian military history, offering insights from a recognized authority on historical small arms.
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" focuses on the Gallager carbine, a lesser-known but historically significant firearm used by Union cavalry during the American Civil War. It details the carbine's design as a .52-caliber single-shot breechloader, its innovative but flawed extraction mechanism, and its evolution with the addition of an extractor and ability to fire metallic cartridges. The video also mentions its use by the French Empire during the Franco-Prussian War, highlighting its intermediate position between muzzleloaders and fully self-contained metallic cartridge arms.
This "American Rifleman Television" segment explores the U.S. Model 1855 Pistol Carbine, a firearm introduced in the 1850s to modernize U.S. military arms. Designed to function as both a pistol and a carbine, the 1855 ultimately fell short of expectations due to its unwieldy size as a pistol and lack of effectiveness as a carbine compared to contemporary designs like the Sharps. The video also highlights the innovative Maynard tape priming system, noting its susceptibility to environmental conditions. Despite its flaws, the 1855 Pistol Carbine saw limited issue during the Civil War due to arms shortages.
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" focuses on the Burnside carbine, a significant firearm used by cavalry during the American Civil War. It explores the carbine's unique breech-loading design, its inventor Ambrose Burnside's multifaceted career (including his role in the NRA's founding), and its historical context as the third most popular cavalry carbine of the war, trailing the Sharps and Spencer. The discussion highlights the rapid pace of firearm development during the era, rendering the Burnside technologically obsolete within a decade. Despite its eventual limitations and the Burnside Company's bankruptcy, the carbine is recognized as an important step in firearm evolution.
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" explores the Lee-Enfield Carbine, a specialized firearm developed for British cavalry at the end of the 19th century. Unlike its infantry counterparts, the carbine featured a shorter, sleeker design optimized to minimize snagging when carried in a saddle scabbard. Key differences include a six-round magazine and specific nose cap configurations. The video touches on its use in the Second Anglo-Boer War, various modifications for different units like the Royal Irish Constabulary and New Zealand troops, and its eventual obsolescence as military design shifted towards more standardized roles by the turn of the 20th century, ultimately being replaced by the Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield.
This review details the rare Argentine Model 1909 SOM Sniper rifle, a 7.65x53mm Mauser carbine featuring a French 3x SOM telescopic sight. Notably, these carbines were selected for sniper roles over full-length rifles. The rifle's unique side-mount system, while predating similar French designs, shares a locking plunger mechanism. Zeroing was achieved by grinding the scope base, as the scope itself lacked internal adjustments.
This review details the rare Mle 1866 Chassepot rifle specifically modified for French African Cavalry. Key differences from the standard infantry model include a reinforced stock, altered sling swivels for horseback carry, and a unique 'O' serial number prefix. While 12,000 were produced, they were quickly replaced by the 1870 carbine and often later converted.
This review covers the 1936 Italian Carcano Cavalry Carbine in 6.5x52mm. It highlights the unique integral folding bayonet and the 6-round en-bloc clip loading system. The demonstration showcases the bolt-action operation and recoil during live fire from a standing position.
This expert guide details the operation of the Comblain Mousqueton 1871/83, a single-shot black powder carbine. It covers the loading procedure, emphasizing the need for a firm action closure for reliable ejection. The guide also touches upon its historical use by cavalry and artillery transport units, its physical characteristics, and its unique shooting characteristics.
This video from the Royal Armouries features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson examining a historical cavalry carbine. The carbine is notable for its early example of an adjustable butt plate and its suitability for mounted use. The description also highlights a unique family story associated with the weapon. The Royal Armouries is the UK's national collection of arms and armour, and the video invites viewers to support their work and learn more about their collection through various online platforms.
This review details the rare Westley Richards Centerfire Monkey Tail Carbine, a 19th-century breechloader that used combustible paper cartridges. Originally a capping breech loader, this centerfire variant offered improved speed and reliability for frontier use without metallic cases. Despite its innovative design and historical significance, including use by the Boers, its development ended due to rust issues in trials for metallic cartridges.
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